Recent content by Orbinaut Pete

Very nice! :)

As for how the HRSGFs interface with the Trunk itself, I have no idea. I thought maybe they were bolted in place, but since they have to be removed robotically, perhaps there is some kind of electromechanical latch. But I'm just guessing here. You are correct that the two HRSGFs will be...

My latest NASASpaceflight article: ISS program working recovery plans following MBSU-1 installation failure Possible EVA-19 on Tuesday! :)

Oh. My. Word. That is all. :) More hi-res wide-angle photos here.

Thanks Don (love your Dragon addon too)! :)

I'm just waiting for the "Shenzhou 9 must have forced it to land with its space laser" type conspiracy theories. :lol:

No - instead the docking system/hatch will be moved off-center, and the window placed above it. You can just about see it in this image (window visible just below the docking system):

The requirement for two weeks habitation is because NASA determined this to be the time that it would take to reach certain destinations, using only Orion to get there. The requirement for Orion to work depressurised isn't necessarily to do with EVAs - Orion is designed to be able to return a...

Correct - two NASA Docking System (NDS) - which is a crossover of APAS and LIDS - adapters will be added to PMA-2 and PMA-3. PMA-2 will stay where it is at Node 2 Forward, while PMA-3 will move to Node 3 Nadir (which means the Cupola will move to Node 1 Nadir, which means the PMM will move to...

Well, the word "awesome" is thrown around a lot these days. However, in this case...... :thumbup:

Soyuz does it again! Gennady, you've returned too soon - it's like you never even left space! :lol:

I would be surprised if they get C2+ off the ground by then, never mind CRS-1! ;) Even if C2+ does get off the ground in May or June, I would expect CRS-1 to slip into late this year, if not next year, due to the need to work through/redesign/retest various anomalies. Besides, the busy ISS...

True, however Shuttle didn't suffer from some of the issues that the CRS vehicles do - for instance, Shuttle didn't have power generation issues in high beta periods, since it didn't have solar arrays. Plus, CRS vehicles will be much more frequent, since they will carry less cargo than Shuttle...

My personal opinion is that they will likely slip until after the Soyuz TMA-04M launch on the 15 and docking on the 17th - meaning NET 19th. If SpaceX launch on the 10th (and berth on the 13th), they will only have two days of margin in the schedule before both the Dragon and Soyuz flights will...

Note for next time: Use a bigger rubber band. :lol: