Launch Pad Inspections Set For Saturday Following TCDT Conclusion Friday
KSC FL (SPX) Apr 04, 2011 Technicians and engineers on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will begin detailed inspections of space shuttle Endeavour and its external fuel tank Saturday afternoon. They'll look for any possible damage from severe storms that hit Kennedy on Wednesday and Thursday. Teams began an initial survey of the launch pad Friday, but weren't able to do a thorough inspection because the pad was being used for a full launch dress rehearsal for Endeavour's STS-134 mission called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). Endeavour's six astronauts successfully completed the simulated launch countdown and related safety training Friday afternoon and returned home to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Friday's initial pad inspection did not find anything obvious, other than the previously identified minor foam insulation damage on Endeavour's external tank that was caused by a strong storm on Wednesday. Teams will install platforms Saturday morning that will allow for close up surveys, which will provide data to engineering reviews to confirm there are no other issues. Endeavour is targeted to launch to the International Space Station on April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. Space Shuttle Mission: STS-134 The crew members for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission are Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori. During the 14-day mission, Endeavour will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for Dextre and micrometeoroid debris shields.
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Launch Training In Full Swing At Kennedy Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Mar 31, 2011 At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour's six astronauts and ground crews will begin training related to the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) today. The STS-134 crew will practice driving the M113, an armored personnel carrier. Technicians at Launch Pad 39A will continue closing out the spacecraft's aft section. The next media event will be a Q ... read more |
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