Potential Delay In Shuttle Schedule

Endeavour test date set; knob jammed in Atlantis, SpaceflightNow.com

"While the knurled knob is pressing against the pane in two locations, it's not yet clear whether the glass has suffered any measurable damage. But access is tight and engineers considering removal options must make sure they don't inadvertently damage the glass. Replacing a pressure pane, one official said, could take months because part of the cockpit instrumentation would have to be moved or disconnected to provide clearance."

Today's Video: NASA Shuttle-derived Sidemount Heavy Launch Vehicle Concept

Keith's note: This video depicting NASA's Shuttle-derived Sidemount Heavy Launch Vehicle concept was shown at the 17 June 2009 meeting of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee in Washington DC by NASA Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon.

Video below

Imagining News

Could NASA Workers Be Sabotaging Shuttles?, WESH

"NASA is taking a new approach to catch any rogue employees in the act of possibly sabotaging space shuttles. No one suspects any intentional damage to the shuttle Endeavour at the launch pad, where workers Wednesday night were just getting access after the morning's scrub. But NASA is investigating whether someone would damage the shuttle's fuel lines on purpose to possibly cause a delay that would, in turn, delay upcoming layoffs. The horror of the Challenger accident shows in the faces in Mission Control. The pieces of Columbia reflect space disaster. NASA has known much tragedy, but none of it is traceable to sabotage."

Keith's note: Gee, what a misleading headline from WESH. The article is about some studies NASA is doing to see if sabotage "might" be an issue using words such as "would", "if" etc. The headline asks if sabotage is happening - with no proof (that I can see) to even hint that such a thing has happened and/or that NASA is investigating actual events as suspected sabotage at this attempt. Alas, word has it that this all arose from a reporter's hypothetical question to Leroy Cain at a post-scrub press event. And now the media is creating a story out of thin air. Watch as other reporters create stories based on other reporter's stories ... And the media wonders why some folks at NASA do not take the press seriously? Stay tuned.

Some Stories are too Good to Check Out..., Miles O'Brien

"We all know every reporter worth his notebook wants to score a scoop - a big "exclusive" that will make him a newsroom hero - but sometimes the pressure to produce will lead a good scribe down a dark alley. This item from WESH-TV in Orlando is a good example of how a rumor mixed with a hunch leads to some pointed, loaded questions, which in turn prompts some unclear, easily-misconstrued answers. Voila - an Action News Sensation! Too bad it is not "sweeps" month..."

STS-127 Scrubbed Due To Fuel Leak

Fuel Leak Again Postpones Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour

"NASA postponed the launch of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission Wednesday because of a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the shuttle's external fuel tank. Endeavour's next launch opportunity is July 11. This date comes after the end of an orbital sun-angle condition called a beta angle cut-out, which occurs between June 22 and July 10. The cut-out creates a thermal condition that prohibits shuttle and space station docked operations. The gaseous hydrogen venting system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad. Wednesday's leak is similar to one that prevented Endeavour's launch on June 13."

@apacheman "Once again, the best thing about launch scrub is left over VIP food. http://twitpic.com/7lzli" [photo]

LRO Lets Shuttle Take 17 June Launch Opportunity

Keith's note: According to a NASA press conference, LRO has given up its 17 June launch date to STS-127. If shuttle scrubs before midnight on 16 June then a 18 June launch is still possible for LRO.

STS-127 Update

Shuttle Teams Make Leak Repairs, Consider Launch Options

"NASA managers will make a final decision by Monday afternoon about whether to launch space shuttle Endeavour on Wednesday, June 17 or wait until later in the week. ... Managers met Sunday afternoon to evaluate how repairs are going and assess when Endeavour's next launch attempt will be. The earliest the shuttle could be ready for liftoff is June 17, however there is a conflict on that date with the scheduled launch of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter/Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla."

STS-127 Launch Scrubbed Due To Hydrogen Leak

Gaseous Hydrogen Leak Postpones Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch

"A gaseous hydrogen leak on a vent line for space shuttle Endeavour is postponing this morning's launch. The official scrub time was 12:26 a.m. EDT. Launch teams began draining Endeavour's external fuel tank of its liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen at 12:06 a.m. Fueling was halted after the leak was detected near the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, or GUCP, which attached to the external tank at its intertank area. The line leads from the GUCP back to the launch pad and to the "flare stack" where vented gaseous hydrogen is burned off. The leak is similar to what happened during the first launch attempt of space shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission in March."

Fifth STS-125 Spacewalk Under Way

"Grunsfeld is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes. Feustel is wearing an all white spacesuit.

For this spacewalk, the astronauts will begin with some setup tasks and then move to install the second battery group replacement in an equipment bay above the Wide Field Camera 2 and next to the compartment where the first battery set was installed on the second spacewalk of the flight."

More reports

STS-125 Mission Update - Radiator Crack Observed

STS-125 Mission Update - April 28 2009, NASA

"On NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, radiator dents, caused by a falling socket in Atlantis' payload bay during payload installation operations last week, were photographed yesterday and a crack was observed. During an inspection last week, personnel noted a crease, but did not observe a crack in the dented radiator panel. Managers and engineers are reviewing the data and evaluating the repair options that may include adding a doubler or stop drilling to prevent the crack from spreading. Any repair necessary is not expected to delay the targeted May 11 launch."

Last Chance Photo Op

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Holds Unique Media Event, NASA KSC

"Following rollout of space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B on Friday, April 17, two shuttles will be on the launch pads at the same time at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., for what is expected to be the last time. "

Shuttle Shutdown Coming

Countdown to shuttle's end resumes, Orlando Sentinel

"A top NASA official said Monday that the agency plans to resume shutting down the space-shuttle program next month despite calls from Florida lawmakers to fly the orbiter beyond its planned retirement in 2010.

Congress barred NASA last year from taking any steps that would prevent shuttle flights beyond 2010. But that ban expires April 30, and NASA Associate Administrator Bill Gerstenmaier said the agency must begin dismantling the program or risk running out of money before the shuttle completes its final eight or nine flights into low-Earth orbit."

Astro Twitter

NASA Astronaut Tweets Provide Inside Look at Mission Training

"NASA astronaut Mike Massimino is using Twitter to provide a unique, behind the scenes peek at the last weeks of his training for the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope."

Extend Shuttle- Close The Gap

Posey Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Close the Space Gap

"Specifically the American Space Access Act extends the life of the space shuttle until either NASA's next generation space system, Constellation, comes online or a domestic supplier is certified by NASA as capable of taking humans into space and docking with the space station. The bill also calls for bringing the Constellation program online earlier and authorizes the funds that are necessary for both of these activities. Rep. Posey said his legislation limits the upgrades performed on the shuttle to safety upgrades to reduce costs."

Funding Shuttle and Ares Simultaneously

No to shuttle extension if move would delay Ares, Huntsville Times

"Flying the shuttle while continuing the Ares development is likely to create budget conflicts with the space agency's future rounds of funding, said Keith Cowing, who runs the space agency watchdog Web site NASAWatch.com. "There's two schools of thought on extending the space shuttle," he said. "One is that is would be a way to close the looming gap, but there are people who fly the shuttle and who work on the program that feel that it is time to retire the shuttle because it is not safe to fly. "If there's money across the budget years to fly shuttle and develop Ares, then it is possible," said Cowing. "If the money goes away, then it's impossible."

Shuttle Retirement Date Starts To Move To The Right

Senate budget panel: Shuttle can fly another year

"A $2.5 billion spending provision that would allow NASA to fly the space shuttle well beyond its scheduled retirement next year cleared a major legislative hurdle today, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. The provision, requested by Nelson, was included in the broader five-year spending plan that passed the Senate Budget Committee. The shuttle is scheduled to be retired in the fall of next year, and President Barack Obama's recently submitted budget plan provides only enough money for nine flights by the end of 2010. But Nelson has argued there should be no hard-and-fast deadline for launching those flights or mothballing the shuttle; and, that finishing all the shuttle's work safely should come first."

Space Shuttle Discovery Returns Home

NASA STS-119 Report #27 2:30 p.m. CST Saturday, March 28, 2009

"After boosting the International Space Station to full power, the seven member crew of Discovery returned to Earth today, threading the weather needle for a landing at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Mission managers waved off the first landing opportunity due to gusty winds and clouds at the Shuttle Landing Facility, but took advantage of improved conditions to land on the second opportunity at 2:14 p.m. CDT Saturday. Discovery's main landing gear touched down at 2:13:17 p.m., followed by the nose gear at 2:13:40 p.m. The shuttle's wheels stopped at 2:14:45 p.m., bringing the mission's elapsed time to 12 days, 19 hours, 29 minutes, 33 seconds. Discovery traveled 5,304,140 miles during its journey."

Discovery is Go for Second Landing Opportunity

According to PAO "Mission Control has given space shuttle Discovery a "go" for the deorbit burn. The burn lasts three to four minutes, slowing Discovery enough to begin its descent. The deorbit burn will occur at 2:08 p.m. EDT, leading to a 3:14 p.m. landing at Kennedy Space Center, Fla."

Hints of A Shuttle Extension Appear

US Senate budget panel tells Obama not to get too attached to 2010 shuttle retirement date, Orlando Sentinel

"... [A] fixed retirement date could create dangerous scheduling pressures," notes the Senate Budget committee resolution, which outlines Congress' spending priorities but has little effect on the actual spending, as congressional appropriations committees are responsible for doling out dollars. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, took credit for inserting the language as he sits on the budget committee and wants to limit the time between the space shuttle's retirement and the first launch of its replacement, now slated for 2015."

Talking To The White House From Space

Remarks by The President With The Crew of the Space Shuttle and Space Station (Transcript) 24 March 2009

"THE PRESIDENT: Well, obviously we're really proud about the extraordinary work that our American astronauts are doing. You are representative of the dedication and sense of adventure and discovery that we're so proud of. But one of the things that's wonderful about this is that it is an international space station. And I know that we have our Japanese and Russian counterparts on board, as well. We'd love to say hello to them -- and hope that this is an example of the kind of spirit of cooperation that we can apply not just in space but here on the ground, as well."

Today's Video: Presidential Phone Call to the ISS

Editor's note: President Obama called the shuttle and ISS crews this morning at 9:49 a.m. EDT. The President was joined by Acting NASA Administrator Scolese, members of Congress, and children from local schools.

Video (via Collectspace.com) Below

No Mission Madness Brackets for Shuttle and Station Crews

Editor's note: There is a link on the cover page of the STS-119 FD 08 Execute Package that says "NCAA Basketball Championship Brackets, Second Round (pdf - Electronic Only)" The FD09 Execute Package refers to "NCAA Basketball Championship Brackets, Weekend Wrap-up (pdf - Electronic Only)" - both links are inside the JSC firewall.

Hmmm ... why can't NASA publish this? Moreover, why are they NOT sending NASA Mission Madness brackets up to the crew? Inquiring minds want to know.

ISS Docking completed

Hatches Opened Between Space Station and Shuttle Discovery at 7:09 p.m. EDT

"At about 7:30 p.m., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Astronaut Wakata will become a member of the station's Expedition 18 crew and Sandra Magnus will become a member of Discovery's crew. Magnus will have been a space station crew member for 121 days."

Editor's note: According to NASA PAO: "At 5:19:53: p.m. EDT, Space shuttle Discovery docked to the Pressurized Mating Adaptor on the front of the International Space Station's Harmony module. Docking occurred over Lake Wells, western Australia. Hatches between Discovery and the station will be opened at about 7 p.m., followed by the traditional welcoming ceremony."

STS-119 Update

NASA's Shuttle Discovery Launches to Fully Power Space Station
 
"Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 7:43 p.m. EDT Sunday to deliver the final set of power-generating solar array wings and a new crew member to the International Space Station. Discovery's STS-119 flight is carrying the space station's fourth and final set of solar array wings, completing the station's truss, or backbone. The arrays will provide the electricity to fully power science experiments and support the station's expanded crew of six in May. The 13-day mission will feature three spacewalks to help install the S6 truss segment to the starboard, or right, side of the station and deploy its solar arrays. The flight also will replace a failed unit for a system that converts urine to potable water."

Editor's note: Make certain to watch the Live shuttle launch webcast with Miles O'Brien, Leroy Chiao, and David Waters, starting at 3 pm EDT, at Spaceflightnow.com

STS-119 Launch Update

NASA Sets Saturday Briefing for Discovery's STS-119 Mission

"NASA managers will hold a prelaunch news conference no earlier than 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday, March 14, to discuss the status of space shuttle Discovery's mission to the International Space Station. The briefing will air live on NASA Television and the agency Web site. Launch is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. on Sunday. Saturday's news conference will follow the conclusion of a NASA mission management team meeting that starts at 1 p.m."

Space Shuttle Discovery Repair Work Proceeds - Weather Forecast is Good

"Repairs are under way on the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) interface, where gaseous hydrogen leaked during Wednesday's launch attempt."

STS-119 Update

NASA Shuttle Launch Targeted for No Earlier Than March 15

"Space shuttle Discovery's launch to the International Space Station now is targeted for no earlier than March 15. NASA managers postponed Wednesday's planned liftoff due to a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad. Liftoff on March 15 would be at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The exact launch date is dependent on the work necessary to repair the problem. Managers will meet Thursday at 4 p.m. to further assess the troubleshooting plan. Discovery's STS-119 flight is delivering the space station's fourth and final set of solar array wings, completing the station's truss, or backbone."

Gas Leak Postpones Space Shuttle Launch, AP via NPR

"NASA has until Monday to send Discovery to the space station, otherwise the flight will have to be put off until April. That's because a Russian Soyuz rocket is slated to blast off in two weeks, on a higher priority mission, with a fresh space station crew. Discovery's liftoff originally was targeted for mid-February, but concern about the shuttle's three hydrogen gas valves resulted in four delays."

Another Way to Cover Launches

Spaceflight Now to host live launch broadcast

"Spaceflight Now is excited to be joining forces with veteran space broadcasters Miles O'Brien and David Waters to provide unrivaled video coverage of space shuttle Discovery's next mission, scheduled for launch on Wednesday, March 11."

Editor's note: Mission managers just gave a "go" to fuel space shuttle Discovery's external tank. Weather is 95 percent "go" for tonight's 9:20 EDT launch.

Editor's note: From @milesobrien: "We want to take your questions during our webcast starting @ 4:30pm. For Twitter, direct message @milesobrien". Keep an eye on this webcast and the Twittering. Miles O'Brien and I will soon be doing something very similar from Everest Base Camp.

Editor's note: Have a look at this Shutttle pad photo, by Bill Ingalls, NASA HQ. This photo is also featured on the White House website.

Editor's Update: The STS-119 launch was scrubbed at 2:37 p.m. due to a hydrogen leak in a Liquid Hydrogen vent line between the shuttle and the external tank. The launch team is currently beginning the process of draining the external fuel tank. Next launch attempt tomorrow at 8:54 p.m. EDT.

Looking Ahead to a Post-Shuttle Space Coast

Retiring shuttle may doom 38,200 Space Coast jobs, Orlando Sentinel

"Shuttle Discovery is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center at about 9:20 tonight, leaving only eight more scheduled missions before NASA retires the fleet in 2010 -- and devastates the Space Coast economy. Figures released by NASA this week predict the retirement of the shuttle will result in the loss of at least 3,500 jobs at KSC. Some industry officials say the number could be as high as 10,000. The best-case scenario would result in the loss of about 9,870 other jobs in the surrounding community; the worst-case number is 28,200. But the one Floridian in Washington who has the most stature and clout to fight to keep that from happening -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat who once flew aboard the shuttle -- has been able to do little to prevent the looming economic disaster."

Photo: Waiting To Fly

Editor's note: Have a look at this Shutttle pad photo, by Bill Ingalls, NASA HQ.

STS-119 Update

Editor's note: There is a news conference targeted for 2:30 p.m. EST where NASA managers will announce space shuttle Discovery's offical launch date.

Editor's update: Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center March 11 @9:20 p.m.EDT. NASA managers set the official launch date today.

Green Light for STS-119

NASA agrees to Wednesday shuttle launch, Houston Chronicle

"NASA's shuttle managers decided Wednesday to launch the space shuttle Discovery next Wednesday for a two-week mission to the International Space Station. The decision to fly was reached after the managers spent most of the day studying engineering tests and computer simulations involving a critical fuel valve that cracked on a flight in November. Top space agency officials will meet Friday to review the decision."

NASA officially moves up Discovery's launch date, SpaceflightNow

"Shuttle managers met today to review tests and inspections of suspect hydrogen flow control valves and agreed enough progress had been made to justify another flight readiness review Friday and a March 11 target launch date for the shuttle Discovery's delayed space station assembly mission."

STS-119 NET 12 March

Space Shuttle Program Completes New Plan For Next Launch

"NASA's Space Shuttle Program has established a plan that could support shuttle Discovery's launch to the International Space Station, tentatively targeted for March 12. An exact target launch date will be determined as work progresses with the shuttle's three gaseous hydrogen flow control valves. The Space Shuttle Program will hold a meeting March 4 to review new data and assess ongoing work.

Managers then will determine whether to move forward with a flight readiness review March 6."

Another Launch Delay for STS-119

NASA Defers Setting Next Shuttle Launch Date

"During a thorough review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight, NASA managers decided Friday that more data and possible testing are required before launching the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Engineering teams have been working to identify what caused damage to a flow control valve on shuttle Endeavour during its November 2008 flight. "We need to complete more work to have a better understanding before flying," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington who chaired Friday's Flight Readiness Review. "We were not driven by schedule pressure and did the right thing. When we fly, we want to do so with full confidence."

Shuttle-C

Editor's note: Copies of the Shuttle-C Users Conference Executive Summary have been making the rounds at NASA. This is certain to upset all of the DIRECT fan boys out there ...

STS-119 Update

NASA Sets Feb. 20 News Conference to Discuss Next Space Shuttle Mission

"NASA will hold a news conference Friday, Feb. 20, following a review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight and an assessment of shuttle flow control valve testing. An official launch date for the STS-119 mission has not been set, but for planning purposes, liftoff now is targeted for no earlier than Feb. 27. The new planning date is not expected to affect the launch dates for missions that will follow Discovery's flight, STS-125 to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and STS-127 to the International Space Station."

NASA retargets Discovery launch for February 27, Reuters

"Initially slated for launch this week, NASA wanted more time to review analysis and test results of potentially troublesome valves needed to keep the shuttle's fuel tank properly pressurized during the 8.5-minute ride into space."

AMS Confirmed on STS-134?

MS in orbit within 2010: the antimatter-hunting becomes reality, AvioNews

"Rome, Italy - NASA makes official the flight of shuttle that will transport on ISS the instrument for this study. (WAPA) - The antimatter-hunting becomes reality. NASA has officially scheduled for September 16th, 2010, the mission Shuttle STS-134, that will transport on the International Space Station (ISS) the AMS (Anti-Matter Spectrometer), the European ambitious lab for the particle physics, carried out with an important contribute by Italy."

Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, CERN

Project Plan for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) JSC 27296 (Revision E) July 19, 2007, 728 K PDF

Shuttle Slip Update - Update

NASA Continues Assessment of the Next Shuttle Mission

"Because of an ongoing review of the space shuttle's flow control valves, NASA managers are rescheduling meetings next week to assess the launch readiness of shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. The Space Shuttle Program will hold a meeting Feb. 13 to review data and determine whether to move forward with a flight readiness review on Feb. 18. The official launch date will be set at the readiness review, but for planning purposes launch now is no earlier than Feb. 22."

Shuttle Discovery launch now no earlier than Feb. 22, Orlando Sentinel

"Just in from NASA: The launch of space shuttle Discovery to the international space station has been delayed at least three more days and is now scheduled to lift off from Kennedy Space Center on Feb 22. at the earliest."

John Shannon Is "Insufferable" and "Smothers Astronauts"

Annoying Stickler Insists On Every Detail Of Space Mission Being Exactly Right, The Onion

"Moments after having their shuttle launch delayed, Discovery astronauts complained once again Monday about John Shannon--that annoying little program manager who insists on every detail of every space mission being exactly right. Shannon, who is reportedly always double-checking launch parameters for no good reason, and sticking his nose into parts of the spacecraft that have always worked just fine, delayed the NASA flight for the third time this past month. ... The insufferable perfectionist's fixation goes beyond ship maintenance and safety, however. In the past six months, Shannon has totally smothered Discovery astronauts, forcing them to complete endless navigation simulations, practice sea survival techniques despite the lack of water in space, and train for all kinds of hypothetical emergency evacuations, the vast majority of which will never even happen."

STS-119 Launch Slips A Week

Shuttle Discovery Launch Now No Earlier Than Feb. 19

"During a review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight, NASA managers decided Tuesday to plan a launch no earlier than Feb. 19. The new planning date is pending additional analysis and particle impact testing associated with a flow control valve in the shuttle's main engines. Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station originally had been targeted for Feb. 12. The valve is one of three that channels gaseous hydrogen from the engines to the external fuel tank. One of these valves in shuttle Endeavour was found to be damaged after its mission in November. As a precaution, Discovery's valves were removed, inspected and reinstalled."

A Moment at Arlington

Remembering Apollo 1, Columbia, and Challenger at Arlington, OnOrbit

"NASA Acting Administrator Christopher Scolese, left, and other NASA senior leaders participate in a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreathes were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)"

Message from the President on NASA's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 29, 2009

"The arrival of a new year reminds us that life is a journey, one that takes us on many unexpected paths. NASA's role is to pioneer journeys into the unknown for the benefit of humanity. Along the way, we sometimes experience tragedy instead of triumph.

President Barack Obama"

Amending The Stimulus For Shuttle?

Florida lawmaker wants to add $2B for NASA, Orlando Sentinel

"The Florida lawmaker who represents Kennedy Space Center plans to file an amendment to the economic stimulus plan on Tuesday that would add $2 billion to NASA's budget so that NASA can extend the shuttle era and more quickly build its new moon rocket."

Looking Back and Looking Forward

NASA probe digs deeply into Columbia tragedy, Houston Chronicle

"On the final Thursday of each January, the American flag is carefully lowered to half staff at the Johnson Space Center in tribute to 17 astronauts who have died in searing national tragedies. A solemn ceremony commemorates the three Apollo 1 fliers who were killed in a launch-pad fire in 1967, the seven Challenger astronauts who died in an explosion seconds after launch in 1986, and the seven Columbia crew members who perished when the space shuttle shattered over Texas in 2003. It was the loss of the Columbia, though, that moved senior space agency officials to ask for the unprecedented: a second-by-second examination of the shuttle's final moments."

The Economist Still Hates To See Humans in Space

Why NASA should give up its ambitions to send men into space, Economist

"The possibility of life on Mars is too thrilling for mankind to ignore. But how should we explore such questions--with men, or machines? Since America is the biggest spender in space, its approach will heavily influence the world's. George Bush's administration strongly supported manned exploration, but the new administration is likely to have different priorities--and so it should."

Hubble/Ares Pad Dance Continues

NASA Internal Email: STS-125 Launch Date and Pad 39B Mods

"Our current plans remain the baseline..... 125 flies first, and we continue to press for 5/12. November is off the table..... 127 plans for June 13

March 15th we tag up again to assess the ARES progress, the status of the Pad B Mods and analysis that is OK to launch 400 off Pad B, and to re-look at the single vs Dual Pad risk data per the request from Gerst for some addition cases. The single vs dual decision does not have to be made till the March 15th tagup. We can then decide whether HST flies May 12 (dual Pad) or May 29th (single pad)"

NASA OIG on Shuttle H2 Sensors

Final Memorandum on the Review of the Space Shuttle Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tank Sensors, NASA OIG

"We found that the Project Office initiated appropriate actions to identify and resolve LH2 sensor nonconformance issues by reviewing manufacturing and testing processes. As a result, the Project Office recommended that modifications be made to the supplier's manufacturing process and to the contractor's acceptance testing processes. In addition, we found that because of the Project Office's review, the contractor implemented a detailed inventory control measure that segregated the sensors into two inventories--Flight Ready inventory and 74L4-2 Parts inventory."

Difference of Opinion Over Safety of Shuttles

NASA begins to contemplate life without Mike , Orlando Sentinel

"Griffin opposes efforts to rethink his rocket designs or keep the shuttle flying beyond its planned 2010 retirement date. He has said that continuing to fly the shuttle is not only expensive but also unsafe for astronauts, citing a 1-in-8 chance of losing a shuttle every 10 flights. Shannon, however, distanced himself from some of Griffin's views, saying that he told Obama transition team members that the shuttle could be flown safely without risking astronaut lives for a "limited period of time."

$3 billion Per Year To Keep Shuttles Flying

NASA: Keeping shuttle costs $3 billion yearly, AP

"The cost of continuing the life of the space shuttle past next year's planned retirement is $3 billion a year plus extending the risk of a deadly accident, NASA's chief said Thursday. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin told an industry group that NASA has looked into what it would take to keep flying the aging shuttle past 2010. Otherwise, it will mean five years of relying on Russia to get astronauts to the international space station."

Shuttles Are Not Forever

Beyond the Shuttle, Government Executive

"As NASA makes another giant leap, the agency must shift its workforce to a new mission while safely finishing out the old one. ...The Constellation program will shift the focus of NASA's workforce, which has been largely on operating spacecraft, to a recurring cycle of development and operations. That cycle ranges from safely flying out the space shuttle manifest and completing assembly of the International Space Station to developing systems and preparing them for flight by 2015."

Being PC at MOD

NASA Internal Memo: Happy Thanksgiving MOD

"... the obvious and publicized successes of a rapid fire Shuttle flight give us a good opportunity to stop and take inventory of our achievements. That does not diminish the huge effort required to keep ISS operations moving every day, and to make it look easy. Likewise, it does nothing to suggest the much larger plan/train/fly and facilities work MOD musters every day is less important than Shuttle flight. But like a holiday, reaching a milestone like the end of a joint Shuttle-ISS mission is a reminder to all of us to look up from our work and be proud of everything we've done for MOD and the cause, manned space flight*.

* Note: For those who prefer, feel free to substitute human, peopled, inhabited, crewed or progress even further to sentient or corporeal space flight. Try to resist the urge to send me an e-mail about it though."

Repugnant Behavior on the Part of One NASA Employee

Editor's 30 Dec note: There is a post regarding the release date of the Columbia report on the blog Rocketsandsuch read by folks in and around NASA written by an unhappy employee at NASA that claims "One spokesperson said it was released now to keep the crew's children from having to deal with questions from their classmates the following morning. Don't believe that for a minute. No, today's release was another piece of the duplicitous campaign for the Emperor to keep his job. ... This man knows no bounds, using seven dead crew as a lever for advancing his own career."

I submitted the following comment which as yet to be posted:

"Your statement regarding the choice of release date is wholly and demonstrably false. It was chosen for precisely the reason given. I have that on sterling, irrefutable, personal authority. To make such a statement is reprehensible, plain and simple. As for the rest of Griffin's campaign to keep his job, that is a different story. But for you to drag the concerns of the families of the Columbia crew in on this complaint about Griffin's activities so as to score a cheap and knowingly false point - and to do so anonymously at that - is cowardly and beyond repugnant. You should be ashamed of yourself. The decent thing for you to do would be to post a written apology immediately."

I simply cannot fathom how Mike Griffin could ever be a party to something as repugnant as this anonymous poster claims. Period.

Editor's 1 Jan note: The editor of Rocketsandsuch blog posted 8 comments - but not mine. So much for tolerance of different opinions on that site. Keep that in mind when you read it.

Columbia Report Telecon Notes

NASA Report Reviews Crew Safety Measures During Columbia Accident, Recommends Improvements

"A media teleconference will be held at 3 p.m. CST Tuesday to discuss the report. To participate, reporters must contact NASA's Johnson Space Center newsroom at 281-483-5111 no later than 2 p.m. Space may be limited. Audio of the teleconference will be streamed live at: http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio"

Notes:

After the CAIB, Bill Parsons and Wayne Hale were informed that a lot of information was available that could be used to improve crew survival on future spacecraft. They asked a team to develop an NTSB-like report in this regard.

Report took as long as it needed to. Recommendations cover a broad array of subjects. Hale calls upon spacecraft designers around the world to read this report and implement its findings.

The accident was ultimately not survivable.

Why did report take so long to come out? Hale: we did not set an arbitrary timeline. We wanted to make sure to get a thorough report.

Melroy: Have had seat design discussions with Orion. They have embraced findings of the report - working toward a better suit/seat design that is better integrated with the spacecraft.

Hale: Team started work in Fall of 2004. This is the last word on this.

Melroy: Learning the lessons of Columbia was a way for all of us to work through our grief. That was something that NASA is really good at - wringing every piece of data out of things that we do - right and wrong. This was one of the hardest things I have ever done - technically and emotionally - I felt that we needed to make all of the knowledge available. That was very important.

Hale: crew reaction - very brief time to react. Learned form switch actions that the crew was trying very hard to work things. Melroy: this shows that crew was relying on their training to recover the vehicle. They showed remarkable system knowledge and problem resolution techniques even thought it was impossible for them to know that this was not going to be possible.

Crew Office Rep: The families were notified about the investigation. When we were nearing completion they were given copies of the report so that they would know what was going to be released.

Hale: Inertial reels on seats did not behave as we would have wanted them to on Columbia. We have improved them such that less severe accidents could be survivable.

Hale: People who had video camera recordings provided a vital part of investigation. The fact that people allowed us to use their material provided a huge input in the early stages when we did not really understand what had happened. In the future we know that there is a network of amateur astronomers - people interested in tracking satellites. We have made number of contacts with those people. Should we have to call on those resources we can do so faster.

Nigel: The video became important after we lost telemetry from the vehicle.

Melroy: the report was just completed this month. Out of respect to the families - and at their request released the report after Christmas - but while children were home and not at school - so that they could discuss the report with some privacy.

Hale: closure is not the word I would use. Space flight requires eternal vigilance. Not a day goes by that I do not think about Challenger and Columbia crews. I knew all of these people. We know that this is a risky business and that accidents can happen. Our goal here is to prevent accidents in the future.

Hale: We are still in the longboat stage of exploration. We have a long way to go until we can design spacecraft that are as safe as commercial aircaft. You need to learn lessons of the past and apply them and improve with incremental ways with every new design.

Columbia Report Issued

NASA Report: Understanding Columbia's Loss, SpaceRef

"Accidents are things to be avoided. However, by the very nature of how we currently send humans into space and return them to Earth, there is a substantial amount of risk involved. Much of that risk has been identified and is manageable. But not all of it. Of course, when you hear this discussion, someone inevitably says that the only way to make these things risk free is not to do them.

Well, we have decided to do these risky things, now haven't we?"

NASA Space Shuttle and Constellation Program Actions Resulting From SCSIIT Recommendations

The Columbia Report, Part 1, FreeSpace, Discovery News
The Columbia Report, Part 2, FreeSpace, Discovery News
NASA releases post-Columbia crew survival study, Spaceflight Now
NASA: Columbia crew equipment didn't work well, NewsDay
NASA to change spacecraft due to Columbia tragedy, Huntsville Times
New Report on ’03 Disaster Details How Astronauts Died, NY Times
NASA faults equipment in Columbia shuttle disaster, CNN
Columbia crew had no chance, new NASA report says, Reuters
New Report Details Columbia Accident, Recommends Improvements, Universe Today
New NASA report details final minutes of Columbia, AP

Schedule Pressure and Shuttle Safety

NASA Might Change Hubble Mission Requirement to Keep Ares 1-X on Schedule, space.com

"Current plans call for having Atlantis and Endeavour occupy Pads 39-A and 39-B, respectively, during preparations for the planned May 12 launch of the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. But NASA officials now are considering launching Atlantis and then rolling Endeavour out to Pad 39-A, said Jeff Hanley, Constellation program manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This would make Pad 39-B available to undergo the three to four months of modifications necessary to support the Ares 1-X flight, he told reporters in a Wednesday press briefing."

Editor's note: After several years of safety-driven planning, Mike Griffin is now allowing Ares schedule pressure to drive the implementation of shuttle safety decisions in a last minute effort to try and salvage Ares. How quickly NASA forgets.

Do You Want a Space Shuttle For Your Museum?

NASA Solicits Ideas for Displaying Retired Space Shuttles and Main Engines

"NASA today issued a Request for Information seeking ideas from educational institutions, science museums and other appropriate organizations about the community's ability to acquire and publicly display the space shuttle orbiters and space shuttle main engines after the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program. Sponsored by NASA's Office of Infrastructure, the RFI seeks input from appropriate officials and decision-makers from museums, science centers, institutions and other organizations dedicated to education or educational outreach with experience in public display of space hardware and nationally recognized historic artifacts. NASA will use information gained from this RFI to develop strategies for eventual placement of two space shuttle orbiters and a minimum of six unassembled space shuttle main engine display "kits."

NASA Request for Information on Space Shuttle Orbiter and Space Shuttle Main Engine Placement

NASA seeks shuttle suitors: Museums may need to cover the costs for retired orbiters, Collectspace

"Though NASA has three orbiters -- Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour -- only two will be available for donation. NASA plans to reserve the third for the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, assuming they too can meet the same financial and facility requirements as the other museums."

The Cost Of Flying Shuttle Longer

Tough Decision Looms on Space Shuttle's Fate, Wall Street Journal

"Keeping the Shuttle flying is not without risks, however. An internal National Aeronautics and Space Administration study projects that extending the program until 2015 would cost up to an additional $13 billion and could increase the chances of accidents with astronauts aboard. Findings of the study, which has not yet been released, are likely to be discussed during a NASA news briefing on Wednesday."

Endeavour Heads to KSC

Space Shuttle Ferry Flight Arrival On NASA TV's Public Channel

"Mounted atop a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft, Endeavour is scheduled to land at Kennedy at 2:30 p.m. EST after a three-day cross-country ferry flight from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif."

Editor's update: check the comments section for this posting and you will see some comments by John Shannon wherein he explains the thought/planing process that lead to one flyby and not another (weather).

Editor's update: Endeavour is now home at KSC. Alas, I only received this media advisory from NASA PAO 10 minutes after the actual landing time. But at least someone thought to send something out (unlike the JSC PAO crowd yesterday). However, I did know about the landing due to a Twitter posting hours ago by Bob Jacobs from NASA PAO. Once again new tools like Twitter prove their value over antiquated NASA tools such as their Listserv.

Editor's earlier note: Space Shuttle Endeavour is on the move again from Barksdale AFB to NASA KSC. Apparently, making a detour so as to fly over MAF and SSC or MSFC so that other NASA employees can see Endeavour is too much to ask. This is all rather odd given how little of a cost or planning issue it was for the JSC folks to do. Oh well. You can track its flight here (Note: FlightAware has been overloaded with users today so you may not get through). You can watch the arrival live on NASA TV at 2:30 pm EST.

Reader note: "A request to JSC to authorize a 20 mile detour so the folks of the Antelope Valley, CA (home to DFRC/Edwards AFB) could get a look was denied by JSC. But a longer detour over Texas was OK. What's right about that?"

JSC Flyover: Missed Opportunity, earlier post

JSC Flyover: Missed Opportunity

Editor's update: According to NASA AO: they agree with the 1 hour extra flight time estimate. "The mated SCA burn rate is ~5000 gal/hr. At our average November DOD fuel cost, this would be approximately $14,400." So it was not all that expensive. Like I said, I was just using the numbers at hand - and I am leaving all of my bad guesses (and math) online for y'all to see.

Several people have suggested that there might be security issues involved. OK, let's consider that. Why does NASA publicly announce where the plane will be sitting for hours (days) at a time next to public roads? Why do they put the shuttle in the air twice as long as it needs to be, circling over a major metropolitan area at an abnormally low speed and altitude? That's sure not too smart if you do not want the bad guys to know where it is or point something at it.

For NASA to do something like this, and only tip off its employees that it is going to happen, while going out of their way not to tell the overwhelming majority of people who could have seen it, is just inexcusable regardless of the cost.

What is really troubling is the folks (at JSC) who have commented saying "I don't care what it cost". If ever there was a single comment that so aptly epitomized the biggest problem that NASA has today, that is it.

And NASA wonders why people have a problem connecting with what it does. They can't even announce a simple flyover - something that has the power to amaze everyone who sees it. What a bungled opportunity.

If an extra hour's flight time @$14,400/hour is not an issue, then I would hope that NASA considers trying to fly over the communities surrounding MAF and SSC, or MSFC on the way back to KSC - and give advanced notice such that a few more people can actually see this marvelous sight. Or is this something only JSC gets to see?

Reader note: "A request to JSC to authorize a 20 mile detour so the folks of the Antelope Valley, CA (home to DFRC/Edwards AFB) could get a look was denied by JSC. But a longer detour over Texas was OK. What's right about that?"

Editor's update: Is there any mention here at JSC of the flyover - photos, public reaction, etc.? No. Here on the events page? No. Here at the Shuttle page? No. Here at NASA HQ? No. The best flyby photos are online here and here. Non-PAO employees take better pictures and get them online when NASA PAO cannot figure out how to do so. This is so very odd given all of the commentary by JSC employees about my postings. NASA Watch has given the flyby more visibility than JSC's website has.

Earlier post below

Editor's note: If you look at this trip route the Shuttle and the 747 flew from Carswell Field Airport (KNFW), down to Houston for a flyover, and then up to Barksdale AFB (KBAD). Trip time was 2:07. A quick look at this route suggests that this detour to Houston doubled the trip time.

NASA has been quoted as saying that the trip cross country (around 3,000 miles) will be $1.8 million or around $600 a mile. According to Google the linear distance from Forth Worth to Houston is 240 miles. The distance from Houston to Barksdale AFB is 248 miles. The distance from Forth Worth to Barksdale AFB is around 220 miles.

So, this trip of 488 or so miles required at least an additional 268 miles of flight. Again, using my quick rough guess, that detour for the JSC flyover cost around $160,000. I have asked NASA PAO for some cost numbers. Let's see how good my guess is.

Was this worth the cost? If you have never seen a shuttle flyover like this, let me tell you it is an impressive and awe inspiring sight. Houston has some 2,000,000 residents. If you take my cost estimates, that's around $12.00 $0.08 per person for the flyover detour. But, cost aside, if people do not know it is going to happen, what's the point of doing this in the first place?

I see no mention of this event on the public JSC home page or on its news release or events pages. I do not seem to recall any media advisories or stories in local media giving Houston residents a heads up that this was going to happen.

The only people who seem to have had a heads up are people reading Bob Jacob's Twitter postings and word of mouth onsite at JSC. No mention of the flyover is present at NASA HQ's Shuttle page. All it says is "The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft took off from Ft. Worth at 12:08 p.m. EST and is expected to arrive at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana around 2 p.m. and remain there until Friday." Given this paltry advance notice, I'd have to say that this was a waste of money. So many more people could have marveled at the sight - but JSC and SOMD PAO dropped the ball.

Endeavour Flies Over JSC

bnjacobs: The people of Houston will get a nice air show around Noon CST when Endeavour flies overhead http://tinyurl.com/5p8y44

bnjacobs: Around Noon we hope to have live video of Endeavour's flyby above JSC on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv

Editor's note: Here's a photo of the flyover via kittell on Twitter. More photos including the one on the right here via Saroy on Twitter.

Susanne P. Schwenzer, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Lunar and Planetary Institute sent this photo of the flyover taken from the LPI parking lot.

PAO Snarkiness at JSC

16 Days in Space and ??? To Get Home, Free Space, Discovery News

"I got curious about how the weather actually turned out on Dec. 1, the day the shuttle likely would have landed if a 24-hour delay had been ordered. Apparently, I wasn't the only one, because Bill Johnson, the news chief at KSC, had the report on the ready: North to northwest winds up to 10 knots. Visibility: Unlimited. In other words, a good day for landing. The response from JSC was not so warm. "Wow, you're the weather forecaster now," sneered one public affairs officer whom I'll not name on the condition that he promise to refrain from using sarcasm in the future when responding to uncomfortable questions like, "Why didn't NASA wait a day to see if the weather in Florida got better?"

STS-126 Update

NASA STS-126 Report #33 Sunday, November 30, 2008 - 4:00 p.m.

""The seven member crew of Endeavour returned to Earth today, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Mission managers waived landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning, the shuttle's primary landing site. Thunderstorms and strong winds prevented Endeavour from attempting either of the two opportunities for Kennedy, and the shuttle was diverted to Edwards.""

NASA STS-16 Landing Blog
More Shuttle and Station news
Twitter updates on ISS and STS-126

Tool Time on Orbit

Joe Six Pack and NASA

"We all know by now that STS-126 astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper let go of a tool bag the other day during an EVA in space. A piece of hardware misbehaved, Heide had to deal with that and 19 other things - while item 20 was not getting her full attention and the bag drifted off. Something like this happens to people everyday at work or at home. In Heide's case millions of people were watching on TV and her tools were a bit pricey. Of course, the media had a blast with this since everyone knows that astronauts are perfect and everything that NASA uses costs a zillion dollars an ounce. ...

... imagine if NASA really put some thought into how the STS-125 mission was portrayed to the public - in advance and in real time. This could become as much a blue collar, Joe Six pack hit as it will be a lovefest for all of us space geeks. Wouldn't it be cool, from the perspective of Joe and his pals, to know that they use some of the same tools that astronauts use - and that they can connect with many of the chores being performed in space. You do not need a PhD to do a lot of this EVA stuff."

Transition Update

Obama's NASA Dilemma - The fate of the U.S. space program hangs in the balance, Technology Review

"While other presidents have had the luxury of putting off major decisions on NASA, the Obama administration has a deadline. By April 30, 2009, the new president must decide whether to shut down the Space Shuttle program--currently the United States' only way to get humans into space and to service the International Space Station (ISS)--or extend the program at no small cost. While the current administration has signed an authorization bill to keep the Space Shuttle flying until the end of 2010, the legislation only prevents NASA management from mothballing Shuttle-related programs until the end of April 2009."

Endeavour Docks With ISS

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 16 November 2008

"STS-126/Endeavour docked smoothly at the ISS PMA-2 (Pressurized Mating Adapter-2) port at 5:01pm EST, four minutes ahead of timeline, in darkness (orbital sunset ~4:34pm/sunrise ~5:09pm)."

STS-126 Arrives at the International Space Station

"The station and shuttle crews will open the hatches between their vehicles and greet each other in about two hours. Sandra Magnus, who arrived aboard Endeavour, will swap Soyuz seatliners with station astronaut Greg Chamitoff and replace him as Expedition 18 Flight Engineer."

Check shuttlestation on Twitter for updates.

Selling Defective Parts to NASA

Alvin Man Indicted on Allegations He Gave NASA Faulty Shuttle Part, Fox 26

"As Space Shuttle Endeavour gets ready to launch Friday night, a NASA contractor is facing a 2-count federal indictment involving shuttle parts. A federal grand jury indicted 60-year-old Richard Harmon, owner of Cornerstone Machining, Inc. in Alvin. He is charged with fraud and making a false statement. ... According to the indictment, "If NASA had used the damaged PFIP as planned to secure cargo to the Endeavour the weld could have cracked open during flight, allowed cargo to come loose and possibly result in the loss of the spacecraft."

STS-126 Update

Cold front could thwart Friday's shuttle launch, AP

"An approaching cold front could thwart NASA's plans to launch space shuttle Endeavour on Friday on a flight to the international space station. The front was moving across the central part of the nation Tuesday and was expected to bring rain and thick clouds to the launch site by week's end. Shuttle weather officer Kathy Winters said there was a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at the 7:55 p.m. Friday liftoff time and only a 40 percent chance on Saturday."

Shuttle Retirement on GAO Top 13 List for Transition Team

GAO Lists Top "Urgent Issues" for Next President and Congress and Unveils New Website

"Acting Comptroller General Gene Dodaro Thursday released a list of 13 urgent issues the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified as among those needing the attention of President-Elect Obama and the 111th Congress during the transition and the first year of the new administration and Congress. The list is the centerpiece of a new Web site GAO launched Thursday that is designed to help make the transition an informed and smooth one across the federal government.

* Retirement of the Space Shuttle"

Shuttle Extension To 2015 Possible - But Not Cheap

Shuttle extension would cost NASA $2 billion a year, Orlando Sentinel

"Flying the space shuttle past its scheduled 2010 retirement date would cost NASA at least $2 billion a year, money that the agency doesn't have to spare, said NASA shuttle program manager John Shannon. Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama have both said they wanted the option of flying the shuttle beyond 2010. NASA has been looking into what it would take to keep the orbiters operating after September 2010, when NASA was supposed to mothball the fleet. That study is now finished, Shannon said. It found no problems with the supply of spare parts and services for the three shuttles if they flew until 2015. The workforce did not look like it would be an issue either. "We have not laid off anybody we would need to continue with the program," Shannon said."

Job Cuts Are Inevitable at KSC

KSC's Cabana says job cuts are coming no matter what, Orlando Sentinel

"The new director of Kennedy Space Center, Bob Cabana, said thousands of job losses are coming to the center and Brevard County, whether the space shuttle is retired on schedule in 2010 or the next administration gives it a brief reprieve. ... "There are going to be cuts. There's no two ways about it," Cabana told reporters on Friday morning in his first press conference since staring the job earlier in the week. "The space shuttle program is going to end. Even if it gets extended for a little bit, eventually it's going to end. And when it ends there are going to be people out of work."

STS-126 Date Set

NASA Gives GO For Space Shuttle Launch on November 14

"NASA managers completed a review Thursday of space shuttle Endeavour's readiness for flight and selected the official launch date for the STS-126 mission. Commander Chris Ferguson and his six crewmates are scheduled to lift off to the International Space Station at 7:55 p.m. EST on Nov. 14.

Endeavour's STS-126 flight will feature important repair work to the station and prepare it for housing six crew members during long-duration missions. The primary focus of the 15-day flight and its four planned spacewalks is to service the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, which allow its solar arrays to track the sun."

An Award for Virginia Whitehead

Editor's note: This morning, at 7:30 am, before the STS-126 FRR began, a small ceremony was held whereby Virginia Whitehead received NASA's Lifetime Achievement Award from Mike Griffin. A special 10 minute video was played highlighting her career. Well done!

Is Shuttle Retirement a Good Idea or a Bad Idea?

Marshall Director says shuttle must retire by 2010, Huntsville Times

"Keeping the space shuttle program going past its planned retirement date of 2010 is a "bad idea" and would rob development money from its replacement, the Ares I rockets now being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center, said Marshall Director Dave King this morning."

Internal NASA email from NASA Administrator Griffin regarding Space Shuttle, ISS, Russia, Ares, Orion, OSTP, OMB and Budgetary Issues

"In a rational world, we would have been allowed to pick a Shuttle retirement date to be consistent with Ares/Orion availability, we would have been asked to deploy Ares/Orion as early as possible (rather than "not later than 2014") and we would have been provided the necessary budget to make it so. I realize that no one on this distribution disagrees with me on this point, I'm just saying it again, that's all."

PBS Program on Columbia

NOVA: Space Shuttle Disaster

Airs 14 October on PBS.

Oh, Just Pick A Number

NASA saves 1,900 jobs -- but it's not clear how, Orlando Sentinel

"For example, NASA estimated last March that there were 8,000 shuttle and Constellation contractor positions at KSC. But Wednesday's update cited a total of 7,300 jobs. Joel Kearns, head of the NASA Constellation transition team, said the discrepancy was due in part to contractors eliminating some positions from KSC as the shuttle finishes its mission to build the international space station. Also, he said, some contractors have not filled jobs vacated by workers who quit or retired."

NASA: Fewer Jobs To Be Lost, WFLA

"NASA officials said they expect to see the numbers change even more as they learn more about the requirements for the new program. They remained adamant about the fact that they still expect the overall workforce to shrink. "The reality is the new systems are being designed to operate with far fewer people," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said Wednesday."

Shuttle Retirement May Not Mean NASA Layoffs, WESH

Space Shuttle To Constellation Work Force Transition

NASA Issues Space Shuttle To Constellation Work Force Transition Report

"NASA is releasing an updated version of the Work Force Transition Strategy Report, which was delivered to Congress on Wednesday. The report details the agency's plan to minimize job losses while transitioning from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program.

The initial report was submitted to Congress on March 31, 2008. The next update will be submitted to Congress in spring 2009."

Preview of NASA's Job Forecast Spin

NASA expected to release rosier job forecast for post-shuttle era (with link to NASA Workforce Transition Strategy Summary Points), Orlando Sentinel

"NASA plans to tell Congress Wednesday that the retirement of the space shuttle in 2010 won't result in as many job losses as initially anticipated, according to congressional sources and documents obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. A rosier forecast would be a boon for Kennedy Space Center, which has been told to expect a worst-case estimate of 6,400 job losses. Some officials say that NASA is forecasting at least 1,000 fewer job losses, and that the worst case number of job losses now is likely to be less than 5,000."

What Is The Real Cost of Shuttle Retirement?

GAO: NASA Faces Challenges Defining Scope and Costs of Space Shuttle Transition and Retirement

"The total cost of SSP transition and retirement is not transparent in NASA's current budget request and is not expected to be reflected in its fiscal year 2010 budget request. This is due in part to delays in estimating costs, but also to where costs are being reflected. For example, although SSP's direct transition and retirement costs are identified in the SSP budget line, indirect costs related to environmental clean-up and restoration, maintenance of required real property facilities during the gap in human spaceflight, and demolition of excess facilities are not. In addition, NASA plans to offset some transition costs by utilizing an "exchange/sale" authority that allows executive agencies to exchange or sell non-excess, non-surplus personal property and apply the proceeds toward acquiring similar replacement property."

Soyuz Waiver Update

NASA clears hurdle on Soyuz, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA Administrator Michael Griffin on Tuesday won the approval of a key Senate committee in his battle to buy Russian spacecraft as a four-year replacement for the space shuttle. But the fight is far from over. And Griffin has less than two weeks to persuade the rest of Congress to allow the use of Soyuz spacecraft to take U.S. astronauts to the international space station after the space shuttle's planned retirement in 2010."

Tuesday, September 23, 2008, Business Meeting

S.3103: A bill to amend the Iran, North Korea, and Syria nonproliferation Act to allow certain extraordinary payments in connection with the International Space Station.

Obama On NASA Options

Obama Calls on Senate and House Leadership to Renew America's Commitment to NASA

"As Dr. Michael Griffin, the NASA administrator, said recently, "In a rational world, (NASA) would have been allowed to pick a Shuttle retirement date to be consistent with Ares/Orion availability, (NASA) would have been asked to deploy Ares/Orion as early as possible (rather than "not later than 2014") and we would have been provided the necessary budget to make it so" [NASA e-mail, 8/18/08]. Regrettably, the current administration has not behaved rationally and, with the Russian invasion of Georgia, NASA is now left with more limited options, all of them much worse than if the administration and their Republican allies in Congress had thought through the strategic consequences of these decisions five years ago."

Once More Unto the Breach

Senate to consider NASA request to buy Soyuz, Orlando Sentinel

"On Tuesday, Griffin faces a moment of truth. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is due to weigh his request against sentiment in Congress that Moscow, because of its recent invasion of the neighboring country of Georgia, cannot be trusted. “It is very difficult for Congress to understand why we should continue a practice of depending upon agreements with the Russians when they are busy invading another country,” Griffin conceded last week after a luncheon on Capitol Hill."

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

"Chairman: Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr."

Election 2008; Buying Soyuz, Extending Shuttle

Obama: Buy Soyuz if necessary but look at flying shuttle longer, Orlando Sentinel

"Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is now considering stopping NASA from retiring the shuttle in 2010 as well as looking to see if commercial companies can build new rockets to keep America in space independent of foreign countries.  ... Obama’s Republican rival, Sen. John McCain last month called on the White House to stop NASA from closing any more shuttle contracts just in case the next administration decided it wanted to fly more shuttle missions. Neither candidate appears to like the idea of buying more Soyuz from Moscow and depending on Russia for American access to the international space station."

Shuttle/Soyuz Debate Continues

My Word: America can do better than relying on Russia for our space program (Dave Weldon), Orlando Sentinel

"Sen. Bill Nelson, the Bush Administration, the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board and most in Congress are ready to do business as usual with the Russians, claiming we have no choice. I don't buy that argument, and I take strong issue when the Sentinel Editorial Board suggests I am not a supporter of the space program because I don't go along. The real difference is I believe America can do better and that the workers at KSC deserve better during this transition."

NASA chief says Congress must act to get Russian craft, USA Today

"The development of the shuttle's successor could be delayed if Congress, as expected, passes stopgap funding legislation for part of 2009 rather than a formal budget, Griffin said. The members of Congress he has spoken to understand the need, he said, but "I cannot predict an outcome." Congress will be in session for less than two weeks before adjourning in advance of the fall elections."

Reaction To Griffin's Email And Issues It Raised

Griffin claims there is a 'jihad' against the Space Shuttle, Nature

"In other words: stopping flying the Shuttle before its replacement is ready is a bonehead move. Griffin even goes on to claim that "retiring the Shuttle is a jihad rather than an engineering and program management decision" for the President's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Office of Management and Budget. If he was that angry before the email leaked he must be apoplectic now his private thoughts are all over the internet..."

Nelson, Griffin to huddle Thursday, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA Administrator Michael Griffin is set to pow-wow with one of his biggest congressional allies on Thursday, but U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., likely has little good news to share. Griffin and NASA need Congress to pass two measures this fall to help the agency, but Congress likely does not have the time to aid NASA -- as congressional leaders do not expect to be in session longer than a few weeks so that members can return to the campaign trail."

NASA chief says he backs 2010 shuttle retirement, Houston Chornicle

"In a brief statement on Sunday, Griffin did not refute the newspaper's account, and chief NASA spokesman David Mould authenticated the e-mail. However, Griffin complained the reporting failed to "provide the contextual framework for my remarks," which was an internal agency discussion over the implications of the Russian military's invasion of neighboring Georgia."

Mike Griffin's Leaked Email: Is He Falling On His Sword?

Editor's note: Some of you may recall my posting on 11 March 2005 that Mike Griffin was going to be the next Administrator of NASA. In that posting I recalled an action taken by Griffin during the Space Station Freedom redesign activity - one I described as having "demonstrated personal integrity - and did so in a public way that was rather career adverse." At the time, a common NASA phrase for such an action was to say that someone "fell on their sword".

For the first time on NASA Watch, here is the letter that Griffin wrote that more or less encapsulated that action - and also sank his immediate future at NASA at the same time.

To his credit, Mike Griffin has taken rather bold and blunt stances before. Motives aside, is he doing that again? And if so, isn't it curious that both actions were due to threats to the space station - something that is not Mike Griffin's favorite NASA project?

Mike Griffin's Leaked Email: Is Spock Trying to Become Kirk?

Editor's note: Alas, the gathering consensus amongst the cyberpundits (with absolutely no data whatsoever to base this on, mind you) is that Mike Griffin either leaked this memo - or (much more likely) looked the other way as it "found" its way to a much broader, more receptive distribution. The thought being that he knows that his days at NASA may well be numbered and that he has nothing to lose except his own credibility and that he needs to look out for the agency's future.

There is a bit of logic to this gossip. Look at the initial distribution list of this memo. Everyone on that list is a solid professional and they are pretty tight with Mike Griffin. As such, I really doubt that something so easily traceable back to such a very small group would get out - unless Griffin wanted it to.

If this is indeed what is going on (again, I have zero proof) then it is a bit of a departure for Griffin since he tends to try and keep things like this inside the family. Given that Griffin self-described himself as "Spock" early in his tenure, I started wondering about his motives now. What will Spock do? Hmmm ... what would Jim Kirk do? Have a look at this iconic video [below] from "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan".

Is Mike Griffin trying to change the rules?

OSTP and OMB Openly Oppose ISS Utilization

Statement of NASA Administrator Michael Griffin on Aug. 18 Email

Internal NASA email from NASA Administrator Griffin regarding Space Shuttle, ISS, Russia, Ares, Orion, OSTP, OMB and Budgetary Issues

"Exactly as I predicted, events have unfolded in a way that makes it clear how unwise it was for he US to adopt a policy of deliberate dependance upon another power for access to ISS. In a rational world, we would have been allowed to pick a Shuttle retirement date to be consistent with Ares/Orion availability, we would have been asked to deploy Ares/Orion as early as possible (rather than "not later than 2014") and we would have been provided the necessary budget to make it so. I realize that no one on this distribution disagrees with me on this point, I'm just saying it again, that's all.

The rational approach didn't happen, primarily because for OSTP and OMB, retiring the Shuttle is a jihad rather than an engineering and program management decision. Further, they actively do not want the ISS to be sustained, and have done everything possible to ensure that it would not be. They were always "okay" with buying Soyuz/Progress, and if it didn't happen, well, that was okay too. You will recall they didn't want us to brink up the need for another INKSNA exemption during budget hearings this year. I disobeyed their wishes in doing so, because we knew that we needed to get this on the table in '08."

Mike Griffin Finally Figures It Out

Frustrated NASA chief vents about agency's fate, Orlando Sentinel

"In a remarkably candid internal e-mail to top advisers obtained by the Orlando Sentinel, Griffin lashed out last month at the White House for what he called a "jihad" to shut down the space shuttle, expressed frustration at the lack of funding for a new moon rocket - and despaired about the future of America's human space flight program."

View Griffin's email, Orlando Sentinel

Editor's note: Gee Mike, you are just figuring this out -- only now?

In the past few days PAO has been selectively picking out some reporters - but not others (guess who) so as to allow Griffin to be able to respond with provocative answers - if the reporters just happen to ask the right provocative questions. It would seem that word has finally gotten to Griffin that neither the Obama or McCain camps are at all interested in keeping him on after the election - other than to keep the seat warm for a few months.

According to NASA sources, in these email missives Griffin is blaming OSTP and OMB for their campaign ("jihad") against the shuttle and the ISS so as to force his hand in cutting ISS capability off by not delivering things such as AMS, Node 3, and needed logistics and utilization flights. Griffin sees this pressure as being focused upon meeting what he now sees as an artificially imposed 2010 retirement date.  

When the VSE was announced in early 2004, before the shuttle had returned to flight, no one new how long that gap would be. 2010 was a best guess as to when the ISS would be finished once the shuttle resumed flying. ISS completion drove the 2010 guesstimate date - not the other way around. When Sean O'Keefe left NASA, and OMB/OSTP staffers re-asserted themeselves (OMB's career civil servant employee Paul Shawcross being the prime Shuttle-hater) 2010 went from being a best guess to an absolute line drawn in the sand.

In these emails, Griffin also goes on to say that he predicted the mess that Russia has now created (Georgia, INKSA etc.) but that OSTP and OMB ignored him when he raised this possibility.

KSC Folks: Call Paul Shawcross, earlier post

White House Memo Calls For Slashing Remaining Space Shuttle Flights, earlier post

OIG Looks at ATK SRB Handling Complaint

NASA OIG: Final Memorandum on the Review of Rocket Segment Handling

"The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a review of the reporting procedures used by Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (ATK) for a rocket segment handling incident. We initiated this review in response to a complaint alleging that personnel at ATK did not follow proper reporting procedures subsequent to an incident involving the handling and movement of a rocket segment at ATK's Component Refurbishment Center in Clearfield, Utah. Specifically, the complainant alleged that ..."

GriffinSpeak 101: "Keep Flying" Vs "Extend Flying"

NASA may extend shuttle use to 2015, Houston Chronicle

"Q: You recently asked for a study looking at how to extend the shuttle program. Why?

A: First, let me correct your assumption. I am not looking to extend flying the shuttle. I am looking at what it would take if we were asked to keep flying to support the space station. ... About five minutes after I heard the news of the Russian invasion of Georgia, I became concerned that our policy of depending upon them for crew transport might be in jeopardy."

Editor's note: This answer from Mike Griffin really confuses me. If Griffin says "I am not looking to extend flying the space shuttle" and then says "I am looking at what it would take if we were asked to keep flying to support the space station."

How is "keep flying" not the same as "extend flying"? And either way, doesn't this require shuttle flights after 2010 - i.e. to "extend" its operations past the White House direction that flights stop in 2010? Also, the cost of maintaining the standing army (workforce) needed for 1 or 2 or 3 - or 4 shuttle flights is not that different. But it does mean billions of dollars that will need to be spent - billions NASA does not have in its budget if it is also going to be expected to fix/build Ares and Orion. Either way the distinction between these two phrases is all but moot.

Shuttle Launch Dates Slipped

NASA Changes 2008 Shuttle Target Launch Dates, Schedules TCDT

"NASA has adjusted the target launch dates for the two remaining space shuttle missions in 2008. Shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for Oct. 10, while Endeavour's STS-126 supply mission to the International Space Station has moved to Nov. 12. Shuttle managers made the decision after Atlantis was rolled to the launch pad and the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna were beyond NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. That allowed managers to more accurately assess the impacts of recent tropical systems on the launch schedule."

Wayne Hale Update on Shuttle Extension

Wayne Hale's Blog: Answering the mail

"To all those folks who love the shuttle as I do and have written in to say keep flying the old bird: my heart is with you but my mind says otherwise. If I had a magic wand I would wish to keep flying an upgraded, safer shuttle at the same time we build the moon rocket, and hand out multiple incentives to private industry to develop a robust, economical, and efficient space transportation system. But I don't have that magic wand and don't know anybody that does. (I also have a personal plan to put my big lottery prize to work; but I am not counting on winning as a realistic strategy)."

OIG on ET Contractor Transition Efforts

Closeout Inquiry of $39.5 Million Contract Modification Award to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, New Orleans, NASA OIG

"The following business and technical factors were considered in NASA's decision to provide incentives to retain the contractor's External Tank workforce: a) increasing attrition data; b) significant local employment opportunities available; c) past lessons learned from United States Air Force/Lockheed Martin Titan Program efforts to retain critical skills; and d) risk of mission failure."

Shuttle Vs Soyuz OpEds Appear

We think: Congress needs to maintain U.S. access to the international space station, editorial, Orlando Sentinel

"Lawmakers have little choice but to hold their noses and grant the waiver, so the United States can maintain its access to the space station and protect its huge investment. They need to look for other, better ways to underscore their anger with Russia. Lawmakers also need to find the $2 billion, called for in House-passed legislation, that could speed up the development of NASA's next vehicle by a couple of years. That would make the period that the U.S. astronauts are forced to depend on Mr. Putin's taxi service as short as possible."

Shuttle Extension Update

NASA requests shuttle options, Huntsville Times

"It's not really a formal study, though," Yembrick said, "but an informal request. As an agency we realize we want to be prepared and look at our options across the program." Yembrick said the options would be part of briefings and testimony to White House officials, Congress and other decision makers NASA has to speak to about the subject, and it should take about a month to complete. Informal requests are often cloaked studies, said Keith Cowing, who runs the online site NASAWatch.com. "Whenever NASA gets caught in a study, but doesn't want anybody to know it is a study, then they try to call it something else," said Cowing."

Griffin Contradicts White House: Making Shuttle Extension Plans

EXCLUSIVE: NASA to study extending shuttle era to 2015, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA Administrator Michael Griffin has ordered his suborbinates to study how the agency could fly the space shuttle beyond its planned retirement in 2010, according to an internal e-mail obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. The decision signals what could be a huge change in NASA policy. Griffin repeatedly has rejected the notion of extending the shuttle era beyond its 2010 retirment date, arguing it could cripple the fledgling Constellation program, a system of new rockets and capsules meant to replace the shuttle in 2015."

NASA Internal Email: Shuttle Extension Assessment, Courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel

"The SSP program in conjunction with Cx and ISS have been asked by the administrator to put together some manifest options to assess extending shuttle flights to 2015. SSP would like to have some options developed for review by senior management by the end of September. The result of the review might be a formal budget assessment of a option(s)."

Save The Shuttle Fever Spreads

State senators backing request to extend space shuttle program

"Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, agreed with the letter's intent and called for a cessation of Russian hostility to its neighbors. He said he fears the 15-year-old joint U.S.-Russian space station agreement could end if relations continued to slide, he said. "If Russia continues to act irresponsibly, our partnership in space will have to end. If that occurs, we will need to maintain our own launch capability in the future," Sessions said. The letter called for support of the Ares program, the Orion crew capsule and for support for commercial rockets, such as the Delta IV manufactured by the United Launch Alliance in Decatur."

When the Horse Has Left The Barn

Wayne Hale's NASA Blog: Shutting Down the Shuttle

"Hey, I am the biggest shuttle hugger there is. I think it is the best spacecraft ever built. But I also deal in the real world. Where does the money come from? Where do the people -- who should be working on the moon rocket -- where do they come from? We started shutting down the shuttle four years ago.

That horse has left the barn."

McCain, Vitter, and Hutchison Want To Consider Shuttle Flights Past 2010

McCain asks Bush to tell NASA not to dismantle shuttle infrastructure, Orlando Sentinel

"Sen. John McCain -- joined by Republican colleagues Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and David Vitter of New Orleans -- sent a letter to President Bush this week, saying that in light of tensions with Russia, the White House should tell NASA to stop any further dismantling of the shuttle infrastructure for at least a year to keep open the possibility of more shuttle flights beyond 2010."

Full text of letter

USA Sues ATK Over "Further Piracy"

United Space Alliance Files Lawsuit Against ATK

"United Space Alliance (USA), NASA's prime Space Shuttle contractor, filed a lawsuit in Brevard County Circuit Court in Florida today against Alliant Techsystems, Inc., and ATK Launch Systems, Inc., seeking damages for fraud and breach of contract, and seeking an injunction against further piracy of USA employees with skills essential to flying out the Space Shuttle manifest.

... ATK concurrently undertook an aggressive campaign to hire critically skilled USA employees, who have been performing specialized work in support of both the Ares and Space Shuttle programs in order to solely perform work on Ares."

NASA contractors locked in legal battle, Orlando Sentinel

"According to industry officials, there is a possibility that if USA does not get satisfaction in its dispute, the company could stop work on preparations for next year’s test flight of ATK’s Ares I-X rocket. The test rocket is considered an important step toward developing the complete Ares I rocket that is supposed to replace the shuttle by 2015. A delay in the test could impact the already behind schedule Ares I."

Editor's note: This certainly does not bode well for a smooth transition from Shuttle to Ares operations.

NASA Sticks To Shuttle Schedule

NASA opts to leave shuttle launch dates as scheduled, SpaceflightNow

"NASA managers today decided to stick with Oct. 8 as the target launch date for shuttle mission STS-125, a long-awaited flight by the shuttle Atlantis to service and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. They also agreed to stick with Nov. 10 for launch of the flight after that, a space station assembly mission by the shuttle Endeavour."

Today's Video: Shuttle Launch (?) From Air Canada

Editor's note: This video of a Space Shuttle launch was taken recently from an Air Canada flight. The video was posted on 24 July 2008. It is not clear when it was shot. Perhaps it is STS-124? Oh yes, the guy with the camera was clearly impressed with what he was seeing.

Reader update: "This is the launch of a Delta 2, most likely GPS 2R-18 on December 20th. The YouTube original was posted "seven months ago" according to the tag. You can see the first set of SRBs burn out and the other ignite at 55 seconds into the video."

Video below

Mike Griffin's Evolving Opinion On ISS and Shuttle

NASA's Griffin Tells Forum Crowd There Are No Guarantees In Space Travel, Aero-News.net

"The US and its partners have invested $100 billion in the [ISS]," said Griffin, "so it does seem short-sighted to not spend the $3 billion a year to maintain the Shuttle. " Directing his comments to the children in the audience, "Sometimes Washington does silly things."

What Mike Griffin *Really* Thinks About NRC's Space Station Report (2005 posting)

"I'm copying a bunch of folks on this note because it concerns the nucleus of a strategic problem for us in going forward with the VSE. Bottom line, we're going to have to answer the specific issues in this report. We're going to have to define the program of activity for ISS that obtains from it the utility that it can provide. We may NOT be able to fund that activity at present; I consider that almost a fact on the ground. But we can put in place the kind of peer-reviewed science that we WOULD do, given the money, and that we WILL do, when we can afford it."

Why the U.S. should return to the moon and venture on to Mars, (edited transcript), USA Today (2005)

"Q: In retrospect, was the shuttle program a mistake?
Griffin: My opinion is that it was.

Q: Was the space station a mistake?
Griffin: I would not have built the space station. We are now trying to change the path while doing as little damage as we can."

Editor's note: First the ISS and the Shuttle were "mistakes" (Griffin's own words). Now their imminent demise is "short sighted".

Mike Griffin Wishes He Could Continue Flying The Shuttle

NASA's Griffin Tells Forum Crowd There Are No Guarantees In Space Travel, Aero-News.net

"When asked what would he do if "wishes were free" and NASA's budget were doubled (the equivalent of the inflation-adjusted program for Apollo), the Administrator's response was as follows: 1) [We] wouldn't rely on another country and would develop a new system in parallel to continuing to use the Space Shuttle; 2) Begin working on vehicle systems sooner; and 3) Do more advanced research, the "blue sky stuff."

Editor's note: Wait a minute: after 3 years of saying that NASA must retire the Space Shuttle, is Mike Griffin now saying that he'd continue flying the shuttle if he had enough money - despite what the CAIB recommended (safety, recertification etc) ? Hmm ... this sounds a lot like something one of the presidential candidates (and their surrogates) has been saying ...

Shuttle Job Cuts Begin

Lockheed Martin informs external tank workers of possible job cuts, Huntsville Times

"Lockheed Martin Corp. today informed its external fuel tank workforce in Huntsville and New Orleans that jobs on the space shuttle support program would be cut starting in the fall, according to a company spokesman. About 100 Lockheed Martin people work on the program in Huntsville, said Marion LaNasa, spokesman for Lockheed at the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans where the aerospace giant manufactures the 15-story fuel tank for NASA."

Statement by John Chapman, External Tank Project Manager, About Work Force Reductions at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility

"While the reductions associated with the shuttle's retirement will result in fewer people doing NASA work at Michoud, the agency plans to locate significant work there in the future. Boeing employees will manufacture and assemble the Ares I upper stage, and conduct avionics systems integration and checkout. Lockheed Martin will build structures for the Orion crew exploration capsule as well as the capsule's Launch Abort System. In future years, the Ares V core stage and Earth departure stage, which will be needed for the return to the moon, will be built at Michoud."

Extend The Shuttle?

Glenn pushes for money to extend shuttle operations, Houston Chronicle

"The White House blueprint, Glenn said, forced NASA to "cannibalize" existing programs such as the shuttle to finance the new direction. Chris Shank, a senior official at NASA, acknowledged in a telephone interview that NASA had not received additional funding to cover the president's blueprint. NASA also had shouldered unforeseen return-to-flight costs after the loss of the shuttle Columbia on re-entry in 2003. Shank declined to discuss the agency's reaction to Glenn's appeal or apparent effort to shape the space agenda for the next administration."

John Glenn's prepared testimony

Yes, The Gap Is A Problem

Houston, we have a problem: Nasa will struggle when shuttle retires, says boss, Guardian

"It is more than a matter of pride. Griffin likens the space station to a miniature Antarctic research base, which needs a regular supply of food and water, which suffers technical glitches, and needs to have its staff rotated on a regular basis for their sanity if nothing else. Both the US and Russian space agencies agree that at a minimum, it needs two independent supply chains - read rockets - to ensure the safety of the station and those on board. Nasa's push for the moon and Mars will leave just one. "Anyone who doesn't understand why that is a problem, from my perspective, just hasn't done enough real things in their life."

Editor's note: I agree Mike. So why is NASA creating the gap in the first place? Why has the gap grown during your tenure?

War Stories

Wayne Hale's NASA Blog: Old Flight Director War Stories

"Right now, by popular demand, I thought I'd tell a story about what happened to me when I was a brand new shuttle Flight Director. It sorta ties into some of last week's blog and I promise it won't be pithy or pontificate . . . It was a DoD flight, we still can't talk about the payload or what we accomplished, but it was my first flight and it was a high inclination flight when most of the early shuttle flights had been low inclination. High inclination means the orbit goes further north and south than usual, "inclination" being the technical term for the angle at which the orbit crosses the equator which is equivalent to the highest latitude (north or south) that the orbit reaches."

Who Should Get A Space Shuttle?

NASA Notice: National Environmental Policy Act: Disposition of Space Shuttle Program's Real and Personal Property

"Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and NASA policy and procedures (14 CFR Part 1216, Subpart 1216.3), NASA has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the disposition of the Space Shuttle Program's (SSP's) real and personal property using a structured process consisting of a coordinated series of actions. Under Presidential direction, NASA will cease operations of its SSP by 2010."

Editor's note: There are three space shuttles in need of a permanent home. Where should they go? Thoughts?

8 Space Shuttle Missions in 2009 and 2010 Announced

NASA Sets Launch Dates for Remaining Space Shuttle Missions

"Following a detailed, integrated assessment, NASA selected target launch dates for the remaining eight space shuttle missions on the current manifest in 2009 and 2010. The manifest includes one flight to the Hubble Space Telescope, seven assembly flights to the International Space Station, and two station contingency flights, planned to be completed before the end of fiscal year 2010. The agency previously selected Oct. 8 and Nov. 10 as launch dates for Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service Hubble and Endeavour's STS-126 / ULF-2 mission to supply the space station and service both Solar Alpha Rotary Joints on the port and starboard end of its truss backbone that supports equipment and solar arrays."

Throwing Away Pieces of History

If NASA Bricks Could Talk, They'd Say 'Save Me!', Discovery Channel

"The scoop: The scorched bricks beneath Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center have witnessed decades of spaceflight history. But after a recent space shuttle launch blew thousands of them from the pad, NASA intends to throw these pieces of history away."

Griffin: Lay off 6 - 7,000 - then re-hire 3,000 - but When?

NASA estimates 3,000 to 4,000 shuttle job losses, AP

"Although as many as 6,000 to 7,000 shuttle jobs will be eliminated at Kennedy Space Center, about 3,000 positions will open up in the new exploration program, said NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. Those jobs will be created to build and fly new spaceships to the international space station and, ultimately, to the moon."

NASA: Layoffs not so dire, Orlando Sentinel

"I can't say it's good news," said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who organized the Senate subcommittee hearing about the future of KSC, "but it's certainly news that's a step in the right direction."

Editor's note: OK, but are the KSC folks who are laid off re-hired - instantly? Or are they unemployed for months - or years? Mike left those details out of his attempt at happy news.

Griffin: Fly AMS, But Don't Expect A Rescue Capability

Metaphysically Speaking, Free Space, Discovery

"On Monday, NASA chief Michael Griffin told a Senate oversight committee it’d run a few hundred million dollars for the extra flight, with one huge caveat: That figure presumes there is no extension of any shuttle equipment contracts. Griffin wouldn’t come straight out and say it, but what he means is that if the AMS flight is added on, there won’t be a shuttle available to mount a rescue mission. Since Columbia, NASA routinely adds the contingency mission to every flight."

KSC Folks: Call Paul Shawcross

OMB Statement of Adminstration Policy H.R. 6063 - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008

"... the Administration strongly opposes H.R. 6063 because it mandates specific Space Shuttle flights that greatly threaten NASA's ability to retire the Shuttle in 2010, an action that is critical to implementing the President's Vision for Space Exploration. In addition, the Administration has other serious objections to several provisions of H.R. 6063 that must be satisfactorily addressed prior to final congressional action on reauthorization legislation."

Editor's note: The sad thing about all of this these days is that OMB's Paul Shawcross has more say as to what happens at NASA than NASA's Administrator does. You can yell at Mike Griffin until you are blue in the face but it is Shawcross and the OMB who calls the shots.

Note to Paul: what is "critical to implementing the President's Vision for Space Exploration" is that you and your fellow budgeteers provide NASA with the funds to do the things the President tasked them to do - or - you change the tasks. You can't have it both ways, Paul. Right now you have more or less abandoned the agency - and a large chunk of its work force.

KSC folks: You can drop Paul an email at pshawcro@omb.eop.gov, call him at 202-395-3807, or send him a fax at 202-395-4652. You can find him in room 8225 in the New Executive Office Building or send him a note at Paul Shawcross, Chief, Science and Programs Branch; Energy, Science, and Water Division, OMB, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503.

White House Memo Calls For Slashing Remaining Space Shuttle Flights, earlier post

KSC Rally Only Draws Fraction Of Expected Crowd

Link To Launch First Small Step draws Giant Crowd

"The "Link to Launch" rally at Port Canaveral drew an estimated 1,000 people who joined hands, counted down with the roar of a shuttle launch recording, and stretched their linked hands skyward as the first step in raising the awareness that space is critical to US security, culture and economic competitiveness. The crowd of citizens included children, retirees and those representing small and large businesses, unions, and civic organizations gathered in throngs outside the field hearing of the Senate sub-committee on Space."

Editor's note: To the people holding signs up like this at the rally: in so doing you call your intentions into question - and you invite sad historical comparisons to one shuttle mission departing from- and one heading back to KSC. Neither one ever made it home. Grow up.

Another photo of this sign apears here (3rd album, 7th photo) with the caption "USA Statement of Pride". How creepy.

KSC Rally/Hearing - Live

Griffin: "The only thing that could have prevented this Gap would have been a significantly higher budget so that we could operate during development. [Congress] did not do that. ... Within the context of the resources available, we are doing the best that we can."
---
Nelson: "For every direct job at KSC it is multiplied to [creating] 2.5 jobs in Florida. The question is the reverse of that: do you anticipate the total jobs lost to be 2.5 jobs to be lost for every job lost at the Space Center?"

Griffin: "Yes sir, that is the multiplier that we are talking about."

---
Griffin: "We have a comittment [to the President] to use the fewest number of people [for Constellation/Orion]. Within the context of a fixed overall NASA budget that gives us more money to do other things - things that I know that you want to do . It has been my goal to move tasks to KSC to make up for work that will no longer be done here. We hope to do much of the assembly and integration here at the Cape. That has not been done before."

Nelson: "Well, whoever the next President is I think we are going to ask him to keep you on as Administrator of NASA."

Griffin: "Send me a note and tell me how this works out."
---
Nelson: "Is there a way to make Kennedy a Development Center?"

Griffin: "I would not make Kennedy a Development Center. If I tried to make KSC a deveopment center - we'd get into a large set of battles that would not be beneficial for the country. Work would have to be moved from other centers and moved here. It would also not adress the jobs of the people who would be cut. You would be importing [development] people or hiring them locally. You would not be ameliorating the job loss situation."

Nelson: "We have 150,00 acres - I want to expand the role [of KSC]"
---
Nelson: "We have a difference of opinon about flying one additional space shuttle flight ... you do not want to take money out of Constellation and put it into another flight. Under a new Administration, if we were able to get the money for an additional flight over and above the budget - can you venture a cost for that additional flight?"

Griffin: "We said that the marginal cost of that flight would be ... $300-400 million. I do not have a more precise estimate than that."

Nelson: "Will we be beyond the point of no return when a new Administration arrives?"

Griffin: "We have a 18 month template to add a new mission. We need to know ... by Feb 2009. We could execute a mission in late summer 2010. ... We are not limited by hardware - it is a fiscal matter with this Administration - which I represent. ... I do not have the resources to execute this [AMS] mission without removing resources from other missions."

Senators Nelson, Martinez to Lead Hearing On Loss Of NASA Jobs, WFTV

"The economic effect of the job cuts comes at a time when Brevard County is already dealing with mortgage problems and a big housing downturn. Monday morning, hundreds of people are expected to gather in Brevard County as part of a show of solidarity for the importance of NASA to the United States."

Space Workers To Rally At Senate Hearing On Shuttle, Central Florida News

"You have not 6,400 jobs at risk, but you have either 16,000 jobs at risk with the smaller number, or 22,000 jobs that will be lost in east Central Florida," Ketcham explained. "That's 22,000 families in this community that will be severely impacted."

Space Coast Concerned About NASA's Future, Fox 35

"Around six thousand citizens, business owners and union representatives are expected to hold a demonstration outside the Canaveral Port Authority building where the hearing will be held."

Live Webcam, Fox 35

Will The KSC Workforce Show Up - And Be Heard? Will It Matter?

Florida Link to Launch Rally to Include Addresses from Federal, State Officials

What: Link to Launch: Floridians will gather, link their hands and countdown from 30 seconds when they will lift them skyward in a gesture to show solidarity and awareness of the importance of the Space Program to America. The rally is scheduled to coincide with a Senate subcommittee hearing being held inside the Port Authority Offices. The Link to Launch movement was started by people in on Florida's Space Coast to raise the awareness of the nation and our policy makers that Space is a critical element in our nation's security, our culture and global economic competitiveness. A limited number of media seats on helicopters are available for aerial photography.

When: Monday, June 23

Will Spock Testify at Florida Shuttle Job Loss Hearing?

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing: Preparing for the Workforce Transition at Kennedy Space Center

"Monday, June 23, 2008 09:00 AM. The hearing will examine issues surrounding the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. Specifically, this hearing will focus on workforce related challenges at the Kennedy Space Center and analyze potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing will be located at the Canaveral Port Authority, Commission Room, Port Canaveral Maritime Center Offices, 445 Challenger Road, Port Canaveral, Florida. [map] Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) will preside."

Editor's note: Even though Mike Griffin seems to think that jobs and space are not campaign issues, they certainly are in Florida. This could get ugly if local Space Coast employees show up (as they should) at this hearing and take Mike Griffin on, face-to-face, about job cuts and the effect upon themselves and their families. The "I don't do feelings - just think of me as Spock" [audio -- original story source] approach certainly will not work in that situation.

Florida is a key state in both Obama's and McCain's strategy to win the election. I wonder if the White House really wants an embarassment in Florida over huge job cuts and what will be portrayed as "George Bush's Moon Program" (despite repeated Congressional buy in). Stay tuned.

Apollo Job Loss on Steroids, earlier post
Politics? I Don't See Any Politics In Space Exploration, earlier post
Yes, The Party Is Indeed Over at KSC, earlier post
The Party Is Over at KSC, earlier post
Shuttle Job Cuts: Its About Time Florida Took Notice, earlier post

Mikulski Still Pushes Shuttle Funds For NASA

Senator Mikulski Pledges to fight to restore Senate-funded initiatives

"Specifically, Senator Mikulski is frustrated with cuts to critical investments proposed by the Senate for fisheries disasters, Byrne formula grants administered through the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation (NSF)."

AMS Gets One Step Closer to Flight

House adds extra shuttle flight in NASA budget

"The House on Wednesday approved a $20 billion NASA spending bill that calls for an extra Space Shuttle flight before the spacecraft program is shut down. ... The purpose of the additional flight would be to deliver to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer for experiments in seeking out unusual matter in space."

Fixing 39A

What it will take to fix launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Sentinel

"Up close, the area underneath Kennedy Space Center's main shuttle launchpad looks like a cross between an archaeological dig and a crime scene after a bomb blast. There's a 75-by-20-foot swath in a wall where bricks that protect the pad's concrete foundation were blasted off by the roaring exhaust of the shuttle Discovery two weeks ago."

Discovery Returns to Earth

Space Shuttle Discovery Returns to Earth

"Space Shuttle Discovery landed at Kennedy Space Center this morning at 11:15 a.m. on runway 15 at the shuttle landing facility. Commander Mark Kelly performed the deorbit burn at 10:10 a.m. EDT to begin space shuttle Discovery's descent to Kennedy Space Center for landing."

More ISS/Shuttle news
STS-124 Twitter Feed

Nothing "Fell" Off of Discovery

NASA: Metal clip fell off shuttle but not problem, AP

"A metal clip fell from Discovery's brakes on Friday but NASA said it won't delay the space shuttle's scheduled landing on Saturday. The astronauts reported to Mission Control earlier Friday that they saw a rectangular object, about 1 to 1 1/2 feet long, floating away from the tail of the shuttle. It turned out to be one of three metal clips around thermal insulation. The insulation is in the shuttle's rudder speed brake, which is used to slow the spacecraft as it comes in for a landing. NASA says the missing clip isn't critical for landing. It's used to protect the speed brake from high temperatures during the shuttle's launch."

Editor's note: Technically speaking, nothing "fell" off of Discovery. Rather, it became detached and drifted away, following its own independent orbit ...

Today's Video: Hubble SM4 Preview

HSM4 Intro, John Frassanito & Associates

Link below.

IFPTE Concern Over Shuttle Budget

IFPTE Letter To Congress Regarding NASA Re-Authorization bill H.R. 6063

"Although IFPTE supports the bill and the resources called for in H.R. 6063, we continue to have reservations with some of the provisions. We are particularly concerned that adding three additional Shuttle flights to the official manifest may move Shuttle Operations past the Columbia Accident Investigation Board's (CAIB) firm deadline of retirement by the end of 2010. In addition to the daunting safety considerations, should the Shuttle timeline slip past this deadline, many billions of dollars of additional costs will be required, dollars that are not contemplated in H.R. 6063 and not likely to be appropriated."

Discovery Undocks from ISS

Space Shuttle Discovery Undocks from International Space Station

"Discovery undocked from the International Space Station today at 7:42 a.m. EDT, ending its almost nine-day stay at the orbital outpost. On Tuesday, The STS-124 and Expedition 17 crews bid one another farewell, and closed the hatches between the two spacecraft at 4:42 p.m. STS-124 arrived at the station June 2, delivering the Japanese Pressurized Module, the second pressurized component of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo laboratory, to the station."

More ISS/Shuttle news
STS-124 Twitter Feed

Please Don't Make Us Fly AMS

NASA Balks at Taking Physics Gear Into Space, NPR

"NASA has scheduled just 10 more space shuttle flights before retiring its fleet for good. But the space agency may have to add one more mission, to bring a seven-ton $1.5 billion physics experiment into space."

Pad Damage at KSC

Shuttle launch pad damaged during Discovery's liftoff, Spaceflightnow

"Launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center suffered extensive damage during the shuttle Discovery's blastoff Saturday, NASA officials say. Photographs by news media photographers and others provided by NASA sources show heat-resistant bricks lining large sections of the "flame trench" wall beneath the shuttle's mobile launch platform were blown out by Discovery's booster exhaust, littering the area behind the pad and damaging a perimeter fence."

Discovery Arrives at ISS

NASA's Space shuttle Discovery Arrives at the International Space Station

"Space shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station at 2:03 p.m. EDT, delivering the STS-124 crew, a new Japanese module and a new crew member to the orbital outpost. Discovery carries with it the second component of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory, the Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM). The JPM will join the first component of Kibo, the Japanese Logistics Module, which was launched on the last shuttle flight, STS-123, in March."
Mission information

A Very Cool Photo

Woody from Toy Story waves good bye to Buzz, Orlando Sentinel

"It's hard to explain how much I love this photo. Kudos to Sentinel photographer Red Huber, who strategically placed a plastic doll of Woody from the movie Toy Story in a tree near the remove cameras that he always sets up for shuttle launches."

STS-124 Mission Underway

Editor's note: Space Shuttle Discovery has left the pad and is headed for orbit on the STS-124 Mission.

According to NASA: "Space shuttle Discovery is on its way into space on the power of its two solid rocket boosters and three main engines! The launch traced a fiery arc across the sky of Florida's East Coast as the shuttle races to catch up to the International Space Station."

More information

Buzz Lightyear Joins STS-124 Crew

NASA To Launch Disney's Buzz Lightyear On Space Shuttle, Local6.com

"NASA will launch the Disney character Buzz Lightyear aboard space shuttle Discovery on May 31 in a mission to excite students about science, math and space travel. During the STS-124 mission, the 12-inch-tall action figure will partner with astronauts to deliver daily blog journals from space and launch a series of educational games and online sessions related to the mission. ... While in space, the character will fly in zero gravity as part of an experiment tied to the NASA's "Toys in Space" educational program. "Toys in Space" is scheduled to run through 2008 and feature unique materials for teachers to use in their classrooms."

Hubble Slip = Day for Day Ares Slip

First Ares test launch likely delayed by pad conflict, SpaceflightNow

"Delays in the space shuttle program could force a one-month slip of an early test flight of NASA's next-generation rocket next year due to busy Kennedy Space Center launch facilities, agency officials said Thursday."

Shuttle's Hubble mission incurs 5-week delay, Orlando Sentinel

"The launch scheduled later this summer to service the Hubble Space Telescope will be pushed back four to five weeks because of delays in manufacturing the space shuttle's redesigned external fuel tank, a NASA official said Thursday. The delay in the tank-production schedule also is likely to affect the first test flight of a new rocket that is similar to one intended to take astronauts back to the moon."

Amazing Recovery

Data from Columbia disk drives survived the shuttle accident, AP

"Jon Edwards often manages what appears impossible. He has recovered precious data from computers wrecked in floods and fires and dumped in lakes. Now Edwards may have set a new standard: He found information on a melted disk drive that fell from the sky when space shuttle Columbia disintegrated in 2003."

Congress Pushes for More Money, Science, at NASA

Texans in Congress try to boost NASA budget, Houston Chronicle

"In the Senate, Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, said she was asking colleagues to add at least $1 billion to the NASA budget. Hutchison said she wants to add one more shuttle flight in order to ferry the $1.5 billion Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the international space station to study the energy-producing possibilities of cosmic rays. "We're not giving NASA the priority it should have," said Hutchison, a member of the Senate Republican leadership. "It should remain the premier agency for innovation and research."

This May Be A First For The Yankees But --

Yanks Plan First Pitch from Space, NY Post

"The Yankees today announced that NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman will throw out the ceremonial first pitch from the International Space Station prior to Wednesday's game vs. the Boston Red Sox. It will be the first ceremonial first pitch ever thrown from space in Yankee Stadium history."

Editor's note: This is not exactly the first time that this sort of thing has happened in space...

STS-73: "Crew took time out from Spacelab work to tape ceremonial first pitch for Game Five of baseball World Series, marking first time the thrower was not actually in the ballpark for the pitch."

Image: "STS073-E-5135 (26 October 1995) --- Baseball caps from the two 1995 World Series representative franchises float near the cabin windows of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia, with the Earth in the background."

Image: "STS073-E-5137 (26 October 1995) --- Baseballs from the American and National Leagues float near the cabin windows of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia, with Earth in the background."

"Expedition 5 Science Officer Astronaut Peggy Whitson presents the 2002 World Series Baseball to Space Center Houston.  Event takes placed at Space Center Houston. The baseball was the first pitch for the 2002 World Series, when Peggy Whitson threw the ball to Expedition 5 Commander on board the International Space Station. Selected photo of this event were published in the Space News Roundup, Volume 42, Number 5 May 2003.  Views include: Whitson presents baseball, a video screen showing the baseball pitch performed on the Space Station can be seen behind Whitson. [click on image to enlarge]

Shuttle/Orion Transition Job Cut Impacts

Hill Concerned With NASA Workforce Projection, Aviation Week

"Sobering new NASA estimates that cancellation of the space shuttle in 2010 could cost up to 9,000 aerospace contractor jobs nationwide -- 6,400 of them here at KSC -- are refocusing Congressional pressure on the White House for additional funds to accelerate development of the Ares/Orion shuttle replacement vehicles."

External Tanks: Familiar Sights Soon To Disappear

Reader note: "For those of us NASA folks who will never see this, this is really cool. I'm looking at these pictures from two views - technology and job loss."

Today's Video: The Twang "When the main engines start, something interesting (and dynamic) happens to the shuttle stack...it bends." (video below)

Mikulski Tries Again To Help Pay For Shuttle Costs

Mikulski Renews Pledge to Increase NASA’s Budget, Fight for $1 Billion Repayment for Columbia Costs

"The 2009 CJS spending bill is Senator Mikulski's third attempt to gain approval of her $1 billion NASA amendment. In 1987, Congress allocated $2.7 billion in the aftermath of the Challenger tragedy to pay for a replacement shuttle. In the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy, however, NASA was not given any additional funding to repair the remaining shuttles. The amendment will pay back the costs of returning the Shuttle to flight and restore cuts to science, aeronautics and exploration programs that were cut in order to pay for the return to flight."

Shuttle Job Cuts: Its About Time Florida Took Notice

Our position: With end of shuttle program, Space Coast needs aggressive new plan, editorial, Orlando Sentinel

"It's been clear for some time that Florida's Space Coast would lose a lot of good jobs when NASA retires the space shuttle. But that didn't take away the sting of this week's report from the space agency showing how bad the losses would be."

Editor's note: Waiting until the last minute to act on this wasn't the smartest move on Florida's part - when options are limited. It's not like this has been a secret for the past 4 years and that there was any outcome other than massive job loss - no matter how small the gap between Shuttle and Orion was.

Yes, The Party Is Indeed Over at KSC

NASA Shuttle to Constellation Workforce Transition Strategy Report

"Background: NASA's workforce surveys have indicated that communication is the key to managing the workforce during transition. NASA and its prime contractors are engaged in a robust communications effort at all levels to ensure that the workforce is kept informed of current programs and future plans. The Agency is utilizing many tools and media options to make this possible, and the effectiveness of these tools is continually evaluated in both surveys and by monitoring various media metrics."

2007 NASA Culture Survey Report, Page 4

1b. I receive timely communication from my Center's senior management. 55 44 55 45 53 44 66 59 54 55 65

1c. I receive timely communications from the Agency's senior management. 42 32 31 37 36 40 49 49 34 46 60

Weldon Amendment Forces NASA to Reveal Massive Layoffs

"In today's "Workforce Transition Strategy Initial Report," NASA estimated that there will be at least 6,400 jobs eliminated between FY 08 and FY 2011 at Kennedy Space Center alone. Of those 6,400 layoffs, NASA forecasted that 4,800 will come all in one year - 2011. These numbers could grow if problems arise with the Constellation program due to technological or funding issues."

NASA News Conference With Mike Griffin: Exploration Systems Architecture Study (Transcript), 19 September 2005

"GRIFFIN ... It provides an orderly transition of the space shuttle workforce. We estimate that we can use about 85 percent of the facilities that are in play today for the space shuttle."

NASA: Shuttle retirement may cost 2,300 jobs in Houston, Houston Chronicle

Shuttle Retirement May Bring Loss of 8,600 Jobs, NASA Says, NY Times
Massive Job Cuts in Space Program Likely, AP
80% of KSC contractors could lose jobs after shuttle program ends, Orlando Sentinel
NASA: Michoud has cloudy employment future, AP
NASA will eliminate 6,400 jobs by 2011, Tampa Bay's 10
Shuttle Retirement Could Cost Thousands Of Jobs, Central Florida News 13
Job Losses Expected When Shuttle Retires, WESH

The Party Is Over at KSC

NASA: Up To 6,400 Job Losses at KSC When Shuttle Retires, Orlando Sentinel

"In the bleakest employment forecast for Kennedy Space Center yet, a NASA report due out on Tuesday estimates that as many as 6,400 contractors could lose their jobs at KSC by 2011 right after the space shuttle is retired. With no rockets to launch, the KSC workforce, whose primary mission is to prepare NASA spacecraft for liftoff, is expected to go from 8,000 contract jobs today to between 1,600 and 2,300 in 2011."

NASA To Hold News Briefing on the Space Shuttle to Constellation Workforce Transition Report

"NASA will hold a teleconference at 2 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, April 1, to discuss a report to Congress on the agency's workforce strategy while transitioning from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program.

The briefing participants are:
- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington
- Rick Gilbrech, associate administrator, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters"

Interesting Interior Quicktime VR of Space Shuttle

Space Shuttle Interior, Panoscan

"These images were captured last in September 2001 for training purposes. The images were captured inside the high fidelity training mock up at the Johnson Space Center in Houston Texas. This mock up features the later "glass" cockpit design that was used in the Columbia. To view these images you will need QuickTime 7."

Endeavour Is Home

Space Shuttle Endeavour Lands at Kennedy Space Center

"With Commander Dominic Gorie and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson at the controls, space shuttle Endeavour glided to a picture perfect landing at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The STS-123 crew began its mission March 11 and arrived at the International Space Station March 12. The astronauts delivered the Japanese Logistics Module - Pressurized Section (JLP), the first pressurized component of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory to the station. The crew of Endeavour also delivered the final element of the station's Mobile Servicing System, the Canadian-built Dextre, also known as the Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator."

What Happened to Kermit The Space Frog?

Editor's note: It would seem this image (S123E00737B) of a specially outfitted Kermit the Frog aboard the ISS appeared - and then disappeared - from the NASA Human Spaceflight website. Larger image.

What gives? Does NASA PAO have something against frogs?

Home Stretch for Endeavour's Crew

NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour to Land Wednesday

"The space shuttle Endeavour crew is expected to complete its 16-day flight to the International Space Station with a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, March 26. The STS-123 mission began March 11 and delivered the first segment of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre. The flight also brought a new crew member to the station and will return an astronaut who has spent nearly seven weeks aboard the complex."

Yet Another New NASA Acronym

NASA STS-123 Execute Package FD07

"We've been thinking hard about wear and tear on EMU gloves, and you'll be glad to know we have a prototype solution in the works. It's called the Mmod Resistant Handling Aid for Normal Dexterity (MR HAND). Here is one of our technicians modeling MR HAND."

Which One Of You Kids Left Your iPod On The Dashboard?

iPod sighted Inside Space Shuttle Endeavour by Someone Inside the International Space Station

"If you look into the window of Space Shuttle Endeavour, as viewed in this photograph taken yesterday from inside the International Space Station, you will see that someone left their iPod on near the co-pilot's window. This is not the first time that an iPod has been photographed in space, but it is the first time that one has been photographed inside one space vehicle - by someone inside another space vehicle."

Endeavour Docks With ISS

Space Shuttle Endeavour Docks Successfully to the International Space Station

"Space shuttle Endeavour docked successfully to the International Space Station at 11:49 p.m. EDT. About an hour before docking, STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson guided the shuttle through a back-flip maneuver, giving the Expedition 16 crew the opportunity to take pictures of the orbiter's protective heat-resistant tiles. These photos will be sent to engineers on Earth for analysis."

Additional ISS and Shuttle news

Today's Video: STS-123 Launch with Chest Thumping Sound

Editor's note: Check out Matt Reyes' STS-123 launch video at the OnOrbit STS-123 Video channel (below). Make certain to pump up the volume once the shuttle clears the pad.

Check out the OnOrbit STS-123 Video channel

Foam Strike?

Shuttle prepares to deliver Japanese lab to space station, LA Times via Boston Globe

"NASA safety officials were reviewing video and photographs of the launch, but it appeared there was only one significant incident of insulating foam coming off the giant fuel tank that the shuttle is strapped to like a bull-rider. The chunk of foam came off at about 83 seconds into the launch, when atmospheric forces are near their maximum. Any foam coming off the tank then would be accelerated to potentially damaging speeds."

STS-123 - We Have Liftoff

NASA STS-123 Report #01 Tuesday, March 11, 2008 3:00 a.m. CDT

"Space shuttle Endeavour delivered an early sunrise to the Florida coast this morning, lifting off at 1:28 a.m. CDT from the Kennedy Space Center to begin a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. Aboard the shuttle are Commander Dominic Gorie, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Robert Behnken, Mike Foreman, Rick Linnehan, Garrett Reisman and Takao Doi, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut."

NASA Launch Blog

More Shuttle and ISS news

Mitt and Ann Hold Hands at Pad 39A

NASA FOIA Images: Mitt Romney Tours SSPF-Pad 39A at KSC on 21 January 2008

NASA caption: "Images taken of the Mitt Romney tour at KSC are not, in any way, intended to reflect the endorsement of any candidate by NASA. These images were taken during a tour that is typically provided to other VIP's. NASA has not authorized the use of these images for campaign purposes and has obtained a commitment from the Romney campaign NOT to use these images for campaign purposes. These images are being released in response to FOIA requests."

Editor's note: Click to enlarge image. Isn't it a little odd that most people who are seen in this location are required to wear bunny suits and caps - and yet politicians and their spouses are not? [see comments below as KSC folks correct my assumptions regarding bunny suits - but not about the special access granted to Romney]. Let's see how NASA answers my FOIA request as to what constitutes a "VIP" and what the process is for evaluating and approving (or denying) requests for these personal tours and photo ops - conducted at taxpayer expense.

Kerry Blows Opportunity at KSC, 2004 post

Comments? Send them to nasawatch@spaceref.com. Your comments thus far:

They're not that unusual. When I visited, the people working inside the orbiter were in "bunny suits", but so long as you stayed outside, it wasn't a requirement. This was a few years ago, but I don't think the rules have changed much. This wasn't a formal NASA tour, so no PAO cameras or minders, but we were informed what the rules were.

Looking Across The Looming Gap

NASA Wary of Relying on Russia, Washington Post

"Griffin has testified that while the waiver is essential, it is "unseemly, simply unseemly, for the United States -- the world's leading power and leading space power -- to be reduced to purchasing services like this. It affects, in my view, how we are seen in the world, and not for the better." NASA's budget calls for spending $2.6 billion for transportation to the space station between fiscal 2009 and 2013. As it stands now, much of that would go to the Russians."

NASA Human Spaceflight Management Changes

Editor's note: John Shannon is being named the new Shuttle Program Manager. Wayne Hale will be joing Bill Gerstenmaier's Space Operations staff.

NASA Internal Memo From Wayne Hale to the Space Shuttle Team

"In the last few days the agency has asked me to take on an urgent and important job which will be very important for our long range intentions to succeed in these bigger goals of returning to the moon and then sending people on to explore Mars and the rest of the solar system."

NASA Selects New Deputy Associate Administrator of Strategic Partnerships and Space Shuttle Program Manager

"In his new position, he will work in Houston as a senior NASA official in the Space Operations Mission Directorate, providing strategic leadership to foster cooperative partnerships that help achieve NASA goals, build alliances across the public and private sectors and improve U.S. competitiveness and economic growth."

Atlantis Returns To Earth

Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands at NASA Kennedy Space Center

"With Commander Steve Frick and Pilot Alan Poindexter at the controls, space shuttle Atlantis descended to a smooth landing at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The STS-122 crew began its mission Feb. 7 and arrived at the station Feb. 9. Crew members added the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus laboratory to the station, increasing the orbital outpost's scientific capabilities. They also delivered a new crew member to the ISS and replaced an expended Nitrogen Tank Assembly on the station's P1 Truss."

Additional ISS/Shuttle information

Shuttle Update

Space Shuttle Atlantis Departs ISS

"Space Shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station at 4:24 a.m. EST today, ending its almost-nine-day stay at the orbital outpost."

NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis Set to Land Wednesday

"The space shuttle Atlantis crew is expected to complete a 13-day mission to the International Space Station with a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, Feb. 20."

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives at Launch Pad, Countdown Test Set

"After safely reaching its launch pad Monday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the space shuttle Endeavour now awaits its next major milestone for the upcoming STS-123 mission. A full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, is scheduled to take place at Kennedy from Feb. 23 to 25."

Former Boeing Engineer Accused Of Spying for China

Former Boeing Engineer Charged with Economic Espionage in Theft of Space Shuttle Secrets for China, DOJ

"A former Boeing engineer was arrested this morning after being indicted last week on charges of economic espionage and acting as an unregistered foreign agent of the People's Republic of China (PRC), for whom the engineer stole Boeing trade secrets related to several aerospace programs, including the Space Shuttle."

Indictment, DOJ

Did China spy on NASA?, Orlando Sentinel

EVA Delayed For Medical Issues - But No One Is Sick, Says NASA

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Space -- NOT, Free Space

"If Britney Spears wants some privacy, I have a suggestion for her: get NASA to fly her to the space station. The space agency so vehemently protects the privacy of astronauts that even if they have to postpone a spacewalk, which costs something like a bazillion dollars a minute, because someone is sick, they won't talk about it. Even if the spacewalker, who has been training for more than a year, is sidelined, and a backup has to take his place, they won't talk about it. And even if the mission then has to be extended to make up for the extra day, they won't talk about it."

Meet the Press (funny photo), Free Space

"Reporters prepare for Sunday's news briefing with NASA officials at the Johnson Space Center."

Atlantis Docks With ISS and Delivers Columbus

Space Shuttle Atlantis Docks with the International Space Station

Space Station and Space Shuttle Crews Work to Install Columbus Lab Module

Space Shuttle Atlantis and the STS-122 crew arrived at the International Space Station at 12:17 p.m., delivering the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory and a new crew member to the orbital outpost.

Additional ISS and Space Shuttle News

STS-122 On Its Way

Atlantis Launches Carrying the STS-122 Crew

"Cheers and shouts can be heard throughout the space center as Atlantis, carrying the STS-122 crew and Columbus Laboratory, roars off the launch pad into the mid-afternoon sky to begin the 24th mission to the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Steve Frick commands a crew of six, including Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Stanley Love and the European Space Agency's Hans Schlegel and Leopold Eyharts. This is the first spaceflight for Poindexter, Love and Melvin."

Bad weather threatens shuttle launch, AP

"Even NASA's normally emotion-free boss, Michael Griffin, was enthusiastic. He said he was sure Atlantis' fuel gauges would continue to work properly and predicted no further problems with the system."

More ISS/Shuttle news

Here Come The Shuttle Job Cuts

Kennedy Space Center could face job cuts in Bush's NASA budget proposal, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA expects to shed as many as 1,000 workers from its space-shuttle program in 2009 -- including an unspecified number at Kennedy Space Center -- as part of a $17.6 billion budget outlined Monday by the White House."

[Exploration Capabilities] Space Operations Employment Summary

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Identification code 80-0115-0-1-252      2007 actual   2008 est.   2009 est.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Direct:

1001  Civilian full-time equivalent 

        employment......................       5,748       5,791       3,540

    Reimbursable:

2001  Civilian full-time equivalent 

        employment......................          52          11          11

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Page 11

- Shuttle retirement and transition planning continues, however, the specific requirements and budget estimates for Shuttle retirement after FY 2010 are too immature to be incorporated.

Page 12 - Space Shuttle Retirement and Transition to Constellation

- Preserving the skilled Shuttle workforce necessary to fly through retirement, especially as vendors complete their final deliveries, and transitioning key elements of the highly-skilled engineering and technician workforce to support the new Exploration systems

- Fully understanding Space Shuttle retirement costs, including the disposition of Shuttle facilities and equipment. Congressional authorization for Agency-wide Enhanced Use Leases starting in January 2009 will help defray NASA costs.

- Supporting the International Space Station following the retirement of the Space Shuttle, especially purchasing crew and cargo transport services.

- NASA is preparing a package of legislative provisions to help in the transition from the Space Shuttle to the new Constellation Systems.

Another Launch Date for STS-122

NASA tentatively plans Feb. 7 launch for Atlantis -- if repairs pan out, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA on Thursday set a tentative launch date of Feb. 7 for Atlantis' long-awaited mission to deliver a European laboratory module to the international space station. The delay -- almost exactly two months after the originally scheduled Dec. 6 launch -- gives NASA extra time to fix faulty fuel-cutoff sensors in Atlantis' giant orange external fuel tank."

Sensationalist Headlines at USA Today

Shuttle delays endanger space station, USA Today

"Like many home-improvement projects on Earth, NASA's most ambitious building effort in space languishes half-done. Now new delays, combined with the space shuttle's looming retirement, are raising worries about whether it can be finished at all."

Editor's note: What a bad choice of words for a headline. A headline contains the words you first see and is supposed to represent the gist of an article. In this case the headline is misleading - to say the least. There is no "danger" (i.e. as being "endangered") to the space station if this mission is delayed. The crew are quite safe. Nor is the station "endangered" if a number of shuttle flights with space station parts never get launched. No one is going to cancel it. The space station will stay in orbit and work just fine - without being "endangered" - with whatever parts are launched - just as it is doing right now.

Shuttle Battles In Space

. . .And Races Into Space, The Wall Street Journal Asia

"At a minimum, Washington should delay the planned 2010 retirement of the Space Shuttle until a new space plane can replace it, as a way to retain a deterring potential military capability. China's unwillingness to comment on its military space plans, coupled with the Shenlong space plane, confirms its larger aversion to military transparency. The U.S. and its allies have little choice but to develop the capabilities to defend their interests and assets in space."

STS-122 Update

NASA Announces Teleconference About Next Shuttle Mission

"NASA will host a media teleconference with Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale at 5 p.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 3, to discuss the status of ongoing work to prepare shuttle Atlantis for its launch to the International Space Station."

Editor's note: John Shannon said that today's PRCB looked at possible launch dates. Went over mods to feed through connector. Connector sent to MSFC for testing. Sensor ready for cryostat testing unit. Hope to replicate December launch attempt and tanking test. That should take 2 weeks starting next Monday. Reviewed mod to external plug. Will solder pins on feed through connector. This should solve problems based on Atlas Centaur experience by inhibiting movement inside of connector. Expect new connectors installed on ET 125 before next wednesday. If we learn something new through testing then that will need to be tested.

Work to reinstall foam and ablator - will take until 27 Jan. Need to see how long foam needs to cure until 2-7 Feb. 24 Jan is the earliest launch day that Shannon needs to proctect. As we go through next week we will see what we need to do. No way can we go an earlier than 24 Jan. "It is a stretch that we'd make the 24th. The weather would have to cooperate and we'd have to have no testing glitches. It is more likely that we'd be ready to go in the 2-7 Feb time frame ... We really did not pick a launch date today."

Subtle Hints About Shuttle Fleet Ops Extension?

NASA Awards Contract for Space Shuttle Robotics Support, NASA JSC

"The cost plus no fee contract will provide support for activities related to both the Space Shuttle Program and International Space Station Program. The contract includes a base period from Jan. 1, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2010, followed by two one-year extension options."

Editor's note: Hmmm ... if the Shuttle fleet is supposed to be retired in 2010, why is there any need for "two one-year extension options" for hardware that is only used on the Space Shuttle?

Editor's update: According to PAO's Michael Curie "The two option years are for space station, not shuttle, robotics." OK. Then perhaps the title of the press release should have been "NASA Awards Contract for Space Shuttle and Space Station Robotics Support" and the lead paragraph changed to something like "for support of hardware and software associated with the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System robotic arm, inspection boom assembly and robotic work station and for International Space Station robotic hardware and software". Otherwise the release, as written, seems to focus only on shuttle-based hardware - since it is the only hardware that is specifically mentioned.

STS-122 Launch Date TBD

Editor note: NASA held a teleconference today with Wayne Hale with regard to repairs needed for STS-122. According to Wayne Hale "We have no launch date to talk about today".

Hale said that NASA would attempt to do all required repairs to Atlantis' External Tank on the launch pad. Hale expressed confidence that the repairs could be done in this fashion. However, if that is not possible, then a roll back to the VAB might be needed.

Extending The Shuttle - While Bashing Russia

HR 4837 Spacefaring Priorities for America's Continued Exploration Act (Full Text)

"a) Use of Space Shuttle for Access to Space- NASA shall fly at least 2 Space Shuttle missions per year for crew transport, instead of Russian crew and cargo services, for the period of 2010 through 2015, or until Orion is operational. There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA such sums as may be necessary, in addition to amounts otherwise authorized, to carry out this subsection, including for the production of more external tanks as may be needed."

Editor's note: Rep. Weldon is exorcising some non-space demons at the same time that he is trying to prolong shuttle operations. This legislation also includes a large amount of Russia-bashing - much of it gratuitous - much more than is needed to make the simple point (agreed to by many) that the U.S. should not be reliant upon Russia (or any other country) to fly American astronauts. i.e. "Despite United States objections, Russia sold billions of dollars worth of weapons to the regime of Hugo Chavez in 2006. Such meddling is a possible violation of the Monroe Doctrine and a throwback to the Cold War era."

Reaction To Weldon's Shuttle/Orion Proposal

Our position: Bringing the next space ship on line faster is the best solution, editorial, Orlando Sentinel

"Congressman Dave Weldon is right to be concerned about the looming gap between the space shuttle's retirement in 2010 and the launch of NASA's next manned vehicle in 2015 or later. But he's also right that his plan to fill the gap isn't very likely to pass. Actually, it has about a daisy's chance on the moon."

Shuttle Update

NASA Tanking Test Completed For Space Shuttle Atlantis

"After Tuesday's test of Atlantis' external fuel tank, NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale said he was pleased with the data captured from the special equipment wired into the tank's sensor system. Speaking from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Hale said with the information gleaned from the test "sets us on the right path to correct this problem so we can return this important safety system to operational capability so we can fly again."

Weldon Shuttle Extension Update

U.S. urged to keep space shuttle flying past 2010, Reuters

"[Weldon's] proposal, which would cost about $10 billion, would have the shuttles make six or seven additional flights between 2010 and 2013 and speed up development of the Orion ships to be ready by then. A second proposal would keep the shuttles flying until 2015 and leave Orion's schedule alone."

Weldon's Push To Extend Shuttle's Life Expands

Rep. Dave Weldon to Announce S.P.A.C.E. Act

"Rep. Weldon is announcing new legislation that would propose additional Space Shuttle flights through the "gap" in which America will not otherwise have access to space. This legislation will also provide additional resources for the Constellation project, and will have a positive effect on our national security as well as the local economy."

Text of Conference Amendment by Rep. Dave Weldon to Force NASA to Ensure That Space Shuttle Can Continue to Fly Beyond 2010

STS-122 Launch Slipped Again

NASA Targets Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch On Jan. 10"The workforce has stepped up to and met every challenge this year," said Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center. "Moving the next launch attempt of Atlantis to Jan. 10 will allow as many people as possible to have time with family and friends at the time of year when it means the most. A lot has been asked of them this year and a lot will be asked of them in 2008."

Email Volleys and ECO Sensors

Internal NASA Emails Reveal Atlantis Safety Debate, Aviation Week

"Internal NASA emails from the director of Shuttle Safety at the Johnson Space Center and the Shuttle Program Manager show how they struggled with the potential risk to astronauts' lives in assessing how to proceed with the launch of Atlantis in the wake of engine cutoff (ECO) sensor malfunctions. Aviation Week & Space Technology obtained exclusive copies of these emails, which are reproduced largely in full here on AviationWeek.com to retain the context intended by their authors."

Wayne Hale Is Not Done Yet

NASA Internal Memo From Wayne Hale: "Not done yet"

"... So I've decided: I'm in it for the long run. I don't intend to leave before the last wheel stop. There is plenty enough excitement and fulfillment to outweigh the biggest bonus or the fanciest office. There will be time for the future when it comes. Because we're not finished yet. I hope you are in it with me."

Let's Fly The Shuttle Forever

Text of Conference Amendment by Rep. Dave Weldon to Force NASA to Ensure That Space Shuttle Can Continue to Fly Beyond 2010

"(a) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall take all actions necessary in fiscal year 2008, including renegotiating necessary prime contracts and subcontracts and ensuring that they do not expire, in order to ensure the option of operating the Space Shuttle beyond the currently planned Shuttle end-of-operations date in 2010. These actions shall be accomplished using existing funds made available by this or any other Act, and shall include -- "

Lawmakers want shuttle's life extended despite dangers, Orlando Sentinel

"Despite the objections of senior NASA officials and Columbia disaster investigators, key members of Congress are pushing hard to extend the life of America's aging space-shuttle fleet beyond 2010, potentially risking astronaut lives as well as the agency's program to return to the moon."

STS-122 Delayed Until January

NASA Postpones Shuttle Atlantis Launch Until January, NASA

"The launch of space shuttle Atlantis has been rescheduled for no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008. The postponement will give engineers time to evaluate false readings from the engine cutoff sensor system that measures liquid hydrogen in the external tank. Of the four engine cutoff sensors, ECO sensor number three gave false readings during Sunday's launch attempt. The sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low."

No Shuttle Attempt On Saturday

Editor's note: NASA Watch has learned that there will not be a launch attempt on Saturday. The next launch attempt will be made on Sunday.

NASA Shuttle Information

SpaceRef Shuttle/ISS Information

No, Those Are Not Cracks

Editor's note: NASA PAO statement regarding STS-122 preparations:

"The post Mission Management Team meeting news conference has been pushed back to no earlier than 7:30 p.m. EST.

Reporters have been inquiring about a report from NASAspaceflight.com that stated: 'An 8 inch crack has been observed on one of the LOX Feedline brackets. Photographs are being taken at the pad, with evaluations to take place over the coming hours.'

It is not a crack. During a routine pad inspection, teams identified scuff marks on the LOX Feedline brackets. These scuff marks are within the allowable limits and there no issues."

Remembering a Runner

Dedication of the Willie McCool Memorial Marker at the United States Naval Academy, David Schuman, SpaceRef

"Amidst the regular burden of work, some may appreciate this short description of an emotional ceremony I attended this past Sunday at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It was not widely reported in the media but held a very special significance for NASA employees, in particular for those who happen to be runners. I'm a runner and, while there have been many times when I've been tempted to break down on a racecourse, this was a special time."

Griffin on Shuttle and ISS

Testimony by NASA Administrator Mike Griffin: The Space Program after The Shuttle is retired

"Retirement of the Space Shuttle is on schedule for 2010 and critical to future Exploration plans. As we approach this date, we are hopeful that we can complete the ten remaining Space Station assembly flights, the servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, and the two contingency Shuttle missions to the ISS within this timeframe. If it becomes clear that we will not complete the flight manifest by 2010, NASA will evaluate options and make adjustments consistent with not flying any flights beyond 2010. Continuing to fly the Shuttle beyond 2010 does not enhance U.S. human spaceflight capability, but rather delays the time until a new capability exists and increases the total life cycle cost to bring the new capability on line."

Senate Shuttle Hearing Today

Senate Hearing: Issues Facing the U.S. Space Program after Retirement of the Space Shuttle

10:00 AM - Live webcast

Editor's note: With regard to returning the shuttle and relying upon Russia for Soyuz flights to the ISS, Mike Griffin just said "I think it is unseemly in the extreme for the United States to depend on another country for access to space. I did not get us into this postion but I am trying to get us out of it."

Life After The Shuttle

Senate Hearing: Issues Facing the U.S. Space Program after Retirement of the Space Shuttle

"The Subcommittee hearing will address issues related to the retirement of the Space Shuttle, its remaining missions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) plans to compensate should they not fulfill all mission requirements on schedule, and other issues facing NASA when the Space Shuttle is retired."

Thoughts on Parazynski's High Wire Act

Another voice: NASA's 'wow' factor, editorial, Houston Chronicle

"Even by past, lofty standards, the shuttle mission that ended Wednesday with the return of Discovery and its seven-member crew took the "wow" factor to new heights."

NASA "Party" Expenses

NASA'S Luxury, At Your Expense, CBS

"And most of the honorees? They're not NASA employees. They're from Boeing and other billion-dollar contractors that aren't picking up the tab. Bryan O'Connor is a NASA spokesman. What does he say to the criticism that these events are frivolous or extravagant? "I think what I would do is ask the people who we have honored to give me an idea if they think this thing was reasonable, if they felt they were honored properly," he said. [CBS News correspondent Sharyl] Attkisson said: "I wouldn't ask the honorees, I would ask the people who pay for it: taxpayers."

NASA Knows How To Party Slashdot

Editor's note: Gee, I wonder what could be done if NASA had CBS News Anchor Katie Couric's $60 million 5 year salary package to spend on things like this?

Discovery Is Home

Space Shuttle Discovery Lands at Kennedy Space Center

"STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy and Pilot George Zamka fired Space Shuttle Discovery’s jets at 11:59 a.m. EST to begin the descent to Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Discovery touched down at Kennedy at 1:01 p.m. ending its mission to the International Space Station. Discovery arrived at the station on Oct. 25 with the seven STS-120 astronauts quickly beginning joint operations with the ISS."

Stunning ISS Photos

Space Shuttle Discovery's Stunning Departure Photos of the International Space Station

"Backdropped by a colorful Earth, the International Space Station is seen from Space Shuttle Discovery as the two spacecraft begin their relative separation. Earlier the STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews concluded 11 days of cooperative work onboard the shuttle and station. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 4:32 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 5, 2007."

Discovery Starts The Trip Home

Space Shuttle Discovery Leaves Newly Configured International Space Station

Discovery undocked from the International Space Station at 5:32 a.m. today. The shuttle and station crews ended joint operations when the hatches closed at 3:03 p.m. EST Sunday. STS-120’s stay at the station began Oct. 25 and featured four spacewalks to continue the on-orbit construction of the station. Discovery also carried the Harmony Node 2 module and a new crew member, Daniel Tani, to the station.

NASA STS-120 Report #27 2:45 a.m. CST Monday, Nov. 5, 2007
NASA STS-120 Execute Package FD 13
NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 4 November 2007

Additional ISS/Shuttle News

I Hope Mr. Bill Doesn't Get "Executed" By The Shuttle Crew

NASA STS-120 Execute Package FD 13

"It was absolutely a tremendous day! The entire team was awed by the outstanding work that you performed to make EVA 4 a great success. The extended team, both on-orbit and on the ground, deserves congratulations and it is a good day to be a part of the extended NASA family."

Editor's note: I am guessing that the Mission Control folks may be a little on the young side when it comes to SNL alumni. I am not certain that putting Mr. Bill in a document called an "Execute Package" is a wise PR move ...

USA Strike Ends

NASA workers' strike ends with contract, Orlando Sentinel

"The nearly five-month strike of about 500 workers involved in space-shuttle launch operations at Kennedy Space Center ended today with ratification of a new contract, according to a news release from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2061. The workers include machinists, electrical technicians, crane operators and people who drive the giant crawler that gets the shuttle to the launch pad."

STS-120 On-Orbit

NASA's Shuttle Discovery Begins Mission to the Space Station

"The space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew lifted off Tuesday, Oct. 23, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:38 a.m. EDT to continue construction of the International Space Station. During the 14-day mission, designated STS-120, Discovery's crew will continue construction of the space station with the installation of the Harmony connecting module, also known as Node 2. The crew, led by Commander Pam Melroy, will conduct five spacewalks during the mission, four by shuttle crew members and one by the station's Expedition 16 crew."

Nailbiting at the New York Times

An Arduous, Risky Mission, editorial, NY Times

"After vigorous debate at an all-day review, however, NASA’s top managers concluded that the risk was acceptable. Should the panels’ defects worsen during flight, the astronauts could attempt a repair in space or board the space station to await rescue by another shuttle. The astronauts, who were fully informed of the debate, endorsed the decision to launch. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that these judgments prove right. Another shuttle catastrophe would not only cost the lives of astronauts, it would also probably end the shuttle program and greatly delay completion of the space station."

STS-120 Preps Continue

NASA counting down to Tuesday's shuttle launch, SpaceflightNow

"NASA's shuttle launch team started Discovery's countdown today for a launch attempt Tuesday on what many consider the most challenging space station assembly mission yet attempted. Forecasters are predicting a 60 percent chance of good weather. The countdown began on time at 2 p.m. NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said earlier today there were no technical issues of any significance at launch pad 39A."

More ISS and Shuttle News

STS-120 Go for 23 October

NASA Gives "Go" for Space Shuttle Launch on Oct. 23

"NASA senior managers Tuesday completed a detailed review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight and selected Oct. 23 as the official launch date.

Commander Pam Melroy and her six crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 11:38 a.m. EDT on the STS-120 mission to the International Space Station."

TPS Issues With Discovery

NASA Studies Problem With Shuttle Wings, AP

"NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said the outer coating on three of the wing panels shows degradation, an issue that the NASA Engineering and Safety Center has been reviewing for the past several months. The safety center recommended Wednesday that the three panels be replaced before Discovery flies. But the shuttle program is leaning toward leaving them alone, for now, and proceeding with the launch based on data from other engineers, Beutel said."

The Gap Looms

Thousands Of NASA Jobs In Jeopardy, Channel 13

"In just three years, NASA plans to shut down its manned spaceflight operations until the new constellation program comes on-line around 2014. That could put 4,000 jobs at the Kennedy Space Center in jeopardy. Indirectly, 15,000 jobs could be lost, thanks to a slump in the Brevard County economy."

All Aboard the Shuttle Launch Junket

NASA JSC solicitation: Hotel and Conference Facilities for Space Flight Awareness Program STS-122 Event

"This notice is being issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for Hotel and Conference/Banquet Facilities for the Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Program STS-122 Event. NASA's Space Flight Awareness Launch Honoree Award is our most prestigious recognition and honors those employees who contribute to ensuring astronaut safety and mission success. The award is presented to approximately 300 NASA civil servants, NASA contractors and international space agency employees. These employees are rewarded with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center as NASA VIPs. The honorees have the opportunity to view a shuttle launch, attend a reception/dinner in their honor, and meet with top NASA, industry and international space agency officials as well as members of the Astronaut Corps."

Editor's note: If NASA and its employees really wanted to relay the importance and experience of space travel - imagine what impact could be generated on America's educational system if you invited 300 teachers - or 300 students - to a launch - at Government expense. I am very familiar with how awardees are selected at NASA having once been a NASA employee myself. While many honorees have indeed worked very hard to get an award, it is usually a matter of managers looking around to see who hasn't been to a launch yet (or for a while). These shuttle launches are a dwindling commodity - one that will be followed by "The Gap" where no humans leave Earth from American soil. As such, NASA should use these remaining opportunities wisely - for maximum effect and value.

Reader note: Without SFA we would have no path to award great employee performance at this level. SFA is a very unique program and management has worked hard to focus events on employees and not parties and trinkets. While I cannot make apologies for the whole of NASA, I know that SOMD has sponsored folks like our video and pennant winners to launches. SOMD is also sponsoring the Node naming contest winner as well. Employee recognition is critical during this transition timeframe. Some of us would rather do more recognition. Many folks believe just as you have portrayed - it is a frivolous party expense. I have seen management fight to save it from budget cuts while keeping the focus on the employee. This is a consistent theme of the entire NASA-Industry advisory board. One of the reasons for the busses particularly is that fact that we have to house folks in Orlando. The cruise business has killed us in Cocoa Beach.

Regarding "All Aboard the Shuttle Launch Junket", I have been a NASA contractor for eight years, and in that time have not witnessed a launch or landing. Prior to this, I worked for a University researcher flying biotechnology experiments on the Shuttle middeck and witnessed six Shuttle launches and a landing. I would love to see another launch - I always cry at launches because they are beyond amazing...there are PEOPLE on that thing! But I work with just as many people who have never seen a launch at all, and I never miss the opportunity to tell them to go if they get the chance.

I'm all for students and teachers getting special invites to things like this, but its worth remembering that the incredible power of watching something launch that you had ANY hand in whatsoever reminds you with crystal clarity why you do what you do - put up with irritated managers, run tests and simulations, argue with people about the right way to do things, review documentation and make recommendations for best practices. Those aren't exciting, but they make that launch possible. When you get reminded of that, it makes it a little easier to the rest of it, day in and day out, and remember that even those of us who don't go into space can take pride in the fact that someone does.

Thanks for a great site.

The Space Flight Awareness Program may be good for the spaceflight folks and the NASA centers where those activities take place. The "rest of us" in Science, Aeronautics, etc., do not have anything similar and have to jump through flaming hoops to legally use appropriated funds for events that do not come anywhere close to the lavish spreads put on in the SFA program. This adversely affects the morale of everyone else. Employees should be recognized, but on a level playing field. The playing field should be leveled in such a way that fewer tax dollars are spent. If you are familiar with SFA, then you know the sums that are involved. The money could be put to much better use elsewhere, including, as you suggest, inviting students and educators to launches and other events.

In Front - Or Behind - Discovery?

Editor's note: It would seem that these good folks at KSC are a little confused as to which end is which on a space shuttle. Click on the image and you will see why ...

There's A Lot Of Truth In This

Houston, we have an image problem, Orange County Register

"Today most of us don't give much thought to the space shuttle - viewing it as just one of many multibillion-dollar government expenditures offering unknown benefits to the taxpayers. Yet not too long ago the space shuttle was widely considered one of NASA's most remarkable advances, rivaling in popularity other Space Age innovations like the zero gravity toilet and Tang."

Editor's note: If NASA could deal with the perceptions in this article alone, it could shift - and perhaps disipate - a lot of public malaise about space exploration.  This guy is (I'll bet, deep inside) itching to be wowed again.

Management Changes at USA

Richard Covey to Succeed McCulley as USA President and CEO

"Richard O. Covey has been named to succeed Michael J. McCulley as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Space Alliance, effective September 28, 2007. McCulley has announced his retirement following a distinguished career spanning 38 years as a Naval aviator, NASA astronaut and a highly respected space industry executive. Daniel C. Brandenstein of Lockheed Martin Mission Services has been named to replace Covey as USA's Chief Operating Officer."

Post Landing Opinions

The Space Shuttle Hobbles Onward, editorial, NY Times

"NASA will now look for quick fixes to reduce debris-shedding in the next few flights while it pursues a longer-term solution. But it has become increasingly clear that the shuttle’s design, which puts a huge external fuel tank insulated with foam above a fragile spacecraft, is fundamentally flawed. This problem won’t be solved until the shuttles are replaced with a new vehicle."

Orbital and Post-Landing Images of Tile Damage

Larger View - different angle

Endeavour Is Home

Space Shuttle Endeavour Lands at Kennedy Space Center

"Space Shuttle Endeavour touched down at Kennedy at 12:32 p.m., ending its mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour returned home two weeks after it launched from the Florida space port. Endeavour arrived at the station on Aug. 10 with the seven STS-118 astronauts quickly beginning joint operations with the Expedition 15 crew."

Watch NASA TV

More ISS and Shuttle News

Do Your Own Tile Inspection

Use Microsoft Photosynth To Examine Shuttle Endeavour's Tiles, Microsoft

"Prior to docking at the international space station the Space Shuttle Endeavour did a complete somersault enabling astronauts in the International Space Station to photograph the shuttle's bottom-side. The photos were then sent back to NASA for analysis. The Space Administration has been kind enough to share those images with Microsoft Live Labs. We have taken the photos and created a "synth" so people around the world can take part in the NASA experience."

Changing Mindsets

Caution Over Shuttle Shows Shift at NASA, NY Times

"Confronted with the same kind of problem that doomed the space shuttle Columbia, NASA officials, chastened by years of criticism and upheaval in the agency, took a markedly different approach during the current mission of the Endeavour, calling on an array of new tools and procedures to analyze and respond to the problem."

Endeavour Begins To Head Home

Endeavour Undocks from Space Station

"Space Shuttle Endeavour undocked from the International Space Station at 7:56 a.m. EDT today, ending an almost nine-day stay at the orbital outpost for the STS-118 crew. Undocking was moved up a day in preparation for landing on Tuesday. The earlier landing opportunity was selected in the event Hurricane Dean threatens the Houston area. It allows an opportunity for the shuttle to land before Mission Control, Houston, would be shut down in preparation for a storm. Mission managers are continuing to monitor the situation and assess their options."

More ISS and Shuttle News

On CNN Again

Editor's note: I was on CNN International at around 12:15 pm EDT today. Same topic as yesterday - tile repair.

Shuttle/ISS Crew Press Event

Shuttle Endeavour, Space Station Crew News Conference

"The 10 astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station will participate in a news conference at 12:34 p.m. CDT on Friday, Aug. 17. Date:  Aug. 16, 2007"

Watch NASA TV

Editor's note: Looks like I will be on CNN Domestic/CNN International at around 12:30 pm EDT today - just before the press conference.

No Tile Repair for Endeavour

NASA decides no shuttle repairs needed, Endeavour safe to fly home with gouged belly, AP

"NASA decided Thursday that no repairs are needed for a deep gouge in Endeavour's belly and the space shuttle is safe to fly home. Mission Control notified the seven shuttle astronauts of the decision right before they went to sleep, putting an end to a week of engineering analyses and anxious uncertainty — both in orbit and on Earth. "Please pass along our thanks for all the hard work," radioed Endeavour's commander, Scott Kelly. Mission Control replied, "It's great we finally have a decision and we can press forward."

Damned if You Do; Damned if You Don't

Editorial: NASA needs better glue, editorial, Waco Tribune

"Now, shuttle Endeavour is in space with a damaged heat shield due to another piece of foam that came loose during launch. NASA has had plenty of warnings. It must fix this dangerous problem."

NASA right to emphasize safety, editorial, Newsday

"Let's hope - and pray - that NASA has made the right call and that the crew remains safe during re-entry, which is scheduled for next week. Let's also hope that, as long as there is a manned space program, NASA continues to improve its record on safety."

NASA nears decision on shuttle fix, AP

"Officials have to balance those fears with the risk that astronauts wearing 300-pound spacesuits and carrying 150 pounds of tools could bang into the shuttle and cause more damage as they try to fix the gouge. Putting the wrong amount of the caulk-like repair goo into the gash or failing to put it in exactly the right spot could make the problem worse, Shannon said."

Costly redesign only cure for shuttle's debris woes, USA Today

"Shannon has said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the gouge does not need to be fixed. It poses no risk to the crew, he has said, but could lead to structural damage on the shuttle."

Long Time Between Lessons

Astronaut Teaches in Space, and Lesson Is Bittersweet, NY Times

"Barbara R. Morgan got back to teaching yesterday. The students were in Idaho; she was in space, orbiting aboard the International Space Station. Students at the Discovery Center of Idaho questioning astronauts on the International Space Station on Tuesday. One of the astronauts, Barbara R. Morgan, had been a teacher in Idaho. The lesson was just over 20 minutes, but it was supposed to make up for more than 20 years, and it had a bittersweet air for those who knew the history."

Testing The The Decision Process

Will NASA's Reforms Fix Endeavour?, Time

"Dr. Jonathon Clark, husband of astronaut Laurel Clark who lost her life aboard the Columbia, says the agency can't afford to make anything less than a well-thought-out decision. "This is the kind of rock and a hard place scenario that you're in," Clark told TIME. "Realistically, I think NASA's going to do the right thing. And the right thing may not necessarily result in a good outcome but they really are trying to do their best. The world is hanging on to what's going to happen here."

The Morning Moron on WTKK radio

NASA And Its Hang Ups, Michael Graham WTKK

Editor's note: You know, I thought I had encountered just about every sort of vapid idiot in the media until I had the pleasure of being ambushed on Michael Graham's talk show Tuesday morning as he giggled about astronauts dying on Space Shuttles. Then again this is not the first time this twit has said things like this on the air - check this link. His producer Eric had called me half a dozen times to get me on the show before I finally said yes. Now I see why Eric did not tell me exactly what the specific topic would be nor the means whereby Graham would address it. Given what Graham said about NASA's "death machine" I tried to imagine Graham facing someone who rode into space - risking their life - for Graham and every other American. Then, to my surprise this guy has the nerve to post this:

"If Mr. Cowing finds my questions difficult to answer, he should hope not to face any from the families of the 14 dead astronauts."

Well guess what, you pathetic moron, I will be doing EXACTLY THAT Wednesday morning at 9:00 am in Alexandria, Virginia as an invited guest at the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. This is why I will be there.

Editor's earlier note: I just did a morning commute interview with Michael Graham on WTKK radio in Boston. The producer simply said that they wanted to talk about the shuttle. When I got on air Graham staged an ambush and kept hammering away at me saying things like "the space shuttle is the most efficient killing vehicle in use today" etc. and laughing and chuckling all the while as he tried to get me to agree that it as a "horrible mistake and should be replaced". When I told him "guess what, it is being retired" he was silent for a moment and then switched back to his astronaut killing rant. I then suggested that he just interview himself since he had already made his mind up on the topic. He continued to be obnoxious, so I hung up. No one is ever going to change this twit's mind.

I have done hundreds of radio interviews like this and have never hung up during one. This guy wins the a--hole of the day award from NASA Watch. Anyone who chuckles while talking about astronaut deaths - or anyone's death - has a few loose screws.

STS-120 Delay?

NASA May Delay Next Shuttle Flight, Aviation Week & Space Technology

"NASA is pondering whether the next space shuttle mission in October should be delayed for modifications to thwart a new external tank (ET) debris threat, following the discovery of a serious tile divot on Endeavour. The STS-118 crew conducted a focused inspection of the belly tile damage Aug. 12 using laser imaging sensors on the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS). The key area of concern is a damaged area extending 3.48 x 2.31 inches and spanning two tiles."

Tile Damage Update

Image

Inspection shows gash though tiles, NASA analyzing options, AP

"The unevenly shaped gouge-which straddles two side-by-side thermal tiles and the corner of a third-is 3 1/2 inches long and just over 2 inches wide. Sunday's inspection showed that the damage goes all the way through the 1-inch-thick tiles, exposing the felt material sandwiched between the tiles and the shuttle's aluminum frame."

Sneakernet is Use Aboard ISS

NASA STS-118 Execute Package FD04

"MSG 026 (15-0902) - EXECUTE PACKAGE SNEAKERNET FROM ISS SSCS

The following procedure should be followed on MCC "Go" to perform a sneakernet transfer of execute package messages from the ISS SSCs to the Shuttle PGSCs. During the docked timeframe, the Shuttle Ku coverage is very limited in the hours before crew wakeup due to ISS blockage. The Shuttle OCA OFFICER will uplink the Shuttle execute package to a Shuttle PCMCIA card (inserted into an ISS SSC) and you (shuttle crew) will move the PCMCIA card to a Shuttle PGSC in the morning and run a batch file to copy the execute package files to their standard location on the KFX PGSC."

Familiar Wake Up Song

Endeavour Undergoes Heat Shield Inspection

"The crew of the space shuttle Endeavour was awakened for its first full day in orbit at 8:37 a.m. EDT by the song "Where My Heart Will Take Me," performed by Russell Watson. It was played for Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio."

Editor's note: You may find this song to be somewhat familiar. This is not the first time it has been played either.

STS-118 Mission Underway

Space Shuttle Endeavour Launched on STS-118 Mission

"Cheers and shouts can be heard throughout the Space Center as Endeavour, carrying the STS-118 crew, roars off the launch pad into the late afternoon sky to begin the 22nd mission to the International Space Station. "

Watch NASA TV
Additional ISS and Space Shuttle News

A New Standard of Excellence Has Been Set

Microsoft And NASA Team Up For 3-D Space Shuttle Tour, Wired

NASA, Microsoft Launch Collaboration With Immersive Photography, NASA

Groundbreaking Digital Experience for Endeavour Shuttle Launch. Microsoft Live Labs

"For the first time, people around the world can view 3-D images of the space shuttle Endeavour and surrounding buildings at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida before it launches into space, through a collaboration between Microsoft Corp. and NASA. Microsoft(R) Live Labs and NASA developed the environments using hundreds of photographs and a photo-imaging technology called Photosynth(TM). Photosynth uses hundreds of standard digital camera images to construct a 3-D view of an environment that can be navigated and explored in a highly intuitive manner."

Editor's note: You are out of luck, Mac users. According to this site: "The Photosynth technology preview runs only on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista.". I have seen this software demonstrated with my own eyes (on a PC) and it is jaw dropping.

Guess What New Cameras Astronauts Will Be Using

NASA JSC Solicitation: Digital Cameras and Digital Peripherals

"NASA/JSC has a requirement for multiple digital cameras and camera peripherals. The digital cameras and all camera peripherals must be manufactured from the same lot. NASA has a requirement for 48 Nikon D2XS SLR Digital Cameras. The cameras must be lubricated with Braycote lubricating grease which is approved for spaceflight during the manufacturing process. Attempts to compete similar efforts have been unsuccessful due to the camera equipment having to be manufactured from the same lot and items requiring Braycote lubricant grease having to be lubricated during the manufacturing and assembly process."

Editor's note: This Expedition 15 photo should give you an idea of what camera gear they already have on orbit.

STS-118 Delayed by 24 Hours

NASA's Space Shuttle Mission Postponed by 24 Hours

"The launch of space shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-118 has been postponed 24 hours to allow the shuttle processing team additional time to complete routine work before liftoff. The new launch is targeted for Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The additional day will provide time to complete the processing and allow the countdown to begin at 8 p.m. Sunday. Despite the delay, the STS-118 crew will still arrive at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 5 p.m. EDT Friday. NASA TV will have live coverage of the arrival. On launch day, live coverage starts at 8:30 a.m."

Leaky Shuttle

NASA Probing Space Shuttle Cabin Leak, AP

"A week before Endeavour's planned liftoff, NASA was analyzing a cabin leak in the space shuttle Tuesday. The leak was detected over the weekend. NASA thought it fixed the problem by tightening a loose bolt, but testing Monday night confirmed air was still escaping from the crew cabin, said NASA spokeswoman Tracy Young. Engineers have yet to pinpoint the leak, which could require so much work that NASA might not be able to launch Endeavour on Aug. 7."

NASA Needs To Do More Cost Estimates on Shuttle/CEV Transition

NASA Supplier Base: Challenges Exist in Transitioning from the Space Shuttle Program to the Next Generation of Human Space Flight Systems, GAO

"GAO is recommending that the NASA Administrator direct the Exploration Systems Mission and Space Operations Mission directorates to jointly develop cost estimates for transition and retirement activities beyond fiscal year 2010 so that NASA can include the funding needs for the required out-years in its fiscal year 2009 budget submission to ensure that Congress and NASA can balance investments and negotiate between competing priorities, including supplier needs. NASA concurred with this recommendation."

Simple Things Can Mean A Lot To People

Video report of Atlantis visit to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky

Reader note: "The narrator did not seem to realize for whom "Rick Husband Airport" in Amarillo is named."

Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands At Fort Campbell, News Channel 5

Reader note: "The shuttle ferry landed at Ft. Campbell Army base today, since the weather is bad at KSC. I live in Nashville, Tennessee, and Ft Campbell TN/KY is about an hour and a half drive. As soon as I heard that the shuttle ferry landed at Ft. Campbell this morning, I took off early from work and drove to the base. You would not believe the crowds. It took me three hours to get on the base to have a chance to see Atlantis. There were tons of kids with there parents. The kids, and the grownups too, were in awe at the sight of Atlantis. What better PR for NASA! A lot more exciting than some of PAO's attempts to woo the public for sure."

"The only bad thing was the public could not get as close up to Atlantis as we could when the shuttle ferry landed with Columbia at Ft. Campbell back in 1998, when the shuttle ferry stayed at the base for several days because of bad weather at KSC. Back then, we could stand under the wings and fuselage of the 747 ferry. Today, we had to stand much further away, behind fencing, because of homeland security rules, which are sad, but understandable.

Seeing Atlantis today was a little bittersweet for me. I remembered seeing Columbia back in 1998, and had a tear in my eye today, as I remembered watching NASA TV on that sad day, back in 2003, and realizing that Columbia was gone. That was the worst day in my life for me since 9/11.

Hail Atlantis ... Hail Columbia!"

An Amazing Image You Must See

A Visit from Atlantis

"Explanation: This remarkable image of the space shuttle orbiter Atlantis docked with the International Space Station (ISS) was taken at a range of 190 nautical miles. To record the fast moving pair, last week astronomers at Clay Center Observatory, near Boston, Massachusetts, planet Earth, used a satellite tracking system and 25-inch diameter telescope in combination with a digital video camera."

Weather Sends Atlantis to California

Space Shuttle Atlantis Lands in California

"STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow and Pilot Lee Archambault landed space shuttle Atlantis at 3:49 p.m. at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Atlantis' flight path brought it over San Diego and just east of Los Angeles before it touched down at Edwards where it was greeted by fair skies and light winds."

Reader note: And about half of Mojave and associated communities cheering all along Hwy 58 and elsewhere. Hooray! :-)

Cold Calling for Space Critics at Fox

Editor's note: I just got a call from some producer at Fox news. She said "we're looking for critics to go on Neil Cavuto's show at 4:00 pm topday who are critics of NASA and think that it should be shut down. Is that you guys?" I declined.

Gee, you'd think that they'd do a little more research. I could have said yes and then gone in to the studio and ruined the "balance" of their broadcast.

Weather Delays Shuttle Landing Until Friday

Bad Weather Pushes STS-117 Landing to Friday

"The STS-117 crew is getting an extra day in space thanks to poor weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Space shuttle Atlantis has four landing opportunities available Friday, with the first at 2:16 p.m. EDT in Florida. Thunderstorms in the vicinity of Kennedy forced flight controllers to wave off both opportunities today. Controllers and the Spaceflight Meteorology Group will closely monitor forecasts for Friday's opportunities in Florida and at Edwards Air Force Base in California."

NASA Updates
SpaceRef updates

NASA Makes Heating Calculation Error

NASA says Atlantis okay to land, despite "mistake", Reuters

"NASA said on Wednesday it "made a mistake" in its calculations about a tear in space shuttle Atlantis' heat protection, but that it should not prevent the ship's safe return to earth. Deputy shuttle program manager John Shannon told reporters that NASA engineers believe an area beneath a torn heat-resistant blanket near the shuttle's tail had gotten hotter than they first thought during Atlantis' launch into space on June 8."

Atlantis Begins Trip Home

Space Shuttle Atlantis Undocks From Space Station

"STS-117's constructive stay at the International Space Station came to a close today when space shuttle Atlantis undocked. The two spacecraft parted ways at 10:42 a.m. EDT as they flew over the Coral Sea northeast of Australia. After Pilot Lee Archambault backs the orbiter 450 feet from the station, he will perform a full fly-around to allow crew members to collect video and imagery of the station and its newly expanded solar wings. He will perform the final separation engine burn at 12:25 p.m."

USA Statement on IAM Strike

United Space Alliance Statement Regarding IAM Strike

"United Space Alliance is disappointed that employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have begun a strike action against the company. We believe our final contract offer was fair, competitive and responsive to union concerns, and we had hoped to reach an equitable agreement during our meeting with the IAM negotiating team on June 13. Unfortunately, the union's demands were well beyond what the company felt was reasonable or warranted. We continue to hope that the IAM members will reconsider their position."

Today's video: "Invasion" trailer - NASA logos and Bad Taste

reader note: "The trailer for "Invasion" (Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig) has the shuttle bringing an alien virus back to Earth, which takes over the minds of everyone it infects. The trailer starts with a CGI breakup of the shuttle on reentry, then shows what appears to be real news footage [debris] from the Columbia accident. NASA logos figure prominently.  The level of technical accuracy is demonstrated by the main engines running during reentry. This seems like exactly the sort of thing that NASA PAO (at least in their own minds) exists to prevent. When they deny information or a press pass to someone who is actually enthusiastic about the space program because it might not portray the image they want, a movie trailer like this puts that action into perspective."

Space Shuttle Atlantis Is Space Station Bound

Within 10 minutes, the shuttle will be in orbit around the Earth. Within 24 hours Atlantis will undergo the rendezvous pitch maneuver and thermal protection system tile inspection. By flight day 3, Atlantis will be ready to dock with the International Space Station.. Follow the live countdown coverage in progress:

- NASA TV
- Launch Blog

Union Strike at USA

Shuttle workers vote to strike, Orlando Sentinel

"A union representing 569 space-shuttle workers at Kennedy Space Center voted Saturday to strike. The contract dispute will not affect Friday's scheduled launch of Atlantis or future shuttle missions, United Space Alliance spokeswoman Tracy Yates said."

United Space Alliance Statement Regarding IAM Contract Rejection

"However, if a strike does occur, USA is prepared to continue activities to safely prepare the Space Shuttle vehicles for upcoming launches by using other experienced and certified employees to perform all necessary tasks. Throughout this time, the safety of the astronaut crew members, our employees and the irreplaceable national assets at the Kennedy Space Center will remain our top priority. All safety practices and procedures will be maintained at their usual high standard and will not be compromised."

What Part of NO FLY Don't You Understand?

NASA: Small Plane Won't Disrupt Launch, AP

"A pilot in a single-engine plane entered restricted air space over the Kennedy Space Center and was escorted down Tuesday, officials said. The incident did not disrupt the planned launch of space shuttle Atlantis next month. The plane "was within sight of the launch pad," said NASA spokesman George Diller."

Gators inside KSC Building

Alligator Captured Inside NASA KSC Building (photos)

Editor's note: From someone@nasa.gov: Hi Keith, I'd suggest that you call NASA public affairs to confirm this, but somewhere between KSC and JSC, the location of these photos apparently got promoted.  I'm told that they were taken on May 14, at a receiving warehouse in the KSC industrial area, several miles south of the VAB.  Gator encounters are a common occurrence here, given that we're situated in the middle of a wildlife refuge.  Still, it's rare for them to venture inside.

Editor's note: I just got this email (forwarded several times) originating from someone@JSC.nasa.gov just after 3:00 pm today. The text survived forwarding, but the interesting part i.e. the image - did not (hint hint).

"They found this 8ft gator walking in the VAB high bay next door to the LCC and made his way inside to the bathroom last night."

Editor's update: Here's one photo from someone@nasa.gov. (I am told there are many more floating around from this email). Here's another photo

STS-117 Slipped Again

NASA Targets June Launch for Space Shuttle Atlantis

"Tuesday's decision by agency management followed a meeting that reviewed the progress in repairing insulating foam on the shuttle's external fuel tank, which was damaged during a sudden hail storm Feb. 26 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. That damage required engineers to repair approximately 2,660 sites on the tank."

Gerst and Friends on the Gap

Statement of William Gerstenmaier: Senate Hearing: Transitioning to a Next Generation Human Space Flight System

"Full funding of NASA’s FY 2008 budget request is critical to ensuring the gap between retirement of the Space Shuttle and America’s new human spaceflight capability does not grow longer.  If the gap in our human spaceflight capability extends even further than already planned, I believe our Nation may be ceding leadership in human spaceflight at a time when other nations are outlining ambitious programs of their own."

Statement of Allen Li, GAO
Statement of Ron Dittemore, ATK
Statement of John Karas, Lockheed Martin
Statement of Johnny Walker, IAM&AW
Statement of Michael McCulley, USA

The Big Picture

NASA Multi-Program Integrated Milestones Revised 27 March 2007

This document contains an integrated snapshot of Space Shuttle, Soyuz, Progress, ATV, HTV, COTS (RpK and SpaceX), Ares 1, and Orion flights between 2007 and 2015.

This document also shows key milestones for the development of Orion and Ares 1 systems as ISS completion and staffing.

Shuttle Launch Date Slip

Space shuttle launch likely delayed until May, Reuters

"Repairing damage to a space-shuttle fuel tank from a freak hailstorm probably will push the next launch of Atlantis from April to mid-May, NASA planning documents show. Managers were meeting on Wednesday to assess the repair plan and set a new target launch date for Atlantis, which is scheduled to fly to the International Space Station to deliver and install a third set of solar arrays."  

United Technologies' Curious Newspaper Advertisement

Editor's note: Today's edition of the Washington Post has a half page color advertisement on page A12 [close up]. The ad was placed by United Technologies and focuses on a rather detailed diagram of how a spacesuit is constructed.

Alas, one thing is missing: the urine collection system i.e. "diaper" that is worn underneath. Normally, this would not be a big deal. Yet, given recent detailed news about how astronauts use diapers, you'd think that such a detailed diagram - one that deliberately begs the question as to how complex and functional these suits are - could do a public service by showing exactly how a spacesuit really works - including waste management.

Alas, UT not only avoids that issue - they compound the omission by putting the following quote in the ad - thus raising the topic: "Which leads us to the #1 question: How do the astronauts go to the bathroom? Like everyone else".

"Like everyone else"? I don't think so. Would you lock yourself in a bulky body bag for hours at a time without a way to pee?

Oh yes - then there's the totally odd quote at the bottom of the ad: "Could it even protect you from changing economic conditions?" Huh? Who is the audience for this advertisement anyway? These ads aren't exactly cheap.

Oh well, we're told to www.utc.com/curious/ for the answer.

NASA Space Flight Health Standards Report Due in March

Editor's note: According to the National Academies of Science, "Review of NASA's Space Flight Health Standards-Setting Process" (Letter Report) is due to be released in March by the Institute of Medicine. This report "Assesses the current process by which NASA establishes space flight health standards such as fitness-for-duty criteria and limits on radiation and other exposures.  The standards are intended to mitigate health risks astronauts face during long missions."

Shuttle External Tank Damaged By Hailstorm - Launch Delayed A Month

Hail Damage To Space Shuttle Causes NASA To Delay Launch, SpaceRef

"A hail storm at NASA Kennedy Space Center has damaged the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis. The damage is severe enough to cause the launch of Atlantis to be delayed at least one month - perhaps longer. According to Space Shuttle program manager Wayne Hale, a severe, localized thunderstorm developed over NASA Kennedy Space Center yesterday. The storm was rather intense and dropped a lot of golf ball sized hail on the launch pads. That hail was driven by 62 mph gusts."

When NASA Doesn't Trust Those They Send Into Space

The Curious Use of Combination Locks By NASA During Space Shuttle Missions, SpaceRef

"Given the recent problems Lisa Nowak experienced - problems that emerged only months after she flew on a Space Shuttle mission - questions have arisen as to how NASA might deal with an individual who exhibited problems during a mission - as well as how to catch such problems on the ground ahead of time.

The following interview was conducted with NASA's Chief Safety and Mission Assurance Officer, astronaut Bryan O'Connor in April 2006 - a few months before Lisa Nowak's space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. As such, his thoughts certainly represent his recent thinking about safety.

As such, it is somewhat disconcerting to read a recollection wherein O'Connor talks about adding a combination lock to Space Shuttle Columbia's middeck hatch on STS-40 in 1991 due to concerns over the competency of several payload specialists. Moreover, he repeats several times that he thought this whole story was "humorous" and "funny"."

AP Rediscovers Existing NASA Medical Documents; Smoking Gun Omits Sources

Duct-Tape, Tranquilizers Part Of NASA's Plan For Mentally Unstable Astronauts In Space, AP

"It turns out NASA has a detailed set of written procedures for dealing with a suicidal or psychotic astronaut in space. The documents, obtained this week by The Associated Press, say the astronaut's crewmates should bind his wrists and ankles with duct tape, tie him down with a bungee cord and inject him with tranquilizers if necessary."

Editor's note: Yawn, this is not news. Excerpts from these documents were online here at NASA Watch and SpaceRef 7 years ago. For example, here is a suicide prevention procedure and here is one for acute psychosis. Oh yes, there's an on-orbit pregnancy test too. Mike Schneider could have just Googled NASA emergency medical and he'd have found this a lot faster.

Editor's 24 Feb Update: If you look here at the Smoking Gun you will note, by some unfathomable coincidence, that they grabbed precisely the same two emergency procedures I featured in this article (among many others that I have also linked to) and published them - without bothering to note their source.

"A gun would be out of the question; a bullet could pierce a spaceship and could kill everyone."

Editor's note: You might want to check a Soyuz manifest, Mike. They carry shotguns to fend of wolves at the landing site. Those same Soyuz spacecraft are docked with the ISS.

An esteemed space observer (who wishes to remain anonymous) notes: "The Russian 'survival gun' is a three-barrel (bullet, shotgun shell, flare) folding-stock weapon, carried in a survival kit between two of the seats in the Soyuz DM. I have been unable to locate any mention of it anywhere on the NASA ISS architecture websites, or on any official Russian space agency website, but it is pictured on Mark Shuttleworth's www.africaninspace.com site on his 'space tourist' training and flight. Russian draft treaties on preventing weaponization of space contain clauses that grandfather any weapons intended for cosmonaut personal protection -- presumably covering even stuff like the rapid-fire cannon on the manned Salyut-3 space station [you won't find info on that space weapon on any official Russian websites, as far as I can tell, either]. Widespread reports that Apollo astronauts carried a survival gun are bogus."

Spacehab Drops STS-107 Lawsuit

Spacehab Dismisses RDM Claim With NASA

"SPACEHAB, Incorporated, a leading provider of commercial space services, today announced that the Company has filed for a formal dismissal with prejudice of all litigation against NASA relating to losses incurred by SPACEHAB as a result of the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia accident. In January 2004 the Company initiated a formal proceeding against NASA in which the Company was seeking damages in the amount of $87.7 million for the loss of its Research Double Module (RDM) as a result of the Columbia accident."

STS-116 Crew Members Honored at White House - Billy O MIA

STS-116 Astronauts Honored at the White House (photo)

"President Bush recognizes NASA astronauts Joan Higginbotham, right, and Robert Curbeam, during a ceremony honoring African-American History Month, Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, in the East Room at the White House in Washington. Curbeam and Higginbotham were crew members of Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-116 mission to the International Space Station in December 2006. It was the first shuttle mission with two African-American crew members."

Editor's note: Too bad the Pilot of STS-116 (Billy O) is hiding from the media in Florida and was not able to attend this important event.

Meanwhile, word has it that Robert Curbeam will replace Lauri Hansen as the Constellation Level II Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance Manager.  Hansen will reportedly become the Program Manager for development of the Lunar Lander (LSAM).

Making The Shuttle Go Away

NASA OIG Report: NASA's Plan for Space Shuttle Transition Could Be Improved by Following Project Management Guidelines

"Specifically, the transition plan did not comprehensively address the following elements: A work breakdown structure that divides the transition activities into manageable segments; Detailed cost estimates to support the budget preparation process and facilitate cost control; Metrics for measuring transition progress and success; Periodic milestone reviews; Internal and external communication plans to facilitate an efficient flow of information to the stakeholders; Asset end-state requirements and security provisions for Space Shuttle Program property; A centralized data management system to document transition-related recommendations and decisions; and Clearly defined responsibilities for the components of the transition governance structure and designation of the component responsible for post-2010 decisions.

NASA acknowledged that its transition plan does not address these elements, given that the plan "serves as initial, top-level strategic guidance and a governance framework for the development of lower-level directorate, program, and project transition planning guidance documents that will comprehensively capture and address all of the elements necessary for efficient and effective execution of. . ." the transition."

Big Changes Ahead at Spacehab

Spacehab Unveils Initiative to Streamline Company, Reduce Costs

"Spacehab today announced plans to restructure corporate functions and reduce staff to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and lower overhead costs. The Company anticipates the 15-20% reduction in workforce, approximately 36 positions out of 220, to result in savings of $3.9 million annually. The reductions eliminate redundant capabilities as SPACEHAB's support of NASA's space shuttle program moves toward completion of the Company's last contracted mission."

Waiting for the Layoffs to Begin at KSC

Hubble mission now last flight for Atlantis, Huntsville Times

"Cowing said the date also should be a reasonable indicator of when shuttle workers might "start being either shifted to other work, retired or possibly laid off. "One would suspect that the last mission for Atlantis would be a red light for layoffs."

Hubble Servicing Mission Date Set

NASA Internal Memo: Hubble Space Telescope SM4 Mission Scheduled for 11 September 2008

"We have been informed by the JSC SM4 Mission Director that the space shuttle Flight Assignment Working Group (FAWG) has assigned the HST SM4 mission a launch readiness date of September 11, 2008 on space shuttle Atlantis (OV-104).  This flight is designated STS-125.  Please see the attachment for the latest FAWG manifest."

Download complete 2 January 2007 FAWG manifest

NASA Schedules Flight to Update Space Telescope, NY Times

"The Hubble Space Telescope has a new, resonant date with destiny. NASA has set Sept. 11, 2008, as the target date for launching a mission intended to revitalize the telescope and keep it spaceworthy into the next decade, according to a planning document made public by nasawatch.com, an independent Web site."

New Leader at KSC

Parsons meets the press, Orlando Sentinel

"Predictably, most of the questions to Parsons were related to possible job cuts at KSC as NASA moves closer to the shuttle's 2010 retirement date and transitions to the Constellation program that eventually will send flights to the moon."

Discovery Lands In Florida

NASA Space Shuttle Status Report 22 December 2006 - 5 p.m. CST

"The crew of Space Shuttle Discovery made it home in time for Christmas, gliding to a perfect landing as the sun set over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery touched down on Runway 15 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at 4:32 p.m. CST. The crew had spent 12 days, 20 hours and 44 minutes in flight. Discovery's nose gear touched down at 4:32 p.m. exactly, and the shuttle's wheels came to a stop 52 seconds later."

White Sands Shuttle Landing Possible

Shuttle Discovery may land at White Sands, Las Cruces Sun-News

"Chances of a Friday or Saturday shuttle landing at White Sands Space Harbor are greater than they have been since the shuttle landed at White Sands almost 25 years ago. Poor weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and at Edwards Air Force Base in California, could force NASA officials to land Discovery in New Mexico. Personnel at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo began preparations for a possible shuttle landing Friday afternoon."

Discovery Begins The Trip Home

STS-116 Leaves New Truss Segment, Crew Member With Station

"The STS-116 crew's stay at the International Space Station came to an end Tuesday when Space Shuttle Discovery undocked at 5:10 p.m. EST. During its eight-day visit, the STS-116 crew added a new truss segment to the station, delivered a new crew member and rewired the orbital outpost’s power system."

Earlier ISS and Shuttle news

Griffin's Alter Ego Cited in FD09 Execute Package

NASA STS-116 FD-9 Execute Package

Reader note: Meanwhile the folks at Mission Control have engaged in a little Star Trek humor. Must be a slow news day

Scotty: I Need That CEV in 2010 Or We're All Going to Die!, earlier post

Shuttle Pilots Get No Respect

Reader note: "It's the first time I've ever looked at "execute packages", but I enjoyed their little bit of humor at the Pilot's expense. I hope he does too.

Starting with Flight Day 3, his name becomes ever more butchered. Look at the downloadable PDF for each of FD 3 through 9, page 5 or 6 (on the PDF) to see his name go from OEFELEIN, to Oafaline, to Ovaltine(TM), to Offal-lean, to Oxyclean(TM), Oh-Feline (Meow), to Billie Jean, Outhouse King."

STS-116 Execute Packages

Hey - You In the Blue Flight Suit: Get Back On The Bus, Now!

Editor's note: I received an interesting response to my earlier posting "You Just Can't Trust Those Former Astronauts" from former astronaut Rick Searfoss:

Hi Keith. There's lots of stories of NASA Security SNAFUS that would be very amusing, if they weren't such a sad commentary on how clueless and worthless the bureaucratic side of the agency is. Here's one about current astronauts as "security risks."

The night after we landed from STS-90 back in May 1998 the crew and I and our families were on board a NASA - very well marked - bus transiting from crew quarters to a downtown hotel. It was after about a 20 hour day from waking up on orbit, doing deorbit prep, deorbit, reentry, landing, post-landing, about 10 hours medical tests as part of the payload studies, and post-flight press conference.

As we were not to fly back to Houston until the next day I coordinated with NASA management approval that we could stay in town at the family hotel. As you might expect, we were absolutely exhausted and wanted nothing more to get to the hotel ASAP and fall into bed.

As we were riding in this NASA bus on the Cape side, one of the clueless rent-a-cops pulled the bu