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On Orbit => Real NASA Space Shuttle Missions => Topic started by: Steven on May 29, 2008, 08:34:34 AM

Title: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Steven on May 29, 2008, 08:34:34 AM: 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 (http://www.nasaspaceflight). Here is the link to the STS-124 Launch Countdown Milestones (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/124_milestones.html) page on NASA's site, and here's a link to the Space Shuttle Countdown Portal (http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/cdt/).

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

_{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!)}
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Cthulhus on May 30, 2008, 05:04:08 PM: thanks for all the details and links!
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Steven on May 30, 2008, 06:24:34 PM: 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
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: dembree on May 30, 2008, 08:21:35 PM: Thanks! It will be a great mission.
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Twabi2 on May 31, 2008, 02:26:29 AM: 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
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Steven on May 31, 2008, 03:46:50 AM: Quote from: Twabi2 on May 31, 2008, 02:26:29 AM
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.
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Steven on May 31, 2008, 06:38:04 AM: RSS Retraction to PARK has started!
Title: Re: STS-124 enters the countdown to launch
Post by: Steven on May 31, 2008, 07:17:22 AM: RSS Retraction to the PARK position has been completed!

(http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4976/rss00050cu9.jpg)