STS-124 enters the countdown to launch

[Steven]

Discovery's mission (STS-124) countdown is officially underway, as of 3:00 PM EDT.  Some of the things happening today are posted below, and an expanded version is posted on NASASpaceFlight's STS-124 Pre-Launch updates.  Here is the link to the STS-124 Launch Countdown Milestones page on NASA's site, and here's a link to the Space Shuttle Countdown Portal.

Launch-3 Days (Wednesday, May 28)

•Countdown begins at the T-43 hour mark (3 p.m.)
•Begin final vehicle and facility closeouts for launch
•Check out backup flight systems
•Configure avionics systems for launch
•Review flight software stored in mass memory units and display systems
•Verify backup flight system software in Discovery's general purpose computer


<sub>Not real sure I should post this, but I figure I might as well.  I'll also be covering the STS-124 mission in-depth on NASASpaceFlight as 'Ford Mustang'.  Be sure to check it out!

(If this thread shouldn't belong here, please delete it!)</sub>

[Cthulhus]

thanks for all the details and links!

[Steven]

We're currently L-1.  Lots of things to come today, including RSS Retraction, scheduled for 8:30 PM EDT, although we know it tends to run late. 

We are currently T-13 hours, 35 minutes, and counting.

Launch-1 Day (Friday, May 30)

-Resume countdown (3 a.m.)

-Begin filling pad sound suppression system water tank (3 a.m.)
-Main engine avionics, pneumatics and controller checkout (3 a.m.)
-Close out the tail service masts on the mobile launcher platform
-Pad sound suppression system water tank filling complete (6 a.m.)
-Begin star tracker functional checks (10:50 a.m.)

-Enter planned hold at T-11 hours for 13 hours, 37 minutes (11:00 a.m.)

-Activate the Shuttle's communications systems
-Move Rotating Service Structure to the park position (8:30 p.m.)
-Perform ascent switch list
-Fuel cell flow-through purge complete

[dembree]

Thanks! It will be a great mission.

[Twabi2]

Why do they launch during exams?!
They're doing this on purpose, now I will be watching NASA TV,
instead of studying how cancer works... How cruel can they be?

BTW, nice posts Steve, looking really good

-Toine

[Steven]

Why do they launch during exams?!
They're doing this on purpose, now I will be watching NASA TV,
instead of studying how cancer works... How cruel can they be?

BTW, nice posts Steve, looking really good

-Toine

Thanks. 

I've got exams too, LOL!  Anyways, I've done this before (during school), and it wasn't too hard.

[Steven]

RSS Retraction to PARK has started!

[Steven]

RSS Retraction to the PARK position has been completed!