Posted on 07/04/2006 5:39:41 AM PDT by KevinDavis
num lock ON!
spaceflightnow.com
1507 GMT (11:07 a.m. EDT)
Discovery's crew arrived at launch pad 39B at 12:18 p.m. The AstroVan came to a stop on the pad surface near the Fixed Service Structure tower elevator that will take the seven-person crew to the 195-foot level to begin boarding the shuttle.
spaceflightnow.com
1509 GMT (11:09 a.m. EDT)
The Discovery astronauts have ascended up to the 195-foot level of the tower.
Are they strapping on parachutes? What was that they put on the Commander's back?
How are the winds? 30 miles south of the cape it is blowing strong enough to send construction trash including crushed aluminum cans blowing down the street. That's at least a 4 on the Beaufort Scale - modreate breeze, 11-16 knots.
thanks for thread Kevin!
Over here 2/3s!!!!!
They may need air conditioning until they get plugged into ships systems.
All weather is 'go' as of last report.
Is that what they are putting on their backs?
This is SO cool!!!
spaceflightnow.com
1514 GMT (11:14 a.m. EDT)
As skipper of the spacecraft, commander Steve Lindsey is the first astronaut to board the shuttle. He is taking he forward-left seat on the flight deck.
Amazed me.Read the whole procedure.
http://ksnn.larc.nasa.gov/rtf/art_everybodyout.htm
I hear that, especially with all they're going through for the third time to get in place for the launch.
Fascinating as all getout to watch, though!
Talk about packing a load!
Here is a link to get some REALLY nice FREE software for tracking all orbital objects from the Shuttle, and ISS to spent boosters.
This software was/is used throughout NASA and has even flown on the ISS
It is similar to the BIG board at the NASA control room at JSC. It's simple to install, you could be up and running in a few min.
go Here for STSPLUS:
http://www.dransom.com/
They are calling it 'The closeout crew is helping him don other survival gear.' Sounds like they still have the bailout plan in case of ascent failure.
Walter Brennan did a song.
TIME EVENT 07/03/06 10:52 PM Fuel cell activation 11:42 PM Pad clear of non-essential personnel 11:42 PM MCC-Houston in launch comm configuration 07/04/06 12:12 AM Booster joint heater activation 01:57 AM Final fueling preps; launch area clear 02:42 AM Begin 2-hour built-in hold 02:52 AM Safe-and-arm PIC test 03:17 AM External tank ready for fueling 03:32 AM Mission management team tanking meeting 04:42 AM Resume countdown 04:42 AM LO2, LH2 transfer line chilldown 04:52 AM Main propulsion system chill down 04:52 AM LH2 slow fill 05:22 AM LO2 slow fill 05:27 AM Engine cutoff sensors go wet 05:32 AM LO2 fast fill 05:42 AM LH2 fast fill 06:57 AM LH2 topping 07:37 AM LH2 replenish 07:42 AM LO2 replenish 07:42 AM Begin 3-hour built-in hold 07:42 AM Closeout crew to white room 07:47 AM External tank in stable replenish mode 07:57 AM Astronaut support personnel comm checks 08:27 AM Pre-ingress switch reconfig 08:59 AM Crew photo opportunity 10:08 AM Crew weather briefing 10:08 AM Astronauts begin donning pressure suits 10:42 AM Resume countdown 10:48 AM Crew departs O&C building 11:17 AM Crew ingress 12:07 PM Astronaut comm checks 12:32 PM Hatch closure 01:07 PM White room closeout 01:22 PM Begin 10-minute built-in hold 01:24 PM NASA test director countdown briefing 01:32 PM Resume countdown 01:33 PM Backup flight computer to OPS 1 01:37 PM KSC area clear to launch 01:43 PM Begin final built-in hold 01:53 PM NTD launch status verification 02:28:55 PM Resume countdown 02:30:25 PM Orbiter access arm retraction 02:32:55 PM Launch window opens 02:32:55 PM Hydraulic power sy stem (APU) start 02:33:00 PM Terminate LO2 replenish 02:33:55 PM Purge sequence 4 hydraulic test 02:33:55 PM IMUs to inertial 02:34:00 PM Aerosurface profile 02:34:25 PM Main engine steering test 02:35:00 PM LO2 tank pressurization 02:35:20 PM Fuel cells to internal reactants 02:35:25 PM Clear caution-and-warning memory 02:35:55 PM Crew closes visors 02:35:58 PM LH2 tank pressurization 02:37:05 PM SRB joint heater deactivation 02:37:24 PM Shuttle GPCs take control of countdown 02:37:34 PM SRB steering test 02:37:48 PM Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds) 02:37:55 PM SRB ignition (LAUNCH)This status report will be updated after fueling begins or as conditions warrant.
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