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On Orbit => Real NASA Space Shuttle Missions => Topic started by: asterix on September 12, 2008, 10:49:57 PM

Title: STS125 Endeavour query
Post by: asterix on September 12, 2008, 10:49:57 PM

As Endeavour is "Standing By" as a rescue vehicle for Atlantis' forthcoming Hubble mission (STS125) I was wondering why after it is stood down, it will be moved from Pad 39B to Pad 39A for its own mission (STS126) instead of remaining on 39B. Any ideas fellow Simnauts  ???

Title: Re: STS125 Endeavour query
Post by: Moonwalker on September 12, 2008, 11:36:36 PM

NASA deactivated LC39B in January 2007 for regular Space Shuttle launches. The reason for this is its planned use for testing Ares I. Conversion of LC39B for Ares I has already begun (three lightning mast towers have been installed). The current use for a potential STS-125 rescue mission (STS-400) is the final use of 39B for a Space Shuttle launch. After STS-125 NASA will start to remove the Rotating Service Structure which will introduce the main renovation phase for Ares I and the final end of Space Shuttle launches from LC39B.

Since it is highly unlikely that STS-400 happens, we already can assume that we won't see any Space Shuttle launches from LC39B anymore.

Title: Re: STS125 Endeavour query
Post by: Chris Bergin on September 14, 2008, 08:46:25 AM

Couple of notes/clarifications.

The lightning towers are only 15 percent complete - and won't be finished for another year. The 600 ft monsters won't be ready until after Ares I-X launches (Spring, 09 - may be delayed) - which is why they will install a fourth lightning tower on to the top of the FSS:

(http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/get-attachment.asp?action-view&attachmentid=42316)

The RSS is no longer going to be removed until between 2013-2015, as due to the massive shortfall in CxP funding, they can't afford to remove it. It'll still be there even after the Ares I rollercoaster has been built (which is a massive project at 39B).

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5467

(http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/Images/Thumbnails/Thumbnailer.ashx?Img=library/1016/A1(200).JPG&W=213&H=170)

Not that it's mentioned, but the continuing assessment into extending the shuttle program into 2015 won't make any difference, as all launches (up to another 13) will be from 39A, should the decision move towards approving extension.

Title: Re: STS125 Endeavour query
Post by: Cthulhus on September 14, 2008, 02:22:30 PM

thanks for clarifications! Bye bye for the LC39B (For Space Shuttle uses)...

Title: Re: STS125 Endeavour query
Post by: asterix on September 14, 2008, 02:28:44 PM

Thanks guys, appreciated.   :)