STS-130 Updates

[Kyle]

SOURCE OF ARTICLE: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/shuttle-fleet-processing-both-sides-united-states/

The first of five scheduled missions in 2010, Endeavour’s STS-130/20A flight will deliver and install the final US module to the ISS. This module, the Node-3 and adjoining Cupola unit, is currently undergoing processing for flight in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at KSC. Endeavour, processing in OPF-2, is deep into her STS-130 flow, following her return from the highly successful STS-127 mission which delivered the final piece in the Japanese jigsaw on Station.


“MPS (Main Propulsion System) flowliner inspections continue in work. Picking up with preps for FRCS (Forward Reaction Control System) installation,” noted a Standup level report overview of processing. “The FRCS will be coming up in the HMF (Hypergolic Maintenance Facility) this week; will install this coming Saturday.”


Endeavour’s flow was expanded on during the latest daily processing update, which listed no issues in work for the youngest orbiter in the fleet.
“Fuel Cell 2 R&R picked up on Monday and is continuing. The old fuel cell 2 has been removed from the orbiter and installed into its shipping container. MPS 12in flow liner inspections are continuing. Water Spray Boiler (WSB) checkout and servicing picked up Monday and is continuing.


“Window 7 removal was completed Monday and new window installation is in work. Hydrogen separator R&R began Tuesday. APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) leak checks and GN2 QD heater functional picked up Tuesday. LOMS engine GN2 relief valve functional is scheduled to pick up on second shift Tuesday. ROMS engine GN2 relief valve functional is planned for Wednesday.”

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Notice that the patch is in the shape of Cupola, which will be launched on STS-130.

I really like this one!

 

[Kyle]

ET-134 arrived at VAB.

 

[RisingFury]

Notice that the patch is in the shape of Cupola, which will be launched on STS-130.

I really like this one!

Yea! It's awesome!

 

[Arrowstar]

Window 7 removal was completed Monday and new window installation is in work.

They didn't like Microsoft's new operating system, either, huh?

Great images! The ET barge (does it have a name?) is a particular good shot, never seen it from that angle before. And, of course, nothing beats the VAB with shuttle hardware next to it. Should be a fun mission, can't wait!

 

[2552]

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/recovery_ships.html

It is called the Pegasus Barge.

 

[Kyle]

Now that STS-129's mission is complete, STS-130's up next!
SRB's and ET-134 mated. Also possible STS-130 might slip to the 6th of February instead of the 4th due to conflicts with a Progress.
Looking at Endeavours rollover to the VAB around the 12th of December.

Article from NSF.com
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/11/sts-129-final-eva-sts-130-etsrb-mate/

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Now I'm REALLY looking forward to this flight!

I found this fantastic image of Node 3's interior at the ESA website yesterday.

Hi-res: http://www.esa.int/images/Europes_node3_cupola_delivered_to_nasa_003.jpg

Also, ESA's Node 3/Cupola info kit is very informative for anyone wanting to learn about Node 3, Cupola, or the STS-130 flight in general.
http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/ISS/ESA_Node_3_cupola_Infokit.pdf (PDF, 2.9 MB).

 

[Kyle]

Endeavour to rollover to the VAB tomorrow.

 

[DaveS]

Just noticed little item on the NASA TV live events listing for tomorrow:

December 11, Friday
1 p.m. - Rollover of Space Shuttle Endeavor to Vehicle Assembly Building – KSC (Public and Media Channels)

 

[DaveS]

Endeavour has arrived inside the VAB following it's rollover from OPF-2.

 

[Kyle]

View of Node 3 + Cupola

 

[Kyle]

Rollout tomorrow morning at 4 AM to LC-39A for Endeavour.
The cold weather shouldn't be a problem, even though at KSC it will get down below freezing tonight. As long as it isn't on launch day.

 

[Star Voyager]

Here's the MSC:

http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts130/status.html

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Endeavour is now at LC-39A! :thumbup:

Some high-res images of the rollout are available in the KSC STS-130 Media Gallery:

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=186

 

[Kyle]

Mods, could we remove the STS-129 pin and replace it with this? Thanks.

 

[Star Voyager]

More good photos of the rollout:

http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts130/100106rollout/

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Bad news people - potential shortened STS-130 mission with minimal Node 3 activation, or potential swapover of STS-130 & STS-131.

STS-130 may be postponed as Node 3 problem threatens mission swap:
www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/01/sts-130-may-postponed-node-3-threatens-swap

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Update

There is now high confidence among NASA Management that the Node 3 hose rupture problem will be solved in time for a Feb. 7 launch, which means that STS-130 will likely fly a full duration mission. :thumbup:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/01/tiger-team-positive-hose-solution-options-sts-130-on-track/


Node 3 has now been transferred to the payload canister in the SSPF. The payload canister is due to be taken out to LC-39A in the coming days.
Some real nice hi-res images of the transfer can be found in the KSC STS-130 Media Gallery.

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=186

 

[DaveS]

Node 3 has now been transferred to the payload canister in the SSPF. The payload canister is due to be taken out to LC-39A in the coming days

This is dependent upon the completion of S00024 Prelaunch Propellant Loading operations which is currently planned for NET Thursday. S00024 requires pad and BDA clear due to the toxic nature of the propellants involved.
Then they need to make the necessary preparations to rotate the RSS back out to the PARK position so that the payload made be loaded into the PCR.