Launch Scrubbed Due to Hydrogen Leak at Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:29:30 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle managers have scrubbed Discovery’s launch attempt for today due to a hydrogen leak at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP (pronounced GUP). The next launch attempt would be no earlier than Monday.

During the process of filling the external tank, the hydrogen leak was detected at the GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.

Managers will meet to determine the next steps and NASA
Television will air a news conference later today.

Managers Monitor Leak at Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:07:51 PM GMT+0700

During the fueling process, a hydrogen leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off.

Managers continue to assess the leak. Similar issues affected the launches of shuttle missions STS-119 and STS-127.

Tanking Under Way for Discovery Launch
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:22:39 PM GMT+0700

Liquid Hydrogen and liquid oxygen will flow into space shuttle Discovery's orange external fuel tank for the next three hours as launch day preparations continue for the STS-133 mission. The process began at 5:58 a.m. EDT. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:04 p.m.

The hydrogen and oxygen will power Discovery's three main engines during liftoff and ascent into orbit. Both propellants are kept extremely cold as they are pumped into the tank. The liquid hydrogen is minus 497 degrees F and the liquid oxygen is minus 297 degrees.

Steve Lindsey commands this mission to the International Space Station and he will be joined on the shuttle's flight deck by Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra. Mission specialists Michael Baratt and Nicole Stott will sit on the lower level during launch.

The weather forecast improved overnight for today's launch attempt. Forecasters are calling for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. The prime concern is the possibility of high winds around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the shuttle fleet's launch site.

Discovery Gets "Go" for Tanking
Fri, 05 Nov 2010 04:27:30 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle managers met at 5 a.m. EDT and gave a “go” to begin loading shuttle Discovery’s external tank with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The operation is set to begin at 5:38 a.m. Launch is targeted for 3:04 p.m. NASA Television will provide live commentary of external tank loading beginning at 5:30 a.m. Launch commentary will begin at 9:30 a.m. on NASA TV and on NASA's Launch Blog.

The weather forecast also improved from yesterday. There is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary concern is for high winds at the launch pad and Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The weather is forecast “go” at all three Transatlantic Abort Landing sites.

Weather Forecast Friday: 60 percent "Go"
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:03:54 PM GMT+0700

The shuttle weather team is calling for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions for space shuttle Discovery on Friday. They are watching for high winds in the wake of a cold front moving through Central Florida. Discovery is on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Friday's launch time is 3:04 p.m. EDT. There are no scheduled STS-133 news conferences on NASA Television today and no planned Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team meetings today. The shuttle team will convene at 5 a.m. Friday to assess the weather before giving a “go" or "no-go” decision to fill Discovery’s external tank.

If Discovery launches Friday, it will dock with the International Space Station at 10:55 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 7. The mission’s two spacewalks will occur on Tuesday Nov. 9 and Thursday Nov. 11. Undocking will occur at 4:21 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and landing at Kennedy Space Center will take place at 9:16 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Shuttle Launch Attempt Delayed for Weather
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:08:24 PM GMT+0700

Managers will delay Discovery’s launch for 24 hours due to weather. Mission managers will meet tomorrow at 5 a.m. to reevaluate the weather conditions. Friday’s launch attempt would be at 3:04 p.m. EDT.

MMT Gives "Go" For Thursday Launch Try, Eyes Weather
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 06:38:11 AM GMT+0700

After looking deeply into an issue with a main engine controller on space shuttle Discovery, the Prelaunch Mission Management Team is confident the issue has been resolved, said Mike Moses, chair of the MMT. The team therefore gave a unanimous "go" for Discovery's launch Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. That means the countdown will proceed through the night, including the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure from around the shuttle.

"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.

However, the weather forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of acceptable conditions, with the concerns being low clouds and rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time. The MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.

"The weather still looks pretty bad for tomorrow," Moses said. "There's a chance we'll decide not to spend one of our (launch) opportunities."

RSS Rollback Delayed for Weather, MMT News Conference Coming Up
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 06:03:31 AM GMT+0700

Movement of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was stopped this evening because of weather concerns in the area around NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSS protects the shuttle at the launch pad and gives workers access to the shuttle during launch processing. The Mission Management Team decided to proceed with the countdown for Discovery's launch on Thursday at 3:29 p.m. EDT. A news conference with Mike Moses, MMT chair, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, will begin shortly on NASA TV.

MMT Opts to Resume Discovery Countdown
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:38:44 AM GMT+0700

The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team (MMT) decided to resume the countdown for space shuttle Discovery's mission and continue toward a 3:29 p.m. EDT Thursday launch. 

The Rotating Service Structure will be rotated back at 6:30 p.m. to reveal Discovery.

The launch countdown will resume at 11:04 p.m.

The shuttle team will convene at 5:30 a.m. and assess the weather before loading Discovery's external tank for launch.

‪‪NASA Television will air a news conference at 7 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

RSS Rollback On Time as MMT Continues Session
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:33:23 AM GMT+0700

The Rotating Service Structure will be moved back from space shuttle Discovery this evening as the Mission Management Team continues its discussions about a main engine controller on the shuttle. The RSS is an enclosed gantry that protects the shuttle while it's on the launch pad. The MMT has returned from a break and is discussing the controller. The controller showed a one-time, irregular power drop. The issue was isolated to Discovery's Number 3 engine and all the connectors were attached and retested. You can follow developments in the MMT meeting at www.twitter.com/NASA

MMT Discussing Potential Causes of Issue
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:19:36 AM GMT+0700

The Mission Management Team, which is meeting today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is discussing one of the main engine controllers on space shuttle Discovery. The controller showed a one-time, irregular power drop. The issue was isolated to Discovery's Number 3 engine and all the connectors were attached and retested. After reviewing the issue, the team is discussing possible causes. You can follow developments in the MMT meeting at www.twitter.com/NASA

MMT Under Way at Kennedy
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:57:00 AM GMT+0700

From NASA's Twitter Feed : STS-133 managers are discussing one of Discovery's main engine controllers, which showed a one-time irregular power drop.

MMT Meeting to Begin at 2:30 P.M.
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:50:07 AM GMT+0700

The Prelaunch Mission Management Team will begin its meeting at 2:30 p.m. today to give participants more time to prepare for the session.

MMT to Meet Wednesday on Electrical Issues
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 06:21:01 AM GMT+0700

The Prelaunch Mission Management Team wants to give engineers more time to look deeply into two electrical issues from a main engine computer controller that cropped up this morning. Therefore, the launch of space shuttle Discovery on STS-133 has been delayed until at least Thursday. Mike Moses, chair of the MMT, said the problems are believed to be tied to a circuit breaker in the shuttle's cockpit.

Rather than rush the shuttle launch team through an analysis and launch cycle quickly, Moses said he opted to let the engineers work throughout the night on the issue without having to worry about an early morning tanking and Wednesday afternoon launch. The MMT will meet again Wednesday at 2 p.m. EDT and then decide whether to try to launch Thursday. A liftoff Thursday would be at 3:29 p.m.

Discovery Launch Delayed by at Least a Day
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:54:03 AM GMT+0700

The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team decided to delay by at least one day the launch of shuttle Discovery to begin its 11-day mission to the International Space Station.

The Rotating Service Structure will not be retracted tonight.

NASA Television will air a news conference at 6:30 p.m. EDT with Mike Moses, prelaunch MMT chair and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

The delay enables engineers more time to evaluate data gathered after irregular electrical readings were received while powering up the shuttle main engines Tuesday morning.

Discovery Launch Delayed, Not Earlier Than Thursday
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:52:07 AM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's launch on the STS-133 mission has been delayed until no earlier than Thursday.

Shuttle Managers Assess Main Engine Controller Issue
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:20:09 AM GMT+0700

During space shuttle main engine checkouts, the backup controller for engine 3 did not turn on as expected. There appeared to be an issue with one of three power phases, which was narrowed down to either a cockpit circuit breaker or switch that provides power. The circuit breaker and switch were turned off and on, restoring power.

Engineers continue to analyze data that showed voltage irregularities and will meet this afternoon to review their data. The Mission Management Team now will convene at 5 p.m. EDT to assess the issue.

Shuttle Managers Assess Main Engine Controller Issue
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:37:49 AM GMT+0700

During space shuttle main engine checkouts, the backup controller for engine 3 did not turn on as expected. There appeared to be an issue with one of three power phases, which was narrowed down to either a cockpit circuit breaker or switch that provides power. The circuit breaker and switch were turned off and on, restoring power.

Engineers continue to analyze data that showed voltage irregularities and will meet this afternoon to review their data. The Mission Management Team will convene at 3 p.m. EDT to assess the issue.

"There is Excitement in the Air"
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:05:49 PM GMT+0700

Countdown activities continue to pick up as space shuttle Discovery is a day away from its final launch. Technicians are inspecting the external tank liquid oxygen feedline today. The onboard and ground communications systems will be activated this afternoon and preparations are being made to move the rotating service structure away from the shuttle this evening.

"There is excitement in the air," said NASA Test Director Steve Payne. "People are putting their game faces on."

This mission is the last spaceflight for Discovery, NASA's oldest active shuttle. Its history includes deployment of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and two successful Return to Flight missions, STS-26 and STS-114.

"When she goes, she's going to take a little bit of everyone of us and we're ready," Payne said.

The weather forecast is holding steady with a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time Wednesday. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:52 p.m. EDT.

One Day Before Launch
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 07:21:30 PM GMT+0700

Countdown activities continue to pick up as space shuttle Discovery is a day away from its final launch. Technicians are inspecting the external tank liquid oxygen feedline today. The onboard and ground communications systems will be activated this afternoon and preparations are being made to move the rotating service structure away from the shuttle this evening.

NASA TV will air an STS-133 Countdown Status Briefing at 10:30 a.m. with Steve Payne, NASA test director, Scott Higginbotham, STS-133 payload manager and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.

MMT Gives "Go" for Discovery to Launch Wednesday
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:30:53 PM GMT+0700

The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team voted unanimously to proceed toward Discovery’s targeted liftoff at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday. Mike Moses, chair of the Prelaunch Mission Management team, said there are no technical issues in work.

"The mission's in great shape," Moses said.

The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Those odds fall to 40 percent for Thursday. The launch window extends until Sunday. Discovery is headed to the International Space Station for an 11-day mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and its host of supplies and equipment to the orbiting outpost.

At the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will load super-cold oxygen and hydrogen into Discovery's onboard tanks this morning. The hydrogen and oxygen are going into Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system that supplies the shuttle with electrical power during the mission. The process is often abbreviated to "PRSD load."

MMT Meets Today for Standard Prelaunch Check
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:13:31 PM GMT+0700

The Mission Management Team is meeting today as the countdown remains on track to launch space shuttle Discovery on Wednesday on the STS-133 mission. Launch time is 3:52 p.m. EDT. The MMT will conduct a Prelaunch News Conference this morning at 11 a.m. It will be shown on NASA TV.



The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Those odds fall to 40 percent for Thursday. The launch window extends until Sunday. Discovery is headed to the International Space Station for an 11-day mission to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module and its host of supplies and equipment to the orbiting outpost.



At the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will load super-cold oxygen and hydrogen into Discovery's onboard tanks this morning. The hyroden and oxygen are going into Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system that supplies the shuttle with electrical power during the mission. The process is often abbreviated to "PRSD load."

Official Countdown Underway
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:30:01 AM GMT+0700

The official countdown clock began ticking backward at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday. Launch is targeted for Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 3:52 p.m. NASA Test Director Steve Payne said this morning that the work to repair the leaks is complete, the system is repressurized and work is on schedule for Discovery’s launch.

The Mission Management Team plan to meet Monday morning with a Pre-launch News Conference scheduled to follow at 11 a.m. The new conference will be carried live on NASA Television and at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The weather forecast remains at 70 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time.

Work Complete and Final Launch Preparation Proceeding Smoothly
Sun, 31 Oct 2010 11:42:16 PM GMT+0700

NASA Test Director Steve Payne said this morning that the work to repair the leaks is complete, the system is repressurized and work is on schedule for Discovery’s launch. The countdown is set to begin at 2 p.m. EDT today. Launch is targeted for Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 3:52 p.m.

The Mission Management Team will meet tomorrow morning with a Pre-launch News Conference scheduled to follow at 11 a.m. The new conference will be carried live on NASA Television and at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The weather forecast remains at 70 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time.

Countdown to Start Today for a Targeted Wednesday Launch
Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:08:23 PM GMT+0700

Overnight, work continued to prepare space shuttle Discovery for its targeted launch at 3:52 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Nov. 3, and the launch countdown is scheduled to begin today at 2 p.m. The latest weather forecast remains 70 percent “go” for Discovery’s launch.

NASA Television will air a status briefing at 10 a.m. EDT with NASA Test Director Steve Payne and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. To view the briefing online go to www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Countdown to Start Sunday for Targeted Launch Wednesday
Sat, 30 Oct 2010 09:46:53 PM GMT+0700

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said this morning the launch team is confident that repairs to quick-disconnect fittings in the system used to pressurize space shuttle Discovery’s right Orbital Maneuvering System rocket engine will allow the shuttle to launch Wednesday, Nov. 3. The targeted launch time is 3:52 p.m.

"Right now we're in a good path to get there," Spaulding said.

The shuttle has until Sunday, Nov. 7, to launch in the current window, Spaulding said. Discovery is going to the International Space Station on mission STS-133. It will attach the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies, equipment experiments and Robonaut 2, to the station. The crew of six astronauts will conduct two spacewalks during the 11-day mission.

The weather forecast for a launch Wednesday calls for 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions, according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The main concerns are low clouds and the possibility of rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the shuttle's launch and landing site.

Discovery Launch Re-targeted to Wednesday, Nov. 3
Sat, 30 Oct 2010 08:21:57 PM GMT+0700

NASA managers met this morning and determined it is not possible to launch space shuttle Discovery on Tuesday, Nov. 2, but are optimistic we can target launch for Wednesday, Nov. 3. The preferred liftoff time Nov. 3 would be 3:52 p.m. EDT.

Kennedy Space Center technicians worked overnight to repair quick-disconnect fittings in the system used to pressurize space shuttle Discovery’s right Orbital Maneuvering System rocket engine. They made good progress but are slightly behind the timeline that was prepared yesterday.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide the latest details at 10 a.m. during a Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.

The L-2 Mission Management Team meeting will occur Monday, Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Mission Managers Meeting About Repair Work, Update at 10 a.m.
Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:44:42 PM GMT+0700

Kennedy Space Center technicians have worked overnight to repair quick-disconnect fittings in the system used to pressurize space shuttle Discovery’s right Orbital Maneuvering System rocket engine.

NASA managers will meet at 8 a.m. EDT to evaluate the replacement work on the connectors and determine Discovery’s next launch opportunity. Currently, launch is targeted for 4:17 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide the latest details at 10 a.m. during a Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.

Discovery Targeted to Launch Tuesday at 4:17 p.m.
Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:27:55 PM GMT+0700

The launch of space shuttle Discovery is targeted for Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 4:17 p.m. EDT.

Managers are meeting to discuss the plan to repair helium and nitrogen leaks in the pressurization portion of space shuttle Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod. The leaks must be fixed before launch and the decision was made to delay picking up the launch countdown by at least a day.

Since the scheduled launch day fell close to election day, NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding said the launch team members have been encouraged to take advantage of early voting or absentee ballot options so they could take part in the elections.

Launch Team Evaluating Discovery Leaks
Fri, 29 Oct 2010 07:58:54 PM GMT+0700

Managers, engineers and technicians are evaluating helium and nitrogen leaks in the pressurization portion of space shuttle Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod.

The leaks must be fixed before launch and the decision was made to delay picking up the launch countdown by at least a day. The countdown, which had been scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT today, would begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. The next possible launch opportunity would be Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 4:17 p.m.

These leaking helium and nitrogen seals are unrelated to the fuel leak that was repaired last week, also related to Discovery’s right OMS pod.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will provide details at a 10 a.m. Precountdown Status Briefing on NASA Television.

STS-133 Astronauts Arrive At Kennedy
Fri, 29 Oct 2010 02:29:20 AM GMT+0700

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this afternoon as the astronauts and launch team prepare to begin the countdown to Monday's launch of space shuttle Discovery.

"I want to say a word of thanks to the team here are Kennedy Space Center," Lindsey said. Talking about repairs last weekend to a crossfeed flange inside Discovery, he said, "They did a fantastic job getting it ready for us. "

Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott touched down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at about 3 p.m. EDT aboard three T-38 jet aircraft. Mission Specialist Alvin Drew arrived at approximately 4 p.m. Drew's arrival was delayed due to an issue with his aircraft causing him and his pilot to return to Houston for another T-38.

Discovery and its astronauts will launch Monday at 4:40 p.m. EDT to take the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station, along with experiments, supplies and equipment.

"We're really looking forward to getting up there and doing our part to add to it again," Barratt said.

Discovery Astronauts Heading to Kennedy
Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:01:26 AM GMT+0700

Flying in NASA's T-38 jet aircraft, the crew of STS-133 is on the way to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida from their training base in Houston. They are expected to land at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility between 2:40 and 3:40 p.m. today. Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott will be flying Discovery to the International Space Station during STS-133. The mission is the last for Discovery, the oldest active shuttle in NASA's fleet. Liftoff is scheduled for Monday at 4:40 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A.

STS-133 Astronauts to Come to Kennedy Today
Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:28:37 PM GMT+0700

Astronaut Steve Lindsey and his crew will fly to NASA's Kennedy Space Center this afternoon as the preparations for Monday's launch reach the home stretch. Flying from their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the crew will land on the three-mile-long runway at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. In medical quarantine to prevent getting sick right before the mission, the astronauts will spend the next several days going over mission details, enjoying some free time and keeping their skills sharp. For instance, Commander Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will make several simulated shuttle landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA.

The countdown for Monday's launch of space shuttle Discovery begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT. Technicians will spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on Discovery. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:40 p.m., the precise time that the shuttle's launch pad will be in the same plane as the International Space Station it will chase and dock with during the flight.

Spacewalking Suits Loaded on Discovery
Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:47:35 PM GMT+0700

Workers packed the special suits aboard Discovery at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the continuing preparations for Monday's liftoff. The spacewalking suits are the familiar white versions that carry an astronaut’s power and life support systems. In that sense, each spacesuit is basically a small spacecraft for an astronaut outside the safety of the shuttle or the International Space Station. Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra will don the suits for two spacewalks on the outside of the station. Spacewalking suits are considerably stronger than the orange partial pressure suits the whole crew wears for launch and landing.

Technicians also are continuing closeout work today on Discovery's aft compartment and preparations are under way to pressurize the main propulsion systems.

The STS-133 crew meets with its lead flight directors today at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and will conduct a conference with the Expedition 25 crew on board the space station. Discovery's six-person crew will fly to Kennedy on Thursday afternoon for the countdown and launch Monday at 4:40 pm. EDT.‪

Preparations on Pace for Discovery Mission
Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:21:46 PM GMT+0700

Less than a week before launch, technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continue careful preparations on space shuttle Discovery for the STS-133 mission. Workers are close to wrapping up the installation and connection of ordnance on the shuttle stack and will begin closing out the solid rocket booster forward skirt tonight.

The STS-133 crew, commanded by veteran astronaut Steve Lindsey, will conduct its final ascent simulation at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today and review procedures with digital cameras.‪

Launch Director: "We're in Great Shape Out at the Pad"
Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:28:11 AM GMT+0700

Space Shuttle Program managers cleared space shuttle Discovery for launch Nov. 1 following an extensive review of the spacecraft and its payload. Speaking to reporters after the executive-level Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, officials said Discovery is prepared for its mission, STS-133. That is the last scheduled flight for the agency's oldest active shuttle.

"We're in great shape out at the pad," Launch Director Mike Leinbach said.

The countdown is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Friday, about a day after the six astronauts of Discovery arrive at Kennedy. A set of seals was replaced over the weekend in extensive work that was completed before it could threaten the scheduled launch date.

"It's a huge testament to the team doing the work," said Mission Management Team Chairman Mike Moses.

STS-133 Flight Readiness Review Concluded
Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:50:32 AM GMT+0700

After a day-long flight readiness review (FRR) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA and contractor managers voted unanimously to set space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch date for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

A post-FRR news conference will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv) at 4 p.m. to discuss the meeting and preparations for Discovery's mission to the International Space Station. Participants include Bill Gerstenmaier, assistant administrator for Space Operations, Mike Moses, Space Shuttle Program launch integration manager and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director.

Propellant Tanks Refilled as Discovery's Review Begins
Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:09:59 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, finished refilling shuttle Discovery’s four orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems tanks with propellants. The tanks had to be refilled after crews replaced two seals where there previously was a small hypergolic fuel leak at Discovery’s right-hand crossfeed line flange. Technicians now are preparing the spacecraft for its upcoming launch.

NASA managers are at Kennedy today for the STS-133 Flight Readiness Review, where they will discuss the readiness of the shuttle, crews, payload and International Space Station and set the official launch date. A news conference will be held live on NASA TV at the conclusion of the meeting.

The STS-133 astronauts will enter quarantine at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston this afternoon in preparation for the mission.

Seal Replacement Work Completed, Refueling Under Way
Sun, 24 Oct 2010 06:53:03 PM GMT+0700

Overnight, technicians completed replacing two seals where there previously was a small hypergolic fuel leak at Discovery’s right-hand crossfeed line flange.

The four orbital maneuvering and reaction control system tanks now are being refilled with propellants.

The work should not impact the targeted launch date on Nov. 1.‬‪‬‪

Seal Replacement Work Begins on Discovery
Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:37:07 AM GMT+0700

Technicians now are replacing two seals where there previously was a small hypergolic fuel leak at Discovery’s right-hand crossfeed line flange.

Propellants from the four orbital maneuvering and reaction control system tanks and the crossfeed have been drained. Crews will disconnect the right-hand fuel crossfeed flange, perform an inspection and replace the primary and secondary seals.‬‪

The seal replacement is expected to be completed tonight. The work should not impact the targeted launch date on Nov. 1.‬‪‬‪

Propellants Removed from OMS, RCS tanks
Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:29:52 PM GMT+0700

Technicians finished pumping propellants out of the tanks in the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems of space shuttle Discovery so they can replace two seals in a fuel line that had been leaking. The leak occurred at a flange where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle's aft compartment. The line serves the orbital maneuvering system engines. The work is being done as Discovery stands at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and is expected to still support Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch date. NASA managers will meet Monday at Kennedy for the STS-133 Flight Readiness Review and are expected to set the official launch date.

The crew undergoes its L-10 day physicals today and a final bench review of its tools and flight equipment.‪

Pad Preps Under Way for Discovery's Seal Replacement
Thu, 21 Oct 2010 07:26:13 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will begin pumping propellants out of tanks in the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems today in order to replace two seals for a fuel line, which had been leaking, for shuttle Discovery’s orbital maneuvering system engines. Approximately 1,500 gallons of propellant will be offloaded.

Crews will replace the primary and secondary seals at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle’s aft compartment. Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and is expected to still support Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch date.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will conduct its final integrated entry simulation today.‬‪‬‪

Seal Replacement Work Begins on Discovery
Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:10:08 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have begun preparations to replace two seals for a fuel line, which had been leaking, for shuttle Discovery’s orbital maneuvering system engines. Crews will pump out propellants already inside the tanks and will replace the primary and secondary seals at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle’s aft compartment.

Replacing the seals allows NASA managers to have the highest confidence in the system and will allow the seals and flange to be inspected.

Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and is expected to still support Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch date

Technicians completed a checkout of the Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) for the STS-133 mission yesterday. Preparations for the upcoming launch countdown are under way.

The STS-133 astronauts will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Discovery Crews to Replace Propellant Line Seals
Wed, 20 Oct 2010 03:52:45 AM GMT+0700

Space shuttle engineers met today to discuss options for a fuel line, which had been leaking, for shuttle Discovery's orbital maneuvering system engines. Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will begin pumping out propellants already inside the tanks and will replace the primary and secondary seals at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle’s aft compartment.

The leak stopped last night when technicians tested six bolts around the suspect flange. Replacing the seals allows NASA managers to have the highest confidence in the system and will allow the seals and flange to be inspected. Preparations to drain the tanks and crossfeed line will begin tonight. Work to replace the seals and reload propellants into the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems should be completed on Oct. 25 and still is expected to support Discovery's targeted Nov. 1 launch date.

Flange Pressure Check on Tap Today for Discovery
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:57:55 PM GMT+0700

Technician's on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are working to stop a small leak found in a propellant line for shuttle Discovery’s orbital maneuvering system engines. Last night, crews confirmed the six bolts around the suspect flange were completely tightened. During the process, the leak stopped.‪

Crews will perform a pressure check today to ensure there is no further leaking. Engineers are meeting to assess the issue‪.

The leak was found at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle's aft compartment. The line carries a propellant called monomethyl hydrazine, one of two chemicals used to ignite the 6,000-pound thrust engines seen on either side of the shuttle's tail above the three main engines.

Discovery Technicians Work to Resolve Small Leak
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:27:09 AM GMT+0700

A small leak was discovered in a propellant line for space shuttle Discovery's orbital maneuvering system engines. The leak was found at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle's aft compartment. The line carries a propellant called monomethyl hydrazine, one of two chemicals used to ignite the 6,000-pound thrust engines seen on either side of the shuttle's tail above the three main engines.

Engineers and technicians working on Discovery at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will tighten the six bolts around the suspect flange and re-evaluate for leaks. If that doesn't work, the propellants already inside the tanks will be pumped out and technicians will replace its primary and secondary seals.

The processing schedule could allow the two seals to be replaced without delaying Discovery's targeted launch on Nov. 1. Space Shuttle Program managers, however, are careful about making sure any potential fixes are indeed successful before pressing ahead with a countdown.

Payload Secured Inside Discovery
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:35:17 PM GMT+0700

With two weeks to go before its targeted launch date to the International Space Station, space shuttle Discovery continues its preparations at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians completed installation of the Permanent Multipurpose Module and Express rack that will taken to the station. Discovery's final ordnance installation is scheduled for tonight.

Back at NASA's Johnson Space Center following last week’s countdown dress rehearsal at Kennedy, Discovery's crew will conduct administrative work and review rendezvous procedures today.‪‪

TCDT Concludes, Crew Flies back to Houston
Sat, 16 Oct 2010 03:28:44 AM GMT+0700

The crew of STS-133 wrapped up a successful countdown dress rehearsal today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to conclude a week of on-site training for the upcoming mission. The practice session gave the astronauts and the control teams a chance to practice all the launch day steps before they have to do it for real in a few weeks. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. After flying back to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the astronauts will continue training for Discovery's mission to the International Space Station. They will return to Kennedy a few days before Discovery is to lift off on its final mission.

Countdown Dress Rehearsal Under Way at Kennedy
Fri, 15 Oct 2010 06:57:28 PM GMT+0700

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew will climb aboard space shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A today to mimic the final hours of the countdown. They are practicing for the liftoff of the STS-133 mission, targeted for 4:40 pm Eastern time on Nov. 1. The crew flies back to NASA's Johnson Space Center later today after the dress rehearsal activities are completed.

Discovery Commander Lindsey: "Ready to Fly"
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:15:14 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's crew talked this morning about their upcoming mission to the International Space Station, which is also the last flight of NASA's oldest active shuttle. The crew met with news media at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center where Discovery stands with its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank.

"We are basically trained and ready to fly, just a few more weeks of activities to go through and then we'll hopefully be back here for an on-time launch Nov. 1," Commander Steve Lindsey said. This will be Lindsey's fifth time in space and the third time aboard Discovery. "It's a privilege for us to be able to fly Discovery's last flight," he said.

The astronauts are at Kennedy this week for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration test, or TCDT, which is a week of training that concludes with a full launch day dress rehearsal minus the liftoff. That practice session will come tomorrow and the crew will fly back to their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in the afternoon.

STS-133 Crew to Discuss Mission on NASA TV at 8:40 a.m.
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:18:35 PM GMT+0700

The astronauts of the Discovery's STS-133 mission will talk to news media representatives this morning at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where they are preparing for their upcoming mission. The media event will take place at 8:40 a.m. EDT and will be shown on NASA TV. Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Tim Kopra, Alvin Drew, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott will take part in the event.

Crew at Kennedy for Launch Training
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:21:58 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's crew arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida yesterday to begin a week of training for their upcoming STS-133 mission. The six astronauts began the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test or TCDT, and related training last night. Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe practiced landings in the shuttle training aircraft, a modified Gulfstream II business jet that mimics the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Training this week will include emergency exit training from Launch Pad 39A and will conclude Friday with a dress rehearsal of launch procedures.

Crew Arrives for STS-133 Launch Day Rehearsal
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:46:18 AM GMT+0700

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew of five astronauts are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for their Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT and related training. Several days of in-depth training will be capped off with a full launch day run-through aboard space shuttle Discovery on Friday morning.

Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Michael Barratt, Nicole Stott, Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra flew to Kennedy from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston Tuesday afternoon. They landed at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility aboard NASA T-38 jets, the sleek, white supersonic aircraft astronauts use to keep their aerial skills up between missions.

While at Kennedy this week, the astronauts will go through several training sessions, talk with the news media and conduct the practice launch countdown. The astronauts will return to Houston Friday afternoon.

Crew on the Way to Kennedy
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 01:44:03 AM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery’s six astronauts now are en route to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the STS-133 Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The crew is expected to arrive at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility in their T-38 training aircraft at about 5 p.m. and will make a statement. The arrival will be shown live on NASA TV.

Discovery Astronauts Arrive Today for TCDT
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:43:33 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing today for the STS-133 Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The TCDT, as it is known, is a standard countdown dress rehearsal that gives the astronauts and control teams a chance to run through all their launch day procedures. The six astronauts who will fly the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station are to arrive at Kennedy at about 5 p.m. today and will go through training sessions during the week.

At the launch pad, where space shuttle Discovery is going through its own TCDT and launch preparations, the Permanent Multipurpose Module and Express Logistics Carrier-4 were installed in the shuttle's payload bay yesterday. The PMM has been packed with supplies, experiments and equipment. Robonaut 2 is also making the trip to the station inside the cargo module.

TCDT This Week for STS-133
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:38:19 PM GMT+0700

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is this week preparing to host the six astronauts of STS-133 through more in-depth training concluding with a full countdown dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test or TCDT. The astronauts, led by veteran Commander Steve Lindsey, will fly to Kennedy on Tuesday to begin the standard training cycle leading up to launch. At the end of the week, the crew will board space shuttle Discovery just as they will on launch day, with the launch and flight controllers in Florida and Houston watching over the systems and preparations. The countdown will end just before main engine start, giving the astronauts a chance to practice for an unlikely emergency.

After the rehearsal, the astronauts will return to their training home at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Discovery and its crew are targeted to lift off on the real STS-133 on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

Payload at Pad: RSS to Close Around Discovery
Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:18 PM GMT+0700

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians are preparing to install the payload for the STS-133 mission into space shuttle Discovery's cargo bay at Launch Pad 39A. After the payload is installed the canister will be removed. The rotating service structure is scheduled to be closed around the shuttle Saturday morning and installation of the payload into Discovery is planned for Monday morning.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew members will continue their bench review of flight equipment.

Managers will meet on Oct. 25 for the agency-level Flight Readiness Review to discuss the shuttle and station's status and officially set the launch date.

STS-133 Payload at Pad for Loading
Thu, 07 Oct 2010 07:44:26 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's payload for its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station is at Launch Pad 39A where workers will load it into the shuttle's payload bay. Discovery will carry the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the station during the upcoming mission. The module, which will remain attached to the station after Discovery leaves, is loaded with spare equipment, experiments, supplies and Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to go into space. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

The STS-133 astronauts will perform a bench review of flight equipment today at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Discovery's Space Station Payload at the Launch Pad
Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:57:23 PM GMT+0700

The payload for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station now is at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A in Florida. The payload container, which is carrying the Permanent Multipurpose Module and spare parts and supplies for the station, was moved from Kennedy's Canister Rotation Facility starting at 12:05 a.m. EDT. It arrived at the launch pad at just after 2 a.m.

The payload canister now will be lifted into the pad's payload changeout room and then installed into Discovery's cargo bay next week.

The Space Shuttle Program held its Flight Readiness Review meeting yesterday. No issues were identified that would delay Discovery's targeted launch on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon polled the team and it was a unanimous "go" to proceed toward Nov. 1.

Managers will meet on Oct. 25 for the agency-level Flight Readiness Review to discuss the shuttle and station's status and officially set the launch date.

Program FRR Concludes
Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:51:04 AM GMT+0700

The STS-133 Space Shuttle Program Flight Readiness Review concluded at approximately 3:30 p.m. EDT today. No issues were identified that would delay space shuttle Discovery's targeted launch on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon polled the team to continue toward Nov. 1 launch target, and the poll was a unanimous "go" to proceed.

NASA managers will meet on Oct. 25 to discuss shuttle and station readiness and officially set the launch date.

Program-level Flight Readiness Review Under Way
Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:38:43 PM GMT+0700

The first of two standard Flight Readiness Reviews for STS-133 began this morning to evaluate the status of space shuttle Discovery and its payload. The meeting, which involves Space Shuttle Program officials and covers careful details of Discovery's processing, is scheduled to last two days.

Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today will move the rotating service structure or RSS away from space shuttle Discovery as it sits on Launch Pad 39A. The move is part of operations to prepare for the arrival at the pad of the payload canister holding the Permanent Multipurpose Module that Discovery is to carry to the International Space Station during its STS-133 mission. The payload is to arrive at the pad early Thursday morning. Technicians will lift the canister into the RSS where the module will be moved into the clean room there before it is pushed into Discovery's 60-foot-long payload bay later.

STS-133 is targeted for launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the training home of the astronaut corps and mission control, the Discovery astronauts will practice in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today for the mission's second spacewalk.

Service Structure Rolling Back Today for Payload
Wed, 06 Oct 2010 07:12:45 PM GMT+0700

Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today will move the rotating service structure or RSS away from space shuttle Discovery as it sits on Launch Pad 39A. The move is part of operations to prepare for the arrival at the pad of the payload canister holding the Permanent Multipurpose Module that Discovery is to carry to the International Space Station during its STS-133 mission. The payload is to arrive at the pad early Thursday morning. Technicians will lift the canister into the RSS where the module will be moved into the clean room there before it is pushed into Discovery's 60-foot-long payload bay later.

STS-133 is targeted for launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the training home of the astronaut corps and mission control, the Discovery astronauts will practice in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today for the mission's second spacewalk.

Payload Preps Under Way Today
Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:42:56 PM GMT+0700

Workers at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing space shuttle Discovery for its payload installation coming up Thursday. Discovery will carry the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station during the STS-133 mission, targeted for launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. Robonaut 2 is secured inside the PMM for its role as a humanoid helper once it reaches space and goes through testing.

Technicians also finished installing foam insulation on Discovery's solid rocket booster aft skirt last night. The external tank also is covered in insulation foam, but most of that was sprayed on at the factory before it was shipped to the launch site.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will perform an integrated ascent simulation.

Propellant Loading Complete; Payload Install Coming Up
Mon, 04 Oct 2010 07:51:57 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, work continues to prepare space shuttle Discovery for its STS-133 mission, targeted to launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. Technicians have completed prelaunch propellant servicing operations, and the mission's payload -- the Permanent Multipurpose Module, Express Logistics Carrier 4 and an array of spare hardware -- is set to be installed Thursday inside Discovery's payload bay.

The six-person STS-133 astronaut crew will practice procedures for the missions first spacewalk today in NASA Johnson Space Center's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

APU Loading Begins
Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:35:26 PM GMT+0700

Technicians will begin loading hydrazine fuel into space shuttle Discovery's three auxiliary power units today. The APUs are turned on five minutes before liftoff and provide power to the several systems during the climb into orbit, including the hydraulics that steer the main engines. Discovery, which stands at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is being readied for liftoff on the STS-133 mission, targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m.EDT. At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery's six-person crew will continue their bench review.

As Technicians ready Discovery, Last SRB Assembly Moves to VAB
Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:48:29 AM GMT+0700

The Space Shuttle Program's final solid rocket booster structural assembly -- the right-hand forward -- moved from the Assembly Refurbishment Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday. The right and left forward assemblies, which are refurbished and processed at KSC, are comprised of three components -- nose cap, frustum and forward skirt. Inside the VAB, the boosters will be stacked and then mated to an external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis for what currently is planned as the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch in 2011.

About three miles away, at Launch Pad 39A, technicians are servicing the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units as the space shuttle Discovery stack is readied for launch. Liftoff remains targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole passed well offshore from Kennedy and aren't affecting operations at the center. Discovery's processing at the pad also was not affected by the storm.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will perform a bench review of flight crew equipment.

Technicians Focus on SRB Power Units Today
Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:15:06 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are servicing the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units as the space shuttle Discovery stack is readied for launch. Liftoff remains targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole passed well offshore from Kennedy and aren't affecting operations at the center. Discovery's processing at the pad also was not affected by the storm. At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will perform a bench review of flight crew equipment.

Review Finds No Lightning damage to Discovery, Pad
Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:36:16 AM GMT+0700

An extensive review today of space shuttle Discovery's systems and the ground support equipment at Launch Pad 39A found no damage from any of the five lightning strikes that occurred in the vicinity of the pad Tuesday.

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing to move ahead with shuttle processing tonight as long as weather conditions allow it.

Discovery is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on a mission to the International Space Station. It will also be the final flight of NASA's oldest active space shuttle.

Managers Evaluating Lightning Strikes at Launch Pad
Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:09:22 PM GMT+0700

Engineers are evaluating five lightning strikes that occurred yesterday afternoon within five miles of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Preliminary sensor readings indicate there has been no damage to the pad or to space shuttle Discovery. Engineers will meet this afternoon to evaluate data.

NASA forecasters say Tropical Depression 16 is expected to pass offshore early Thursday morning bringing heavy rain and wind to Kennedy today. TD 16 isn't expected to have a severe affect on the center. The center remains open and Discovery will remain on its launch pad.

Technicians continue leak checks today of the quick disconnects on Discovery's auxiliary power units.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will fly shuttle training aircraft runs around the White Sands Space Harbor, N.M. while their crewmates review procedures for the two spacewalks during the mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Final External Tank Rolled Into VAB
Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:55:13 PM GMT+0700

The external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission was taken off the Pegasus barge this morning and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Technicians there will process and stack the tank for the launch next year. The tank was towed beginning just before 9:30 a.m. at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Processing also moves ahead for the STS-133 mission. Technicians will conduct leak checks today on the quick disconnects for space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction control system and auxiliary power units. The shuttle is at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch site of all the shuttle missions.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, training home to the astronauts, the STS-133 crew will practice procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the mission's first spacewalk.

Leak Checks for Discovery Today
Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:25:06 PM GMT+0700

Technicians will conduct leak checks today on the quick disconnects for space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction control system and auxiliary power units. The shuttle is at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch site of all the shuttle missions.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, training home to the astronauts, the STS-133 crew will practice procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the mission's first spacewalk.

Discovery Launch Preps Continue
Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:17:26 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A continue to prepare space shuttle Discovery for its STS-133 launch targeted for Nov. 1. A test of the external fuel tank's camera is complete, and hypergolic propellant servicing is coming up this week. The hypergolic system handles propellants that instantly burn when they come in contact with each other. The chemicals, which have to be handled very carefully, are used in the shuttle's steering thrusters in space.

Today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts are reviewing flight dynamics documents and spacewalk procedures.

Workers Prep Discovery for Hypergolics
Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:56:04 PM GMT+0700

Workers at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have extended a series of metal shutters around space shuttle Discovery's critical areas to provide weather protection for the orbiter. They are preparing to service the shuttle's hypergolic system next week. The hypergolic system handles propellants that instantly burn when they come in contact with each other. The chemicals, which have to be handled very carefully, are used in the shuttle's steering thrusters in space.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 crew will review orbiter systems and conduct robotic training today.‪

Testing Continues for Discovery at Launch Pad
Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:09:32 PM GMT+0700

Technicians completed checks of the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate and the solid rocket boosters aft skirt purge at Launch Pad 39A as space shuttle Discovery is readied for launch on STS-133. Today's tests include a helium signature evaluation and teams will check the space shuttle main engine ball valve for leaks.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will fly to Kennedy today to conduct practice landings in a shuttle training aircraft, or STA.

Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. on a mission to take supplies and equipment to the International Space Station.

Service Structure in Place to Protect Discovery
Wed, 22 Sep 2010 07:14:12 PM GMT+0700

The rotating service structure at Launch Pad 39A was moved into place over space shuttle Discovery as launch preparations move ahead for STS-133 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The enclosed gantry-like structure, called the RSS, is full of work platforms and even a clean room that allows workers to transfer space station modules and other payloads into the shuttle's cargo bay without contaminating them. The RSS also protects the orbiter while it is out at the pad and includes several metal panels that cover critical portions of the spacecraft's underbelly before launch.

Teams will also test the flight readiness of Discovery's three main engines today. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT on Discovery's last mission, a flight to the International Space Station.

The astronauts of Discovery will wrap up a two-day integrated simulation of orbital operations ath their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Sun Rises on Discovery at Launch pad
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 07:15:29 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery completed its last planned trip to the launch pad at 1:49 a.m. at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are connecting numerous cables and checking systems at Launch Pad 39A before the rotating service structure is moved over Discovery later today. Discovery left the Vehicle Assembly Building at about 7:23 p.m. Monday night to begin the slow, 3.4-mile crawl to the pad.

Discovery, which first launched Aug. 30, 1984, on STS-41D, is being readied for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT. This is scheduled to be the last mission for the oldest of NASA's three active orbiters.

Astronaut Steve Lindsey commands a veteran crew for STS-133, including Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott. They will take the supply- and equipment-laden Permanent Multipurpose Module to the station, along with the humanoid helper called Robonaut 2.

Discovery Arrives at Launch Pad
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:53:51 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery’s final trip to Launch Pad 39A is complete. Discovery began the 3.4 mile rollout from Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building at about at 7:23 p.m. Eastern on Monday, Sept. 20. The shuttle was secured on the launch pad by 1:49 a.m. Tuesday.‬‪

Discovery’s STS-133 mission is targeted to launch to the International Space Station on Nov. 1 on Discovery’s last scheduled flight before it’s retired.

Discovery Continues Roll to the Launch Pad
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:16:39 AM GMT+0700

Stacked with its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank on the mobile launcher platform, space shuttle Discovery continues its slow roll atop a crawler-transporter, headed for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle began its 3.4-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building around sunset, departing the mammoth building at 7:23 p.m. EDT. The trip to the pad should take about six hours. Live coverage on NASA TV and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv will resume at 7:10 a.m. EDT tomorrow.

Discovery Begins Roll to the Launch Pad
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:56:41 AM GMT+0700

Like a Broadway star ready for the final performance, space shuttle Discovery took center stage as it emerged through the Vehicle Assembly Building's towering door bathed in bright xenon lights. The shuttle began its 3.4-mile journey to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center just after sunset, departing the mammoth building at 7:23 p.m. EDT. The spacecraft -- which was the third to join NASA's shuttle fleet -- will make its final flight on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, targeted for launch on Nov. 1. Gathering to witness one of the final space shuttle rollouts and share the moment of space history are several astronauts, as well as Kennedy employees along with their families and friends. Stacked with its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank on the mobile launcher platform, the shuttle's slow roll atop a crawler-transporter should take about six and a half hours.

Discovery Begins to Roll
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:33:31 AM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery began its 3.4-mile journey to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as it started its slow-motion exit from the Vehicle Assembly Building just before 7:30 p.m. EDT. The spacecraft -- which was the third to join NASA's shuttle fleet -- will make its final flight on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station, targeted for launch on Nov. 1. Stacked with its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank on the mobile launcher platform, the shuttle's slow roll atop a crawler-transporter should take about six and a half hours.

Discovery Readied for Evening Rollout
Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:41:07 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery, joined to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters, is standing on its mobile launcher platform inside the Vehicle Assembly Building today as technicians get ready to move it to the launch pad this evening. A crawler-transporter has been positioned just outside the VAB's mammoth doors and will move inside later today so the stack can be placed on its sizeable back for the move. The rollout at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will take about six hours.

Discovery's crew of six astronauts are to perform an integrated entry simulation today at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA TV will cover the rollout this evening beginning at 8 p.m. Coverage will continue until it gets dark at Kennedy.

Discovery's Rollout on Schedule for Sept. 20
Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:38:17 PM GMT+0700

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery awaits its upcoming move to Launch Pad 39A. Technicians have completed the shuttle interface test, which checked Discovery's connections to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Rollout preparations will be wrapped up on Monday, Sept. 20, with first motion from the assembly building scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts are involved in robotics refresher training today for thermal protection system survey operations.

Discovery on Track for Sept. 20 Rollout
Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:01:02 PM GMT+0700

Preparations are under way inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to move space shuttle Discovery to Launch Pad 39A beginning Sept. 20. Liftoff of the STS-133 mission is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. on an 11-day flight to the International Space Station.

The crew is in the fixed-base simulator today at their training home at NASA's Johnson Space Center rehearsing rendezvous and docking procedures and the installation of ELC-4 that will follow hatch opening on Flight Day 3 of the mission.‪

As Testing Continues, Rollout Preps Start
Wed, 15 Sep 2010 07:33:30 PM GMT+0700

Technicians working inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are continuing the careful testing of space shuttle Discovery's connections to its launch stack today. The orbiter has been connected to an external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters and is in its launch position, with its nose pointed to the sky. The stack will be moved to the launch pad Sept. 20. The preparations for the move are slated to begin today. Discovery's liftoff on STS-133 is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will practice procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today.

Technicians Running Tests on Shuttle Stack
Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:25:45 PM GMT+0700

Now that space shuttle Discovery is stacked for launch, technicians will spend today and tomorrow testing all the connections between the shuttle, external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. The shuttle is inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, which is the launch site for all the agency's crewed missions and the home of the space shuttle fleet.

Discovery's six astronauts are practicing the launch of STS-133 today at NASA's Johnson Space Center, home of the astronaut corps and mission control. Johnson is full of simulators and mock-ups to allow in-depth training, including a replica of the shuttle flight deck.

Launch is targeted for Nov. 1.

Technicians Continue Stacking Discovery
Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:22:05 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are installing hardware and making connections on the space shuttle Discovery stack as they prepare the spacecraft for its rollout to Launch Pad 39A on Sept. 20. Workers over the weekend resolved a problem that came up when a bolt fell into the aft compartment of Discovery during connecting operations on Friday. Today's steps include readying Discovery for the shuttle interface test scheduled for tomorrow.

Next door to the VAB, the launch team will run a countdown simulation today in Firing Room 4 in the Launch Control Center.

Discovery's STS-133 astronauts will train in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab today at Johnson Space Center for the mission's first spacewalk.

Discovery Attached to External Tank Following Separation Bolt Fix
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 09:21:58 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery now is fully attached to its external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters. The final process known as "hardmate" was complete at 9:27 a.m. EDT.

Technicians resolved an issue with a main separation bold nut early Saturday morning that held up mate operations for almost a day.

The nut slipped back into Discovery's aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. No hardware was damage in the incident.

After thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing a plan to fix the problem, technicians put up several platforms Friday night and used them to enter Discovery’s aft section through an access door. They then moved the nut back into position and finished attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit.

Discovery still is on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. The shuttle and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.

Discovery's Separation Bolt Issue Fixed, Final Attachments Under way
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 07:43:32 PM GMT+0700

Technicians are making the final attachments of space shuttle Discovery to its external fuel tank after resolving an issue with a main separation bold nut early this morning.

The nut slipped back into Discovery's aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. No hardware was damaged in the incident.

After thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing a plan to fix the problem, technicians put up several platforms Friday night and used them to enter Discovery’s aft section through an access door. They then moved the nut back into position and finished attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit.

Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters today, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20.

Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.

Plan to Fix Discovery Separation Bolt Issue
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 06:41:32 AM GMT+0700

Engineers are moving ahead with a plan to retrieve a main separation bolt nut from inside the aft section of space shuttle Discovery and finish attaching the shuttle to its external fuel tank by Saturday.

The nut slipped into the aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. Initial inspections have seen no indications of damage from the incident.

Engineers spent Friday afternoon thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing the plan to fix the problem. Technicians will put up several platforms and use them to enter Discovery’s aft compartment through an access door. They’ll then move the nut back into position and finish attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit.

Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters Saturday, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.

Plan to Fix Discovery Separation Bolt Issue
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 06:38:08 AM GMT+0700

Engineers are moving ahead with a plan to retrieve a main separation bolt nut from inside the aft section of space shuttle Discovery and finish attaching the shuttle to its external fuel tank by Saturday. The nut slipped into the aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. Initial inspections have seen no indications of damage from the incident. Engineers spent Friday afternoon thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing the plan to fix the problem. Technicians will put up several platforms and use them to enter Discovery’s aft compartment through an access door. They’ll then move the nut back into position and finish attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit. Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters Saturday, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.

Plan to Fix Discovery Separation Bolt Issue
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 06:35:23 AM GMT+0700

Engineers are moving ahead with a plan to retrieve a main separation bolt nut from inside the aft section of space shuttle Discovery and finish attaching the shuttle to its external fuel tank by Saturday. The nut slipped into the aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. Initial inspections have seen no indications of damage from the incident. Engineers spent Friday afternoon thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing the plan to fix the problem. Technicians will put up several platforms and use them to enter Discovery’s aft compartment through an access door. They’ll then move the nut back into position and finish attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit. Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters Saturday, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.

Plan to Fix Discovery Separation Bolt Issue
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 06:23:23 AM GMT+0700

Engineers are moving ahead with a plan to retrieve a main separation bolt nut from inside the aft section of space shuttle Discovery and finish attaching the shuttle to its external fuel tank by Saturday. The nut slipped into the aft compartment Friday morning as technicians were attaching the left-side main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle to the external tank in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida. The right-side bolt already had been attached. Initial inspections have seen no indications of damage from the incident. Engineers spent Friday afternoon thoroughly evaluating the situation and developing the plan to fix the problem. Technicians will put up several platforms and use them to enter Discovery’s aft compartment through an access door. They’ll then move the nut back into position and finish attaching the bold, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit. Barring any further complications, Discovery should be fully attached to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters Saturday, which would keep it on track to be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A as scheduled on Sept. 20. Discovery and its six astronaut crew are targeted to launch on the STS-133 mission with supplies and a new module for the International Space Station on Nov. 1.

Discovery Stacking Ops on Hold
Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:24:31 AM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building, operations to attach space shuttle Discovery to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters are temporarily on hold. During installation of the left-hand main separation bolt on the bottom of the shuttle, the corresponding nut fell into the shuttle’s aft compartment. Evaluations indicate no damage has occurred.

Engineers currently are meeting to discuss the best possible way to obtain access to Discovery’s aft section since there is no way to reach the nut without accessing the internal compartment. The issue is not expected to impact rollout of Discovery to its launch pad on Sept. 20.

Discovery Undergoes Connection to Tank, Boosters
Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:37:20 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery is being connected to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today as preparations continue on pace for the STS-133 mission. Rollout to the launch pad is scheduled for Sept. 20. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is involved in an integrated ascent simulation today and will hone their Thermal Protection System repair skills to close out their week of training.‪

Discovery Inside VAB
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:01:53 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery now is inside the expansive confines of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building following a move from its processing hangar this morning. A metal sling will be carefully connected to the spacecraft and then operators will hoist it from transfer aisle to the high reaches of the 52-story building before lowering it into place beside the external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. Crews then will connect the spacecraft giving the stack its familiar launch day form. Discovery is targeted to liftoff on the 11-day STS-133 mission on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, STS-133 Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tim Kopra will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Shuttle Discovery on the move
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:09:32 PM GMT+0700

Space Shuttle Discovery began its move from Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the Vehicle Assembly Building at 6:54 a.m. EDT.

The vehicle will stop for several hours during its move for an employee photo opportunity. Rollover is expected to be complete by approximately 11:30 a.m.

Shuttle Discovery rollover planned for today
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:34:53 PM GMT+0700

Shuttle Discovery is set to move from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building today. Rollover from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 is planned for 6:30 a.m. EDT. Managers will continue to monitor weather conditions for the move.

Kennedy Space Center Reopens, Discovery Rollout Set for Thursday
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:07:08 AM GMT+0700

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is open for regular operations following a water main break that caused the center to be closed to non-essential personnel Wednesday morning.

Crews have isolated the break in a 24-inch pipe located at the LC-39 Complex turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). They’re also assessing Kennedy’s water system to confirm there aren’t any other potential problems. Water has been restored to the center, except for an administrative building across from the VAB and Kennedy’s Press Site.

Shuttle Discovery’s move, known as rollover, from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility-3, to the VAB now is targeted for Thursday morning (Sept. 9), weather permitting. Rollover had been scheduled for Wednesday morning. The delay is not expected to affect Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch on its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

Kennedy Space Center Closed Today, Discovery's Rollover Delayed
Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:49:16 PM GMT+0700

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is closed today due to a major water main leak. Only essential personnel (security, fire/rescue, operations) are at the center.

Crews are working on a break in a 24-inch pipe located at the LC-39 Complex turn basin across from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). They’re also assessing Kennedy’s water system to identify any other potential problems. Currently, there is no potable water at the center.

Shuttle Discovery’s move, known as rollover, from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the VAB, which had been scheduled for 6:30 a.m. EDT this morning, is postponed until at least tomorrow morning (Sept. 9). Today’s delay is not expected to affect Discovery’s targeted Nov. 1 launch on its STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

Discovery Ready for Wednesday Morning Move
Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:07:10 PM GMT+0700

Mounted atop a specialized transporter, space shuttle Discovery is all set for a short drive Wednesday morning to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be joined to a waiting set of two solid rocket boosters and a fuel tank. The move, known as "rollover" to the NASA Kennedy Space Center community of space workers, is slated to begin at 6:30 a.m. when Discovery is carefully backed out of Orbiter Processing Facility-3. The 76-wheeled transport will then truck the spacecraft across a wide, concrete road and into the VAB, where a skilled team of technicians will bolt a huge sling to the orbiter so it can be safely lifted and joined to the boosters and tank.

While their spacecraft undergoes preparations in Florida, the astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station will be practicing for their arrival in space. Training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the crew will conduct a suited post-insertion simulation today.

VAB Preps Continue for Discovery
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:33:31 PM GMT+0700

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians are preparing the external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters for space shuttle Discovery's arrival and connection next week. The tank and boosters are already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Rollover of Discovery is set to begin at 6:30 am. EDT on Sept. 8. There is no work planned over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew is conducting a rendezvous simulation today.‪

VAB Teams Prepare to Welcome Discovery
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:46:22 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery has been connected to its 76-wheel, custom-built transporter ahead of its move from Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the Vehicle Assembly Building. That move is scheduled to take place Sept. 8. The transporter is one of several specialized vehicles that serve the shuttle fleet at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Some move payloads and solid rocket booster segments, this one moves the 100-ton orbiters. The kings are, of course, the huge, tracked crawler-transporters that carry a stacked shuttle to the launch pad. One thing they all have in common: they move really slowly, especially when carrying precious national assets on their backs.

In the VAB, the 52-story-tall landmark building at Kennedy, the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters have been assembled on the mobile launch platform and are waiting for Discovery's arrival to complete the stack.

The astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station on the upcoming STS-133 mission are also at Kennedy today for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, known as the CEIT. They will check out the Permanent Multipurpose Module and the Express Logistics Carrier that will carry critical spare parts to the International Space Station.

Discovery to be Placed on Transporter
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:06:09 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today will place space shuttle Discovery on the specialized transporter that will ferry it across the street from Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the Vehicle Assembly Building. That move is slated for Sept. 8. The winged spaceship has spent the last several month being prepped for spaceflight. At the VAB, the orbiter will be joined to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters for launch. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. Eastern time on STS-133.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts will conduct a deorbit preparation simulation today.

Discovery Prepping for Transport Loading
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:30:53 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery is being readied today for its loading atop a flat, specialized transporter that will carry it to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Sept 8. Discovery has been inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 since its return from the STS-131 mission on April 20. It is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Discovery Preps Focus on Landing Gear Tires
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:37:27 PM GMT+0700

The tires on space shuttle Discovery will be pressurized for the final time before flight today as the careful march toward launch continues at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery is targeted to lift off Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. Eastern time on the STS-133 mission.

Discovery's crew will practice deorbit burn techniques and contingency scenarios in the motion-base simulator today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tool Stowage Assembly Goes into Discovery Today
Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:40:17 PM GMT+0700

Shuttle workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will install a lightweight tool stowage assembly in the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery today. The spacecraft is being readied for a targeted launch on Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. Eastern time. The shuttle will be powered down Monday for its roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Sept. 8. The crew completes its week with some time for administrative work.‬‪

Discovery's Engines to be Configured Today
Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:28:43 PM GMT+0700

The three main engines on space shuttle Discovery will be configured today so the spacecraft can be taken to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Sept. 8 for stacking. Discovery, the oldest active shuttle, is being prepared for the STS-133 mission. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1. The preferred launch time for Nov.1 would be 4:40 p.m. Eastern time. The crew is involved in robotic proficiency training today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.‪

Discovery's Processing Goes Smoothly Ahead of Rollover
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:08 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery continues its launch processing on pace as technicians prepare the spacecraft for its scheduled move on Sept. 8 to the Vehicle Assembly so it can be hoisted into launch position with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Today's work at NASA's Kennedy Space Center includes checks of the "glass cockpit" systems, known as MEDS for Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem. Technicians also are pressurizing the main landing gear.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS- 133 astronauts will continue working on spacewalk procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Leak Checks Today for Discovery
Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:04:27 PM GMT+0700

Working inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians are beginning a three-day leak test of space shuttle Discovery's entry closed loop gaseous nitrogen life support system. Tonight, workers will perform a similar test of the spacecraft's external tank umbilical. The shuttle's glass cockpit displays also are undergoing testing. Discovery is slated to be carried to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Sept. 8. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1.

The six STS-133 mission astronauts are in the fixed-base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the training base for NASA's astronauts. The crew is rehearsing the installation of ELC-4, a procedure they will perform during the mission to the International Space Station.

OMS Pod Leak Testing Today
Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:30:08 PM GMT+0700

NASA Kennedy Space Center technicians will run leak checks on space shuttle Discovery's two orbital maneuvering system pods today. The pods, known best by their acronym OMS, are mounted on the back of the shuttle above the three main engines and house the largest of the shuttle's on-orbit thrusters. Those large thrusters are used to slow the spacecraft so it can enter Earth's atmosphere at the end of a mission. The leak checks are part of the standard launch preparations for the shuttle as it is readied to be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. The move is called "rollover" and it is scheduled for Sept. 8. Discovery's liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1 on the STS-133 mission.

Discovery's crew members are training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today they are practicing spacewalk techniques in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, home to the huge pool that lets spacewalkers work in conditions similar to the microgravity in space.

Discovery's Closeout Work Proceeding
Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:19:46 PM GMT+0700

Spacecraft preparations are moving ahead as technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida perform closeout work in the aft and forward sections of the space shuttle Discovery. The shuttle is slated to be carried to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Sept. 8 where it will be connected to its external fuel tank and a pair of solid rocket boosters. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1.

Discovery's astronauts will rehearse the first spacewalk of the mission inside the large pool at Johnson Space Center's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston.

Techs to Close Discovery's Payload Bay Doors
Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:49:07 PM GMT+0700

The Ku-band antenna that transmits audio, video and data between Earth and the space shuttle will be stowed today inside shuttle Discovery's payload bay before the clamshell doors are closed. The antenna, which resembles a mini-satellite dish, is on a stanchion that folds out from the forward bulkhead inside the cargo bay after the spacecraft reaches orbit. The antenna stowage and door closure are part of the ongoing work at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to prep Discovery for its roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building next month. There it will be joined to an external fuel tank and a set of solid rocket boosters for launch on the STS-133 mission. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1.

The astronauts of STS-133 are working through a simulated entry and landing today at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Such simulations, performed inside a moving replica of a shuttle flight deck, are made as realistic as possible and often force crew members to deal with emergency situations in a safe environment.

Tests Today for PDU Replacement
Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:56:59 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, crews will test the centerline latch power drive unit, or PDU, actuator that was replaced yesterday on space shuttle Discovery. Then technicians will begin preparations to close the spacecraft's payload bay doors one last time before the spacecraft is moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building next month to be joined to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters for launch. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 1.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice flight procedures in their T-38 training aircraft and perform various administrative duties.

PDU Replacement Begins
Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:37:08 PM GMT+0700

Technicians preparing space shuttle Discovery for launch on the STS-133 mission will begin replacing the centerline power drive unit, or PDU, actuator today. Other closeout activities before the shuttle is moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building also are being performed.

The astronauts of STS-133 are at NASA's Ames Research Center in California today for training.

PDU Replacement Preparation in Work Today
Mon, 16 Aug 2010 07:43:25 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, technicians have reopened shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors and will redeploy the right-hand radiator today. The doors are being reopened so the Centerline Latch Power Drive Unit or PDU, actuator can be replaced beginning Tuesday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-133 crew members will fly T-38 training aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to practice flight procedures.

Technicians to Replace Power Drive Unit
Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:26:54 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter Processing Facility-3, technicians will replace a power drive unit (PDU) that stalled during latching of shuttle Discovery’s payload bay doors yesterday. A spare PDU is available and the process will take approximately three days. Teams also will work on the spacecraft’s thermal protection system (TPS) over the weekend. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will practice TPS repair techniques in the Virtual Reality Lab today.

Hydraulics Systems Cycling Today
Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:40:04 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's hydraulics systems are to be cycled today during launch processing for the STS-133 mission, targeted for launch on Nov. 1. Hydraulics are used to operate flight controls, the swiveling of the main engines and other functions. The processing work is being performed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today.

Airlock Closeouts to Finish Today
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:53:32 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are expected to complete the airlock closeouts for space shuttle Discovery today in preparation for moving the spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building next month. Discovery is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The shuttle's tiled heat shield is also a focus of workers' attention today.

Discovery Preps Continue as Crew Rehearses Leaving Station
Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:49:41 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's launch preparations continue on schedule for a targeted launch on Nov. 1 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians at the launch site will finish closeout work today on the shuttle's airlock and flush the spacecraft's thruster system piping.

In Houston, the crew of STS-133 is practicing for undocking the shuttle from the International Space Station and the following flyaround of the orbiting science complex.

Airlock Closeouts Today
Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:37:22 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's airlock, which stands in the forward section of the cargo bay and connects to the crew compartment, will undergo two days of closeout work as the orbiter is prepped for next month's move to the Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking ahead of the targeted Nov. 1 launch on the STS-133 mission. Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the processing and launch site for all shuttle missions, are also flushing the piping in the spacecraft's vernier thrusters. In space, the vernier thrusters fire to make small changes to the shuttle's attitude and course.

The STS-133 astronauts are working at their training base at Johnson Space Center in Houston, with a focus today on spacewalk practice in the virtual reality lab.

Technicians to Focus on Discovery's Heat Shield
Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:19:49 PM GMT+0700

This weekend, technicians will continue processing work on space shuttle Discovery's tiled heat shield as it undergoes launch preparations in Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Recent leak checks on the crew module were completed successfully with no issues arising, and work on the orbiter's S-band antenna and front nose gear were finished. The STS-133 astronauts are spending Friday simulating their roles during the rendezvous phase of the mission, when Discovery will be steered to the International Space Station.

Communications Antenna Work Today for Discovery
Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:43:31 PM GMT+0700

Leak checks are wrapping up today on space shuttle Discovery's crew module as work continues to prepare the spacecraft for its targeted launch on Nov. 1. Technicians also are working on the shuttle's S-band communications antenna today.

Workers finished electrical checks of the shuttle's robotic arm and orbiter boom sensor system yesterday. The boom is used to inspect the shuttle's heat shield once in space. They also finished inspections of the shuttle's radiator retract hoses.

The STS-133 crew is rehearsing ascent techniques today in the crew trainer and will review other ascent procedures as they continue training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Discovery's Crew Module Prepped for Leak Checks
Wed, 04 Aug 2010 07:25:57 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are focusing on the crew module of space shuttle Discovery today as they set up leak checks as part of the standard launch processing. The testing is scheduled to start tomorrow. The workers also pulled samples from Discovery's Freon coolant loops that remove heat from equipment during a mission. Discovery is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

The STS-133 astronauts are involved in spacewalk protocol training and administrative work today.

OMS Pod, APU Gearbox Pass Tests
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:27:33 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery continues its preparations for the STS-133 mission this week after technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida successfully wrapped up leak checks on the left orbital maneuvering system pod. The APU gearbox also passed a leak check.

The astronauts who will fly the shuttle into orbit are taking spacewalk training today at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab outside Johnson Space Center. That is the large swimming pool outfitted as a specialized training facility which allows spacewalkers to rehearse all their procedures before a flight. The pool is large enough to hold full-size mock-ups of space station modules. Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 to the International Space Station.

OMS Pod Tests Today as Crew Rehearses Launch
Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:25:35 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery is undergoing leak checks on the left orbital maneuvering system pod at NASA's Kennedy Space Center today as the spacecraft is readied for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Workers also will closeout the shuttle's airlock aft hatch and conclude a test on the auxiliary power unit gearbox.

The astronauts are conducting a launch simulation today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. They will work inside the motion-based simulator which mimics the movements and behavior of the shuttle. The mission control and launch control teams also take part in launch simulations so the whole team gets in-depth practice.

Shuttle Heat Shield Work This Weekend
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:57:54 PM GMT+0700

Crews working on space shuttle Discovery at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will complete testing on the spacecraft's APU gearboxes Friday before getting into heat shield work during the weekend. The spacecraft is being prepped for the STS-133 mission targeted to launch Nov. 1.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the astronauts will practice procedures in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the mission's first spacewalk.

APU Testing for Discovery
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:54:11 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, crews continue preparing shuttle Discovery for its upcoming mission. Testing of the spacecraft's auxiliary power units 1, 2, and 3 gearbox will continue through Friday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will train in the Virtual Reality Lab on robotics for spacewalk support.

Discovery Preps Ongoing, Crew Practice Spacewalking
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:48:10 PM GMT+0700

In Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crews have completed pressurization of space shuttle Discovery's auxiliary power units 1, 2, and 3 gearboxes. Freon coolant loop top-off and main engine dome heat shield installations also were successfully completed yesterday.

The six STS-133 crew members will rehearse procedures for the mission's second spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today.

Technicians Prepare for Crew Module Leak Checks
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:38:39 PM GMT+0700

Technicians in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 will begin preparations for leak checks on space shuttle Discovery's crew module on July 29. Crews are testing the Ku-band antenna today.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew will practice in the shuttle training aircraft today at Kennedy. Mission Specialists Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott will conduct payload training at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Main Engine Heat Shields Installation Today
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:10:51 PM GMT+0700

Technicians are installing the main engine heat shields today as they continue to ready space shuttle Discovery for its targeted Nov. 1 launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery is in its processing hangar at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the preparations.

The astronauts who will fly the mission return today from summer vacation and will conduct emergency systems and robotics training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Discovery Preps Continue Through the Weekend
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:12:52 PM GMT+0700

The fuel and oxidizer feed connections on space shuttle Discovery's right Orbital Maneuvering System, or OMS, pod were completed overnight in Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Technicians are scheduled to conduct integrated hydraulic testing today and during the weekend work on Discovery's thermal protection system, or heat shield tiles.

The six STS-133 astronauts will resume training on Monday at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston after returning from their week of summer vacation.

Techs Work on Discovery's OMS Pod
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:42:32 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will make fuel and oxidizer cross feed connections in space shuttle Discovery's right Orbital Maneuvering System, or OMS, pod today.

The techs will be wearing Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble, or SCAPE, hazardous operation suits which will protect them from the toxic chemicals they will be in contact with while working on the engine.

The shuttle's two OMS pod engines make major course adjustments for the vehicle while in space and also is used to slow down a shuttle allowing gravity take over as it falls out of orbit for its return to Earth.

The six STS-133 crew members are enjoying a well-deserved vacation this week.

Discovery Passing Processing System Tests
Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:53:03 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery is moving along through its processing schedule for the launch of STS-133 targeted for Nov. 1. Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida performed successful tests recently on the Orbital Maneuvering System flight control and main computer system, as well as the landing gear. Today's work includes the brakes and anti-skid on the shuttle's landing gear. The crew of STS-133 is on summer vacation this week.

Discovery's Computer Network Undergoes Checks
Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:23:32 PM GMT+0700

The critical computer network that controls the space shuttle through launch, orbital operations and landing is the subject of technicians' interest today as they run checks on the system on board Discovery. There are five general purpose computers at the heart of the shuttle's control network. Although the hardware is slow by modern standards, it is fantastically reliable and built to provide several levels of redundancy.

Working inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will also conduct a flight control checkout on Discovery's Orbital Maneuvering System in advance of the shuttle's Nov. 1 launch on the STS-133 mission.

The six STS-133 astronauts are on summer vacation this week before resuming training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Workers Focus on OMS pod, thrusters
Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:54:08 PM GMT+0700

Technicians will be working on shuttle Discovery's starboard side today. They're scheduled to perform isolation valve verification of the right hand Orbital Maneuvering System pod piping and test the heater and thruster for the right reaction control system, which helps a shuttle make slight course adjustments while in orbit.

The STS-133 mission's six astronauts are on summer vacation this week.

Technicians Service Discovery's Ammonia System
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:34:56 PM GMT+0700

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, crews will work through the weekend to connect two anhydrous ammonia bottles to shuttle Discovery using quick disconnect lines to service the spacecraft’s ammonia boiler system. The ammonia boiler system is used on the runway prior to ground cooling and supports an emergency return and landing at Kennedy in the unlikely event it is needed. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will take a break from training for the next week. STS-133 is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on a mission to the International Space Station.

Main Engine Heat Shield Installation Resumes
Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:22:06 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center installed the right-side Orbital Maneuvering System pod overnight and work is resuming on the main engine heat shield installation. Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 on a mission to the International Space Station.

The crew is working administrative tasks today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Launch Countdown Sim Today
Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:23:14 PM GMT+0700

The launch team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center will simulate a shuttle countdown today as preparations continue for the STS-133 mission, targeted to launch Nov. 1. While the countdown practice moves ahead, technicians processing space shuttle Discovery for the mission are continuing their work on the main engine heat shields and will install the right-side pod of the Orbital Maneuvering System.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts are practicing rendezvous techniques today.

Technicians Continue Work on Engine Heat Shields
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:38:27 PM GMT+0700

Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are moving through the processing of space shuttle Discovery ahead of the STS-133 mission, targeted to launch Nov. 1. They are continuing work on the main engine heat shields and will install the right-side orbital maneuvering system pod Thursday.

The STS-133 astronauts are handling administrative work and interviews today at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

OMS Pod Install Preps Begin
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:29:24 PM GMT+0700

As they continue to install the main engine heat shields on space shuttle Discovery this week, technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are beginning the preparations to connect the right orbital maneuvering system pod to the spacecraft. Workers also are installing the main landing gear wheel and tire assembly.

The processing is part of the work on Discovery leading up to the STS-133 mission targeted for launch Nov. 1. The astronauts completed the Crew Equipment Interface Test, or CEIT, on Saturday and are back at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, the crew will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk.

Processing Work, CEIT Training for STS-133
Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:41:44 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are to install the main landing gear wheel and tire assembly Friday on space shuttle Discovery as launch processing moves along for the STS-133 mission, targeted to launch Nov. 1. The processing team is also installing the heat shields for the main engines, a step which will wrap up next week.

The six astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station are training at Kennedy through Saturday with the actual flight hardware they will use on the mission. The training is called the CEIT, for Crew Equipment Interface Test.

Discovery Preps Ongoing; Crew at Kennedy for CEIT
Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:52:30 PM GMT+0700

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians continue the installation of space shuttle Discovery's main engine heat shields. They also will work on installing the spacecraft's main landing gear brakes.

Meanwhile, preparations are in process for the Crew Interface Equipment Test, or CEIT, scheduled to begin tomorrow. Held at Kennedy prior to launch, CEIT gives astronauts the opportunity for hands-on training with the actual tools, equipment and hardware they'll use in orbit.

The STS-133 astronauts are flying to Kennedy today in their T-38 training aircraft for CEIT. They also will be reviewing the systems and proposed cargo for the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module, or PMM, that will be delivered to the International Space Station during the mission.‪

Engine Heat Shields in Work Today
Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:25:05 PM GMT+0700

With space shuttle Discovery's three main engines installed, technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today are preparing to place the engine heat shields. The shields will be installed starting Thursday.

The crew of STS-133, targeted for launch Nov. 1, are working on spacewalking procedures at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston as they continue training for the mission to the International Space Station.

APU Tests Today for Discovery
Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:51:40 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's auxiliary power units will be the focus of technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today as they perform leak and functional tests on the devices. Workers are also verifying the spacecraft's airlock subsystem today and will continue that effort through Friday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the astronauts' extensive training picks up with a long-duration Flight Day 3 rendezvous and docking simulation today.

Weekend Testing Ahead for Engines
Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:58:57 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's three main engines have been installed ahead of the launch of the STS-133 mission later this year. Workers at Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will spend the weekend securing the engines and testing the main propulsion system. The astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station have a day off from training.

Discovery's launch is now targeted for Nov. 1, with Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted for liftoff on Feb. 26, 2011.

New Target Launch Date: Nov. 1
Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:41:31 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission is now targeted for launch Nov. 1 at about 4:33 p.m. EDT. Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted for liftoff on Feb. 26, 2011, at about 4:19 p.m. EST. The target dates were adjusted because critical payload hardware for the STS-133 mission will not be ready in time for the previously targeted date. With Discovery's move, Endeavour had to plan for its next available window, which was February.

Two Engines Installed, Last One Today
Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:47:15 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery has two of its three main engines in place and technicians will install the third one today as work continues at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to ready the spacecraft for the STS-133 mission. The engines were removed last week so a faulty turbopump on the center engine could be replaced. The engine work is not the only processing under way on Discovery today. Technicians are also testing the Orbiter Boom Sensor System that astronauts will use to inspect the heat shield after the shuttle reaches orbit.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 crew will conducts its first integrated ascent simulation today.

Boom Sensor Testing, Engine Installation Today
Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:30:29 PM GMT+0700

Workers will evaluate the Orbiter Boom Sensor System today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as they continue to prep space shuttle Discovery for the STS-133 mission. Technicians will also begin installing the three main engines, a process that will take until Friday to complete.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will rehearse ascent techniques.

Window Carrier Panel Installation Today
Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:04:00 PM GMT+0700

Launch processing for space shuttle Discovery continues in earnest at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the spacecraft, its twin solid rocket boosters and external tank are being readied for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Today, technicians in Orbiter Processing Facility-3 expect to finish installing a carrier panel on window 3 on Discovery. Tomorrow will see testing of the Orbital Boom Sensor System. Workers will also begin installing Discovery's three main engines tomorrow, a careful process that is expected to wrap up Friday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice procedures for the mission's first spacewalk today in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Tiles Around Hatch Focus of Work
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:31:18 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, shuttle Discovery's side hatch will be closed today so crews can install tiles. Technicians will continue testing the Power Reactant Storage Distribution system, which feeds the fuel cells that generate electricity on the shuttle.

Discovery's main engine re-installation is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-133 astronauts will practice emergency simulations.

Technicians Complete Removal of Discovery's Engines
Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:46:23 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, technicians have completed the removal of the three main engines and now will replace the suspect turbopump in engine 1 and then reinstall the engines. The turbopump developed an issue earlier this week during a torque check.

Main landing gear brake installation is scheduled for today. During the weekend, teams will complete the thermal protection system payload bay door plug installation and carrier panel installations.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts will spend the day meeting with their ascent and entry flight directors and conducting altitude chamber training.

Discovery is to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The official targeted launch date remains Sept. 16, but a change request has been submitted to move the flight to Oct. 29, with STS-134 moving to February 2011. The request is under consideration and an announcement is expected at the first of July.

Engine Removal to Finish Today
Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:40:00 PM GMT+0700

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3, technicians have removed one of space shuttle Discovery's three main engines. The remaining two engines will be removed today and all engines will be taken to the engine shop in order to replace a turbopump in engine 1. The turbopump developed an issue earlier this week during a torque check.

Workers are also testing the Power Reactant Distribution System, which serves the electricity-generating fuel cells on Discovery. The payload bay doors were closed yesterday for plug installation today.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew are rehearsing spacewalk procedures today in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab.‪‪

Discovery is to launch on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The official targeted launch date remains Sept. 16, but a change request has been submitted to move the flight to Oct. 29, with STS-134 moving to February 2011. The request is under consideration and an announcement is expected at the first of July.

Engine Removal to Begin Thursday
Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:09:01 PM GMT+0700

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians are scheduled to complete Discovery's payload premate test today. The drag chute door installation and checkout was completed last night. Removal of the three main engines is planned for tomorrow following an issue with a turbopump in engine 1. The turbopump will be replaced and the engines will be reinstalled.

The astronauts continue their training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for the STS-133 mission. The crew members are working on robotics tasks today they will use during the flight to the International Space Station.

Space Shuttle Program managers are considering a change request that would move the launch dates for STS-133 and STS-134. The submittal targets STS-133 for launch on Oct. 29 and STS-134 on Feb. 28, 2011. The change is under review and any changes will be announced at the first of July. Currently, targeted dates remain officially scheduled for: STS-133 – Sept. 16 and STS-134 – late-November.

Turbopump Issue Prompts Engine Removal
Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:45:04 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery will have its three main engines removed after a low-pressure oxidizer turbopump on engine 1 had an issue during a torque check. All three engines have to be removed to allow access to remove the center engine. The pump will be sent to Canoga Park, Calif., for repair. Engineers will change out the turbopump and reinstall the engine. The work is not a hindrance to processing and is not expected to prompt a delay for the launch of the STS-133 mission. The crew of Discovery is reviewing photo and television procedures today as they continue training for mission. The astronauts are also undergoing refresher training on International Space Station systems.

Technicians Prep Coolant Loops for STS-133
Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:33:45 PM GMT+0700

Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are focusing on Freon coolant loops in space shuttle Discovery in preparation for top-off and sampling work that will begin tomorrow. Tomorrow also will see the conclusion of the payload premate test that began last week.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew are simulating an undocking and flyaround of the International Space Station as part of their training for the upcoming mission, targeted to launch in September.

Testing, Heat Shield Work This Weekend for Discovery
Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:33:41 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will complete the payload premate test for space shuttle Discovery this weekend, along with working on the shuttle's heat shield.

The STS-133 astronauts will focus on administrative activities Friday as their training continues for the mission targeted to launch in September.

Testing for Payload Preps Today on Discovery
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:02:31 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today are running through a series of tests focused on making sure space shuttle Discovery is ready to have its payload connected inside the cargo bay. The shuttle's processing continues for its targeted launch in September on the STS-133 mission. The payload is also on the minds of Discovery's astronauts as they review installation procedures for the Express Logistics Carrier-4, a high-tech platform that will store spare parts on the outside of the International Space Station. The shuttle will take the platform and the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the station during the mission.

Engines Installed for Discovery Mission
Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:49:53 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's three main engines have been installed as work continues inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to ready the spacecraft for the STS-133 mission. Technicians will begin premate tests today for the payload the shuttle will carry to the International Space Station.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers attached the 15-story external fuel tank to the twin solid rocket booster Discovery will use during its climb into orbit. The tank holds about 500,000 gallons of super-cold propellants to power the shuttle's three main engines. The boosters provide the bulk of the power at liftoff, providing some 6 million pounds of thrust to push the shuttle stack off the launch pad.

The astronauts for Discovery are training today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to make heat shield repairs during spacewalks. The crew also is working with robotics skills for the mission, which is targeted to launch on September.

Discovery's Remaining Two Engines to be Installed
Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:15:39 PM GMT+0700

Working with specialized equipment inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians installed the first of three main engines on space shuttle Discovery Monday in preparation for the STS-133 launch targeted for September. The remaining two engines will be installed today as the spacecraft continues its regular preparations for spaceflight. The crew of STS-133 continue to train at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, the astronauts, led by veteran shuttle commander Steve Lindsey, are involved in a variety of systems training classes.

Workers Begin Engine Installation Today
Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:48:42 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will install three main engines into space shuttle Discovery beginning today as the spacecraft continues processing for the STS-133 mission targeted for launch in September. The liquid-fueled main engines provide about 1.5 million pounds of thrust at launch and burn continuously during the 8 1/2-minute ascent into orbit.

The astronauts, working at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, are undergoing spacewalk systems and photo and TV training today.

Preps Finish for Busy Next Week
Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:51:21 PM GMT+0700

Technicians in Orbiter Processing Facility-3 and the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are putting the finishing touches on preparations today that will set the stage for several important processing milestones next week. In the OPF, space shuttle Discovery is being readied before its three main engines are installed beginning Monday. Also, workers will waterproof sections of the shuttle's tiled heat shield throughout the weekend.

In the VAB, workers are getting ready for Tuesday's operation to lower the external fuel tank for Discovery's STS-133 mission into place between the twin solid rocket boosters that will help lift Discovery and its crew into space.

The astronauts who will fly Discovery to the International Space Station during STS-133 are rehearsing the launch and ascent in the motion-base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The simulator is an exact duplicate of the shuttle's flight deck that allows crews to practice all sorts of launch and landing scenarios safely.

Discovery Prepped for Engine Installation
Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:08:27 AM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing space shuttle Discovery before they install the shuttle's three main engines next week. Some of the most efficient machines ever built, the reusable main engines operate during the launch phase to push the shuttle into orbit. They are removed and inspected after each flight.

The shuttle's S-band radio system is another focus for the technicians as they continue Discovery's standard processing work for the STS-133 mission. The S-band system links the shuttle to the ground by relaying telemetry and other information through NASA's Tracking and Data Relay System satellites. The satellite constellation allows almost-constant communications with shuttles without relying on an assortment of ground stations spread all over the globe.

Workers also installed and connected Discovery's drag chute Wednesday. That won't be used until landing, when it helps slow the shuttle as it moves down the runway.

As for the astronauts slated to take Discovery into space, they are going through rendezvous training in the fixed-based simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

STS-133 is targeted for launch in September on a mission to take the Permanent Multipurpose Module, along with supplies and equipment, to the International Space Station.

Discovery's Hydraulics Cooling System Undergoes Checks
Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:11:08 PM GMT+0700

The water spray boiler system that cools space shuttle Discovery's hydraulics is being checked today as the shuttle undergoes standard processing for launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work on the boiler system will last into next week. Also, technicians removed hydrogen tank No. 5 from Discovery's power reactant supply and distribution, or PSRD, system. The tanks store hydrogen and oxygen for the power-producing fuel cells on the shuttle. Oxygen tank No. 5 will be taken out Monday.

While the work continues on the shuttle in preparation for the STS-133 mission, the astronauts who will fly Discovery into space are reviewing spacewalk repair procedures for the heat shield. They are working at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston where astronauts perform most of their training regimen for a flight.

Discovery, Astronauts Continue Preparations for STS-133
Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:17:19 PM GMT+0700

Shuttle Discovery is inside its processing hangar at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, undergoing standard launch processing for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Technicians today will begin removing hydrogen tank No. 5 from Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution, or PRSD, system. The system's oxygen tank No. 5 is planned for removal this weekend. Part of the shuttle's electrical power system, the PRSD stores hydrogen and oxygen at supercool temperatures for the fuel cells.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-133 astronauts are meeting today with the STS-132 crew for a mission debrief, and practicing entry skills in the motion-based simulator.

Discovery's OMS Pod Removed; Crew Practices Rendezvous, Docking
Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:32:35 PM GMT+0700

Workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida removed Discovery's right-side orbital maneuvering system pod Friday and will move it to the Hazardous Maintenance facility today for processing. The shuttle is undergoing standard launch processing for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

The astronauts who will fly the mission are rehearsing in a simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for the rendezvous and docking at the station. The flight is targeted for launch in September.

Discovery OMS Pod Removal Under Way
Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:48:05 PM GMT+0700

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are removing the right-hand orbital maneuvering system pod from space shuttle Discovery as the shuttle moves through its processing schedule for STS-133. The OMS pod, which houses a large thruster and several smaller steering thrusters, will be taken to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility after it is taken off Discovery. The oxygen tank for the shuttle's Power Reactant Storage Distribution System is also being removed from Discovery as part of the processing. The PRSD provides reactants to the fuel cells during a flight to produce electricity.

The shuttle is targeted for launch Sept. 16 on the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

OMS Pod Removal Today, Crew Rehearses First Spacewalk
Thu, 03 Jun 2010 07:46:20 PM GMT+0700

Space shuttle Discovery's right-hand OMS pod will be taken off the spacecraft today inside Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod, one of two on the shuttle, will be trucked to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility on Friday. Technicians are continuing their detailed processing for Discovery ahead of the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Sept. 16.

The astronauts for the flight are rehearsing the first spacewalk in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab, a large pool near Johnson Space Center in Houston that lets spacewalkers practice for the weightless environment of space.

Discovery's OMS Pod Readied for Removal
Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:15:16 PM GMT+0700

Technicians are taking the final steps today before they remove the right-side orbital maneuvering system pod on space shuttle Discovery. The pod, including the OMS engine, will be removed Thursday. Shuttles have two OMS pods, each with an engine that produces about 6,000 pounds of thrust. The pods also house several smaller thrusters. The work is being done to prepare Discovery for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station.

The astronauts who will fly the mission are practicing spacewalking techniques in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Discovery Crew Practices Launch as Workers Prep Shuttle
Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:47:44 AM GMT+0700

The astronauts of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission are practicing launch and ascent in the motion-based simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston today. The simulator is an exact mock-up of the shuttle's flight deck and lets the crew rehearse the steps they will take at liftoff and during the climb into orbit. At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians are working on Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-3. They are to remove the shuttle's right-side orbital maneuvering system pod this week. The shuttle uses the two OMS pods in space and the engines also act as braking thrusters to slow the shuttle for entry and landing at the end of the mission.