STS 131

faustod di http://www.forumastronautico.it/ ha scritto:Dopo la conclusione della missione STS-130 Endeavour, lo Space Shuttle Program della NASA si sta focalizzando sulla prossima missione in calendario.
Si tratta della STS-131 Discovery, che il 5 Aprile prenderà il via per la quartultima missione del programma.

Ieri la Discovery è stata trasferita dall'OPF-3 al VAB, dove nelle prossime ore verrà assemblata sullo stack composto dall'ET-135 e dagli SRB-BI-142/RSRM 110, nella High Bay-3.
Dopo le opportune verifiche del complesso, il rollout al Pad-39A verrà effettuato nei primissimi giorni di Marzo.

Il carico che Discovery porterà sulla ISS è costituito dal MPLM Leonardo e da una Light-weight Multipurpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC).
All'interno di Leonardo saranno stivati alcuni rack e apparecchiature varie, mentre sulla LMC sarà montata una Ammonia Tank Assembly.

L'equipaggio della missione sarà formato da sette elementi, il Comandante Alan Poindexter, il Pilota James Dutton, e i Mission Specialists Richard Mastracchio, Clayton Anderson, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger e la Giapponese Naoko Yamazaki.

La missione durarà 13 giorni, con l'esecuzione di tre EVA da parte di Mastracchio e Anderson.

La data originaria del decollo era il 18 Marzo, ma problemi con le basse temperature ambientali hanno fatto ritardare il rollover dello shuttle, inoltre si è dovuta fissare una data posteriore al lancio e successivo attracco della Soyuz TMA-18 previsti rispettivamente per il 2 ed il 4 Aprile.

Fonte: NASA
fonte in italiano: http://www.forumastronautico.it/index.php?topic=12708.0

Crew Updated Arrival to Kennedy
Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:00:31 -0600

Space shuttle Discovery's seven STS-131 astronauts will arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in shifts this afternoon to avoid inclement weather.
Crew members are expected to arrive at the SLF between 3:40 and 5:40 p.m. EST.
Live coverage will begin on NASA TV at approximately 6 p.m. on www.nasa.gov/ntv .

NASA NEWS ha scritto:Discovery at the Pad, Crew Continues Training
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:04:07 -0600

Just before midnight last night, space shuttle Discovery began its slow roll from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Riding aboard the crawler-transporter, the shuttle completed the 3.4-mile trip and was secured to the pad by 7 a.m. EST.

The seven astronauts for Discovery's STS-131 mission, who are at Kennedy for their launch countdown dress rehearsal this week, were on-hand for the beginning of the move. The crew will continue prelaunch training today.

STS-131 Oggi conferenza e briefing
Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:01:56 PM GMT 0100

Oggi al Johnson Space Center della NASA a Houston, gli astronauti della STS-131 condurranno una"integrated ascent simulation " prima di partecipare alla conferenza stampa pre-volo, in onda sul canale NASA TV alle 2 pm EST. Il Briefing di pre-lancio inoltre andrà in onda per tutta la giornata sul canale NASA TV, disponibile all'indirizzo : www.nasa.gov/ntv .

La preparazione dello shuttle Discovery continua nel "Launch Pad 39A" al NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, dove i tecnici oggi si preparano alla revisione del sistema ipergolico(hypergolic system)dello shuttle.

I preparativi della missione sono in piena attività
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:00:59 PM GMT 0100

I preparativi per la missione STS-131, la prossima missione diretta verso la Stazione Spaziale Internazionale, continuano oggi al NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, i tecnici stanno lavorando sullo shuttle Discovery al "Launch Pad 39A" per calibrare l'(IMU) l'unità di misura inerziale e testare la fotocamera che si trova sul serbatoio esterno del carburante .

Alla NASA Johnson Space Center di Houston, gli specialisti della missione Rick Mastracchio e Clayton Anderson stanno provando le procedure per la loro prima passeggiata spaziale della missione ,nel Neutral Buoyancy Lab. Il laboratorio, che somiglia ad una grande piscina, e che simula il più possibile sulla Terra le condizioni che vanno incontro agli astronauti quando lavorano in assenza di peso nello spazio.

Crew and Shuttle Preparations Continue
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:33:39 PM GMT+0100

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, technicians at Launch Pad 39A are loading space shuttle Discovery's solid rocket booster hydraulic power units with hydrazine in preparation for its targeted launch on April 5.

The STS-131 astronauts are reviewing docking and robotics systems manuals at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Commander Alan Poindexter and Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. will wrap up the day with a training run in the Shuttle Training Aircraft at the White Sands Space Harbor in Las Cruces, N.M.

Yesterday, Space Shuttle Program managers wrapped up their review of Discovery's readiness for flight. The meeting was a precursor to the agency's executive-level review on March 26, which will establish a firm launch date for this next mission to the International Space Station.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

RSS rollback, payload to the pad delayed at least 24 hours
Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:28:24 PM GMT+0100

Last night, while venting shuttle Discovery's aft fuel propellant tanks in preparation for fuel loading, the Right Reaction Control System (RRCS) fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank.

Troubleshooting overnight revealed at least one helium isolation valve that is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

Following a review meeting this morning, engineers have decided to complete Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) Reaction Control System fuel loading, Solid Rocket Booster Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) tilt system and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) hydrazine loads this weekend.

Engineers will meet again Monday morning to discuss options.

Currently, Rotating Service Structure (RSS) rotation will be delayed to no earlier than Tuesday, March 16; and payload delivery to the pad will be delayed to no earlier than Wednesday, March 17.

Launch still is targeted for April 5.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

STS-131 Discovery - In settimana test di tenuta dei circuiti di elio
Dopo la disfunzione evidenziata nei giorni scorsi, con una valvola a tenuta di elio che si è bloccata in posizione aperta, i dirigenti dello Space Shuttle Program hanno ordinato l'effettuazione di test di tenuta sui circuiti a valle della stessa, da effettuarsi in settimana.

La valvola incriminata è installata nel Pod destro OMS di Discovery e non può essere smontata o riparata con lo shuttle installato sul Pad 39-A.
CONTINUA QUA : http://www.forumastronautico.it/index.php?PHPSESSID=fdfp0hikrsuvduejkru4m8a641&topic=12856.msg134331#msg134331

Discovery's Helium System Test Preps Under Way
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:55:54 PM GMT+0100

On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will continue a second day of helium tank pressurization on space shuttle Discovery in preparation for the helium system regulator testing later in the week.

Program managers and engineers met yesterday to discuss options following an issue that occurred over the weekend while Discovery's aft fuel propellant tanks were being vented in preparation for fuel loading.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Launch Pad Prepares for Payload Arrival
Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:24:41 PM GMT+0100

Today on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will open the rotating service structure that surrounds space shuttle Discovery. The move is in preparation for the transfer of the canister containing the STS-131 payload, which is set to begin 12:01 a.m. EDT Friday. Once the canister reaches the pad, it will be hoisted into the payload changeout room. From there, the payload, which includes the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, will be installed into Discovery's payload bay on March 24.
CONTINUA: http://www.spaceweekly.com/?p=16690
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Discovery’s Launch Preparations Continue
http://www.spaceweekly.com/?p=17719

Flight Readiness Review Scheduled for Friday
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:36:49 PM GMT+0100

Tuesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers discussed data from tests performed last weekend on space shuttle Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. The decision was made to move forward with this Friday's agency-level Flight Readiness Review. At the conclusion of the review, managers will set the official launch date for the STS-131 mission, which is currently targeted for April 5.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Launch Preps in Final Stretch
Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:35:24 PM GMT+0100
Crews at Launch Pad 39A finished installing the STS-131 payload into space shuttle Discovery's cargo bay as launch preparations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reach the final stretch. Technicians are working to connect the necessary electrical connections today and closeout procedures on the vehicle's aft compartment are expected to be completed tomorrow.
Read more : http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Launch_Preps_In_Final_Stretch_999.html

Discovery Fit to Fly on April 5
Posted by STS 131 Mission Updates in Shuttle Update
NASA managers gave space shuttle Discovery the "go" for an April 5 launch date for the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. After an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting, there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.
Read more : http://www.spaceweekly.com/?p=18590
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Nasa, lancio Discovery il 5 aprile
Quart’ultima missione per lo Shuttle, Obama in Florida
http://www3.lastampa.it/scienza/sezioni/news/articolo/lstp/171052/

Discovery's Launch One Week Away
Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:12:22 GMT
Today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A are preparing space shuttle Discovery's reaction control system for pressurization of the main propulsion system for flight. The shuttle and crew are scheduled to liftoff April 5 at 6:21 a.m. EDT to begin the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station.
Read more: http://12nasa.blogspot.com/2010/03/discoverys-launch-one-week-away.html
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Discovery's Launch Moves Closer
Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:51:09 PM GMT+0200

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is undergoing final preparation for liftoff Monday at 6:21 a.m. EDT. Technicians at Launch Pad 39A are pressurizing the shuttle's reaction control system and main propulsion system for flight.

As they wrap up their final day at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-131 astronauts are preparing to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility tomorrow at about 7 a.m.
http://12nasa.blogspot.com/2010/03/discoverys-launch-moves-closer.html
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Countdown For Shuttle Discovery's STS-131 Launch Officially Begins
Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:07:17 AM GMT+0200
The countdown for space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 launch officially began at 3 a.m. EDT. A Countdown Status Briefing will be held on NASA TV at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 10 a.m.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

With Countdown Under Way, All is "Go"
http://www.spaceweekly.com/?p=19831
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html

Discovery 'Go' for Monday Morning Launch
The STS-131 crew will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module filled with science racks and perform three spacewalks at the orbital outpost, during its April mission.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

Discovery, domani lancio verso Iss
A bordo della navetta spaziale ci saranno quattro astronaute
http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/scienza/2010/04/04/visualizza_new.html_1759711402.html

Giornata storica sulla Iss
in orbita quattro donne
Per la prima volta quattro astronaute al lavoro contemporaneamente sulla stazione spaziale orbitante. Una è arrivata ieri con la Soyuz, altre tre partono oggi con il Discovery
http://www.repubblica.it/scienze/2010/04/05/news/spazio_quattro_donne-3132718/

T-9 Minutes and Holding
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:27:06 AM GMT+0200

We've entered the final built-in hold of today's launch countdown. This 45-minute hold is set to release at 6:12 a.m.

The length of the T-9 minute hold is typically adjusted slightly to target a precise launch time. International Space Station missions have a relatively short launch window because the shuttle is pursuing the orbiting station. The team is aiming for liftoff at 6:21 a.m.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html

Spazio: partito Shuttle Discovery
Portera' per prima volta 4 donne contemporaneamente in orbita
http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/scienza/2010/04/05/visualizza_new.html_1759741940.html