STS-133 Shuttle Mission to the International Space Station Launches Thursday 21:50 GMT

Cosimo

Cosimo

Cosimo

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EDIT: With time required to complete repairs the February 3rd launch target date has been pushed back further to Thursday 24th of February 2011 at 21:50 GMT (16:50 EST).

With two shuttle missions remaining, space shuttle Discovery is ready for its final mission.​
Discovery will deliver to the International Space Station the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), which was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The PMM will provide additional storage for the station crew and experiments may be conducted inside it, such as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology. Discovery also will carry critical spare components and the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4) to the station. Express, which stands for Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station, is an external platform that holds large equipment that can only be transported using the unique capability of the shuttle. The STS-133 mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components. Robonaut 2, or R2, will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery inside the PMM to become a permanent resident of the station.
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From NASA

I’m sure that many of you will want to watch this. Scheduled for launch at 21:50 GMT on Thursday 24th of February (16:50 EST), here is the standard NASA TV link.

Here is a better stream: 1200kbps ​


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The countdown for STS-133 starts on Monday 21st at 20:00 GMT (15:00 EST).

:)
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not sure i like the mission badge for this one, kinda looks like the shuttle is exploding?

but ya another mission to follow - its all good! goona miss this shuttle :(
 
iamtheoneneo said:
not sure i like the mission badge for this one, kinda looks like the shuttle is exploding?
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About the patch:

The STS-133 mission patch is based upon sketches from the late artist Robert McCall; they were the final creations of his long and prodigious career.

In the foreground, a solitary orbiter ascends into a dark blue sky above a roiling fiery plume. A spray of stars surrounds the orbiter and a top lit crescent forms the background behind the ascent.

The mission number, STS-133, is emblazoned on the patch center, and crew members' names are listed on a sky-blue border around the scene.

The Shuttle Discovery is depicted ascending on a plume of flame as if it is just beginning a mission. However it is just the orbiter, without boosters or an external tank, as it would be at mission's end. This is to signify Discovery's completion of its operational life and the beginning of its new role as a symbol of NASA's and the nation's proud legacy in human spaceflight.
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NASA
 
The crew of the shuttle Discovery arrived yesterday to await the start of the countdown (20:00 BST today). While we wait for the countdown to start a few facts about Discovery:

38 trips to space
352 days in orbit
Circled Earth 5,628 times all the while speeding along at 17,400 miles per hour
Travelled almost 143 million miles (288 round trips to the moon or 1.5 trips to the sun)​

The Discovery story:
​
 
I was going to go to the US to watch this, but in the end it was all going to be too rushed. The causeway tickets have sold out which is the best place to view it. I'll book in advance and go to the launch in Feb!
 
Wish i could have seen one take off. I was in Florida twice for launches which got put back to the day after i came home!
 
Breaking News:

Monday's launch of Discovery has been delayed because of leaks in the pressurization portion of space shuttle Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Manoeuvring System (OMS) pod. Managers are meeting to discuss how the helium and nitrogen leaks will be fixed.

The launch has been set back to Tuesday 2nd of November at 20:17 GMT (16:17 EDT).
 
How annoying my Nasa iPhone app that i was gonna swear by, isnt updating the delayed time.. Was thinking about making the trip up there based upon this app (only 4hrs away from me) Guess i need to make sure I get to OcUK forums from my phone.. One step ahead of even Nasa's own iPhone app...

Nice !
 
NASA managers have determined it is not possible to launch space shuttle Discovery on Tuesday as repairs and testing still have to be completed. They have said that a target date of Wednesday November 3rd can be met. Launch would be at 19:52 GMT. Coundown will commence on Sunday at 18:00GMT.
 
While we wait for the rescheduled countdown to start let's take a look at the cause of the delay.

The leaking nitrogen and helium quick-disconnect couplings used by Discovery's right-side OMS pod that have been replaced are located here:


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The nitrogen gas is used to open and close a variety of valves while the helium is used to pressurize propellant tanks in the rocket pod.
 
The OMS engine pod repairs and testing have been completed.

Yesterday’s press briefing:

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While we wait for the countdown to start later today another look at Discovery:

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Would love to understand all this space science stuff ;)
Yellow and white thing - takes off - power!
Shuttle detaches - does whatever they have to do - gets back down to Earth and land

It looks so cool :D
 
Today's briefing:

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We are set to go on Wednesday. There will be launch opportunities from the 3rd to the 7th. Weather continues to be 70% favourable for a Wednesday launch.

Countdown is scheduled to begin at 18:00 GMT.

:)
 
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