STS-124, Kibo to the ISS Options

[Guest_Zvezdichko_*]

I saw a lot of debris falling away. Hope nothing struck the orbiter.

[mars loon]

beautiful launch

a small piece of foam did strike the underbelly of the shuttle shortly after SRB sep.

clearly visible via the camera on the ET.

did not appear to strike the RCC panels on the wing leading edge

this is likely after the period of much concern, but will be an area of close, detailed investigation during the crew inspection

[stevesliva]

this is likely after the period of much concern, but will be an area of close, detailed investigation during the crew inspection

Incidentally, they'll have to wait until they pick the boom system up at the station-- it wouldn't fit in the bay with Kibo. It's too bad there will likely be more concern on this launch.

[mars loon]

At a NASA press conference on going at this moment, Bill Gerstenmaier just said "the foam strike is not of much concern". But off course they will check it throughly after picking up the OBSS at the ISS, during the back flip, etc

[jmjawors]

TPS inspections are complete for today. They're having to make do without the OBSS (the sensor boom) for this inspection due to the size of Kibo.

Tomorrow we dock!

[Stu]

For those who missed Saturday's Discovery/ET flyover of Europe...

[Stu]

Discovery approaching ISS right now... gorgeous pix on NASA TV...

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/nasa/index.html

[alan]

I notice the solar panels are still aligned differently on opposite ends of the station.
Anyone know when that is planned to be fixed?

[jmjawors]

I notice the solar panels are still aligned differently on opposite ends of the station.
Anyone know when that is planned to be fixed?

This is done on purpose to protect the arrays from docking and undocking vehicles. The Russian vehicles have their arrays 'feathered' as well right now, as are some of the radiators.

The overall SARJ issue (the massive joint that rotates the starboard array) has not yet been resolved, though. There will be an attempt to clean the joint during this docked mission, and work will continue beyond that throughout the year.

[jmjawors]

Discovery is within 150 feet of docking. They are in an orbital night right now, but the features within the payload bay can be made out.

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[jmjawors]

Discovery has successfully docked to the ISS.

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[jmjawors]

And now with hatch opening the crews can finally come together.

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[jmjawors]

Today is the mission's first EVA. Tasks on hand:

• Release the straps from the Shuttle robotic arm elbow camera
• Transfer the OBSS from Station to Shuttle
• Inspect the starboard SARJ
• Reinstall trundle bearing assembly into the SARJ
• Demonstrate cleaning technique on SARJ
• Prepare Kibo for installation on Station

This EVA is scheduled to start in about an hour, and scheduled to last 6 1/2 hours.

[kspace]

Has anyone else seen this article?

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/08060...39a-damage.html

or seen anymore pictures of the damage?



Of all the launches I have seen I have never seen damage to the pad like this. Could it just be the aging pad or was it the fact they were taking the larges element to the station? Would they have needed more power at liftoff because of Kibo's weight?

[jmjawors]

They're trying to figure it out as we speak. The structure was old, initially built in the 60's. And Kibo is certainly a heavier payload, but not the heaviest payload even since return to flight.

But yeah, your assessment is pretty much the same as those close to the program. Never seen such damage before.

(edited to remove quote)