1 00:00:04,534 --> 00:00:04,534 2 00:00:06,367 --> 00:00:07,834 -Well, good morning, everybody. 3 00:00:07,834 --> 00:00:11,834 I'd like to welcome you to the preflight briefings for STS-103, 4 00:00:11,834 --> 00:00:14,534 the third servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. 5 00:00:14,534 --> 00:00:16,734 Let me give you the briefing the lineup for the day. 6 00:00:16,734 --> 00:00:20,501 First, of course, is the traditional mission overview. 7 00:00:20,501 --> 00:00:24,968 We're combining the briefing on space walks with that as well. 8 00:00:24,968 --> 00:00:28,701 That will last roughly about 2 hours. 9 00:00:28,701 --> 00:00:31,300 At 10 a.m., we will switch to NASA Headquarters 10 00:00:31,300 --> 00:00:35,767 for a briefing on the telescope payload and science. 11 00:00:35,767 --> 00:00:40,767 And that'll occur at 10 Central, 11 Eastern, 12 00:00:40,767 --> 00:00:42,968 and then we'll have the NASA TV "Video File," 13 00:00:42,968 --> 00:00:44,734 and then this afternoon at 1 o'clock 14 00:00:44,734 --> 00:00:48,667 the STS-103 crew press conference. 15 00:00:48,667 --> 00:00:51,100 Okay, first up, the mission overview. 16 00:00:51,100 --> 00:00:55,000 To my right, Linda Ham is the lead flight director. 17 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:58,534 Linda has been a flight director since 1991, 18 00:00:58,534 --> 00:01:02,634 and she was in the propulsion systems section, 19 00:01:02,634 --> 00:01:05,334 mission-operations director prior to that. 20 00:01:05,334 --> 00:01:07,133 To her right is Keith Johnson. 21 00:01:07,133 --> 00:01:10,634 He's the lead EVA officer for STS-103. 22 00:01:10,634 --> 00:01:14,534 He's worked in EVA section since 1990. 23 00:01:14,534 --> 00:01:16,067 So with that, I'll turn it over to Linda 24 00:01:16,067 --> 00:01:18,901 and let her take it from there. 25 00:01:18,901 --> 00:01:20,167 -Good morning. 26 00:01:20,167 --> 00:01:21,367 As if this mission didn't hold 27 00:01:21,367 --> 00:01:22,834 enough excitement and importance, 28 00:01:22,834 --> 00:01:24,567 we are particularly honored to be 29 00:01:24,567 --> 00:01:26,901 the last human spaceflight in this millennium. 30 00:01:26,901 --> 00:01:29,467 Humans have been flying space for 38 1/2 years 31 00:01:29,467 --> 00:01:33,167 now which has extended our reach far out into the universe. 32 00:01:33,167 --> 00:01:35,701 We have accomplished many great things during these 4 decades, 33 00:01:35,701 --> 00:01:38,267 and with the Discovery's flight this December, 34 00:01:38,267 --> 00:01:42,167 we'll have sent 390 different humans into space 35 00:01:42,167 --> 00:01:44,167 representing 30 different nations. 36 00:01:44,167 --> 00:01:46,133 It is fitting with the multinational crew 37 00:01:46,133 --> 00:01:49,801 that we have on board Discovery to close this millennium 38 00:01:49,801 --> 00:01:52,868 and open another with the International Space Station 39 00:01:52,868 --> 00:01:55,334 and the fact that we'll be representing many nations 40 00:01:55,334 --> 00:01:56,567 with the people that will be working 41 00:01:56,567 --> 00:01:59,334 and flying onboard the International Space Station. 42 00:01:59,334 --> 00:02:02,033 Another ironic occurrence that is surrounding our flight 43 00:02:02,033 --> 00:02:04,767 is that the Mars Polar Lander 44 00:02:04,767 --> 00:02:08,834 is scheduled near the south pole of the Red Planet in December. 45 00:02:08,834 --> 00:02:10,400 Our mission serves to enhance the life 46 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:12,434 and capability of the Hubble Space Telescope 47 00:02:12,434 --> 00:02:14,968 which is a crown jewel of NASA's great observatories, 48 00:02:14,968 --> 00:02:17,567 and at the same time, we have a robotic explorer 49 00:02:17,567 --> 00:02:20,801 extending the reach of our discoveries at the Red Planet. 50 00:02:20,801 --> 00:02:23,033 This is ironic because we have our eyes 51 00:02:23,033 --> 00:02:27,000 and hopes on having humans go to Mars in the next century. 52 00:02:29,133 --> 00:02:31,200 As you know, Discovery was scheduled to roll 53 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:33,934 to the launchpad earlier this morning, about 2 a.m. 54 00:02:33,934 --> 00:02:35,334 This was delayed, however, 55 00:02:35,334 --> 00:02:38,367 because yesterday during some of our standard testing at KSC, 56 00:02:38,367 --> 00:02:41,501 one of the engineers noted that they had lost command capability 57 00:02:41,501 --> 00:02:43,133 to the range safety cable 58 00:02:43,133 --> 00:02:46,067 that supports the solid-rocket boosters. 59 00:02:46,067 --> 00:02:48,067 They did find some crimping of the wire 60 00:02:48,067 --> 00:02:51,434 and decided that they go ahead and replace that cable. 61 00:02:51,434 --> 00:02:54,434 So the impact of this work on the remainder of the schedule 62 00:02:54,434 --> 00:02:56,701 is still open and being assessed. 63 00:02:56,701 --> 00:02:59,400 Right now, they are assessing a rollout date of Saturday, 64 00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:02,133 this Saturday, maybe early morning. 65 00:03:02,133 --> 00:03:05,200 We're not sure whether it will impact the launch date or not. 66 00:03:07,467 --> 00:03:09,601 As far as the wiring inspection status, 67 00:03:09,601 --> 00:03:13,267 the repairs and protection have been completed on Discovery. 68 00:03:13,267 --> 00:03:15,734 The vehicle is in excellent shape now. 69 00:03:15,734 --> 00:03:18,367 They did find about 57 exposed conductors, 70 00:03:18,367 --> 00:03:20,267 all of which have been fixed. 71 00:03:20,267 --> 00:03:22,534 We were scheduled to launch in October. 72 00:03:22,534 --> 00:03:30,367 We delayed to December to put all the wiring repairs in place. 73 00:03:30,367 --> 00:03:32,934 This flight, it will be the third servicing mission 74 00:03:32,934 --> 00:03:35,000 for the Hubble Space Telescope. 75 00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:37,200 Back in April of 1990 on the same vehicle, 76 00:03:37,200 --> 00:03:39,934 Discovery, we deployed the telescope, 77 00:03:39,934 --> 00:03:42,767 so it's been in operation for nearly 10 years now. 78 00:03:42,767 --> 00:03:45,467 We've had two previous servicing mission. 79 00:03:45,467 --> 00:03:52,834 One was STS-61 in 1993, and the second was STS-82 in 1997 80 00:03:52,834 --> 00:03:54,701 where we have upgraded some of the science 81 00:03:54,701 --> 00:03:55,968 instruments on board, 82 00:03:55,968 --> 00:03:58,868 done some maintenance and also some repairs. 83 00:03:58,868 --> 00:04:00,434 The launch of the third servicing mission 84 00:04:00,434 --> 00:04:04,434 was actually scheduled for mid-2000. 85 00:04:04,434 --> 00:04:06,501 However, in February of this year, 86 00:04:06,501 --> 00:04:08,400 we decided to move this launch earlier, 87 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:11,968 and that was due to onboard gyro failures on the telescope. 88 00:04:11,968 --> 00:04:14,934 There are six gyros on board the telescope. 89 00:04:14,934 --> 00:04:17,267 Three of them are needed to point the telescope, 90 00:04:17,267 --> 00:04:20,734 and in January of this year, we had a third one fail, 91 00:04:20,734 --> 00:04:26,167 leaving three still remaining which lets the telescope operate 92 00:04:26,167 --> 00:04:29,834 in its normal pointing mode, still continuing to do science. 93 00:04:29,834 --> 00:04:32,367 However, if it were to have another gyro failure, 94 00:04:32,367 --> 00:04:34,133 it would go into automatic safety 95 00:04:34,133 --> 00:04:36,567 and go into sunpoint attitude. 96 00:04:36,567 --> 00:04:40,167 Because of that, we did decide to launch the mission early. 97 00:04:40,167 --> 00:04:44,367 We had about a 8-month template from February to October, 98 00:04:44,367 --> 00:04:47,767 so we picked up a lot of the software in the same vehicle 99 00:04:47,767 --> 00:04:50,200 that we flew the last servicing mission on 100 00:04:50,200 --> 00:04:53,267 and also had a extremely smooth training 101 00:04:53,267 --> 00:04:54,801 for over the last 8 months. 102 00:04:54,801 --> 00:04:56,968 So we were able to accomplish all the training that we needed 103 00:04:56,968 --> 00:04:59,167 and all the preparations. 104 00:04:59,167 --> 00:05:01,534 The EVA crew members had been named early, 105 00:05:01,534 --> 00:05:03,868 so they were able to get all the training 106 00:05:03,868 --> 00:05:05,434 that they needed for the space walks. 107 00:05:05,434 --> 00:05:10,434 In fact, they had completed a number of runs out in the pool 108 00:05:10,434 --> 00:05:12,834 prior to us announcing the earlier launch date 109 00:05:12,834 --> 00:05:14,901 which really helped them in all the training. 110 00:05:14,901 --> 00:05:16,968 We also have an experienced flight-control team 111 00:05:16,968 --> 00:05:18,934 in the Mission Control Center, and, of course, the Goddard team 112 00:05:18,934 --> 00:05:22,100 is extremely experienced, so we were able to pull off 113 00:05:22,100 --> 00:05:24,467 getting ready for flight in 8 months. 114 00:05:27,734 --> 00:05:31,234 Launch date is sometime early December. 115 00:05:31,234 --> 00:05:33,133 If we launch on the 6th, the launch time would be 116 00:05:33,133 --> 00:05:35,634 about 2:36 Eastern, and we do have a table 117 00:05:35,634 --> 00:05:39,734 if you need it of launch times for each day. 118 00:05:39,734 --> 00:05:41,133 Every day we slip after the 6th 119 00:05:41,133 --> 00:05:43,400 is about 31-minute-earlier launch time, 120 00:05:43,400 --> 00:05:48,734 so we can give you that data if you need it. 121 00:05:48,734 --> 00:05:51,234 Launch window is about 42 minutes 122 00:05:51,234 --> 00:05:54,467 and it protects for external tank, 123 00:05:54,467 --> 00:05:56,000 where it's going to land. 124 00:05:56,000 --> 00:05:57,634 Mission duration is a 10-day mission 125 00:05:57,634 --> 00:05:58,868 with 2 extension days 126 00:05:58,868 --> 00:06:01,167 that we always cover for weather-extension days 127 00:06:01,167 --> 00:06:03,968 or any problems that we have on the shuttle. 128 00:06:03,968 --> 00:06:07,901 We have four scheduled EVAs to complete the tasks. 129 00:06:07,901 --> 00:06:11,167 We also have one that we book keep that's unscheduled in case 130 00:06:11,167 --> 00:06:14,033 we need it for deploy of the telescope. 131 00:06:14,033 --> 00:06:15,868 Our altitude that we insert into 132 00:06:15,868 --> 00:06:20,434 is about 317 nautical miles prior to OMS-2 burn. 133 00:06:20,434 --> 00:06:23,534 The rendezvous is in about 325-by-319 134 00:06:23,534 --> 00:06:25,667 which is where the telescope is now. 135 00:06:25,667 --> 00:06:27,434 That's based on our latest data. 136 00:06:27,434 --> 00:06:30,667 Inclination of the flight is 28 1/2 degrees, 137 00:06:30,667 --> 00:06:32,801 and our primary landing site, of course, is KSC, 138 00:06:32,801 --> 00:06:36,901 and if we launch on the 6th, we'd land about the 15th. 139 00:06:36,901 --> 00:06:39,767 Now for the flight crew. 140 00:06:39,767 --> 00:06:41,634 I think we have a photo of the flight crew. 141 00:06:41,634 --> 00:06:43,133 Commander is Curt Brown. 142 00:06:43,133 --> 00:06:48,667 He's flown six times before, three as a commander. 143 00:06:48,667 --> 00:06:52,033 Last flight he flew, STS-95, was about a year ago, 144 00:06:52,033 --> 00:06:55,901 and that was about the same inclination, same altitude, 145 00:06:55,901 --> 00:06:58,968 so he's got a lot of experience. 146 00:06:58,968 --> 00:07:01,334 The pilot is Scott Kelly. 147 00:07:01,334 --> 00:07:03,067 This is his first flight. 148 00:07:03,067 --> 00:07:05,167 Steve Smith is the payload commander. 149 00:07:05,167 --> 00:07:06,300 This is his second flight. 150 00:07:06,300 --> 00:07:07,834 He's also EV 1, 151 00:07:07,834 --> 00:07:10,767 so he'll be going out in the first and third EVAs. 152 00:07:10,767 --> 00:07:14,267 He did do three space walks on the last servicing mission 153 00:07:14,267 --> 00:07:17,200 also for Hubble Space Telescope. 154 00:07:17,200 --> 00:07:19,534 John Grunsfeld is EV 2. 155 00:07:19,534 --> 00:07:21,133 He's flown twice before, 156 00:07:21,133 --> 00:07:26,567 and he'll be going out on the first 157 00:07:26,567 --> 00:07:28,100 and third also with Steve. 158 00:07:28,100 --> 00:07:29,601 Mike Foale is EV three. 159 00:07:29,601 --> 00:07:31,067 This is his fifth spaceflight. 160 00:07:31,067 --> 00:07:32,834 He's done two space walks before. 161 00:07:32,834 --> 00:07:34,701 One was Russian. 162 00:07:34,701 --> 00:07:37,701 He spent 4 months on the Russian Mir 163 00:07:37,701 --> 00:07:41,801 and has 160 days in space, so he's got a lot of experience. 164 00:07:41,801 --> 00:07:45,167 Claude Nicollier is from the European Space Agency. 165 00:07:45,167 --> 00:07:46,901 He's EV 4. 166 00:07:46,901 --> 00:07:50,100 He'll be going out with Mike on the second and fourth day. 167 00:07:50,100 --> 00:07:51,634 He's flown three times before, 168 00:07:51,634 --> 00:07:55,834 and he was the arm operator on the first servicing mission. 169 00:07:55,834 --> 00:07:59,267 Jean-Francois Clervoy is also from the European Space Agency, 170 00:07:59,267 --> 00:08:01,367 and he's flown twice before. 171 00:08:01,367 --> 00:08:03,033 For flight directors, we have myself. 172 00:08:03,033 --> 00:08:04,567 I am lead, and we'll be doing orbit 173 00:08:04,567 --> 00:08:08,667 one which we'll be there during the EVAs rendezvous and deploy. 174 00:08:08,667 --> 00:08:10,667 Brian Austin is over at two. 175 00:08:10,667 --> 00:08:11,801 Jeff Hanley is planning. 176 00:08:11,801 --> 00:08:14,267 This is his first flight as flight director. 177 00:08:14,267 --> 00:08:16,467 However, he has worked previous servicing missions 178 00:08:16,467 --> 00:08:18,133 as our lead payload officer, 179 00:08:18,133 --> 00:08:21,133 so he is very familiar with the payload 180 00:08:21,133 --> 00:08:25,267 and Wayne Hale is ASC and entry. 181 00:08:25,267 --> 00:08:28,100 For an overview of what we're doing on the flight days on, 182 00:08:28,100 --> 00:08:31,000 of course, flight day 1 we're going to launch. 183 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:33,801 Flight day 2 will be check outs of the space suits, 184 00:08:33,801 --> 00:08:36,200 the space support equipment that we have in the payload bay 185 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:37,767 that we're carrying up for Hubble 186 00:08:37,767 --> 00:08:39,801 and also the arm check out. 187 00:08:39,801 --> 00:08:42,200 Flight day 3 rendezvous which is pretty typical 188 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:45,601 and also berthing of the telescope. 189 00:08:45,601 --> 00:08:47,868 Flight day 4 through 7 are the EVAs, 190 00:08:47,868 --> 00:08:50,100 and we'll go into more detail on what we're doing 191 00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:52,868 on each particular day in a few minutes here. 192 00:08:52,868 --> 00:08:55,801 Flight day 8 is scheduled deploy. 193 00:08:55,801 --> 00:08:59,033 Flight day 9, we have some off-duty time for the crew, 194 00:08:59,033 --> 00:09:01,868 and we're also carrying a global pointing system. 195 00:09:01,868 --> 00:09:07,000 We're doing some tests on two of those that we're carrying. 196 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:09,367 Flight day 10 will be the normal preps for entry, 197 00:09:09,367 --> 00:09:10,767 including cabin stow, 198 00:09:10,767 --> 00:09:12,934 the reaction control system hot fire, 199 00:09:12,934 --> 00:09:18,300 flight control system check out, and flight day 11 will be entry. 200 00:09:18,300 --> 00:09:21,767 Okay, now we have a video that we'd like to show you. 201 00:09:26,868 --> 00:09:28,367 Okay, there's the patch for the mission. 202 00:09:28,367 --> 00:09:31,467 And inside we're carrying up some hardware. 203 00:09:31,467 --> 00:09:32,934 The first piece you see here 204 00:09:32,934 --> 00:09:36,167 is the orbital replacement unit carrier. 205 00:09:36,167 --> 00:09:37,434 It's got a number of boxes. 206 00:09:37,434 --> 00:09:38,801 The first one that you see 207 00:09:38,801 --> 00:09:41,801 where will carry the replacement gyros among other things. 208 00:09:41,801 --> 00:09:44,067 The second will carry the new computer 209 00:09:44,067 --> 00:09:46,200 and will return the old computer. 210 00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:47,767 The third box they're pointing to here 211 00:09:47,767 --> 00:09:50,167 will carry the Fine Guidance Sensor 212 00:09:50,167 --> 00:09:53,367 in that box which is about the size of a telephone booth. 213 00:09:53,367 --> 00:09:56,701 And the fourth one shown here carries a backup computer, 214 00:09:56,701 --> 00:10:00,300 backup gyros and also some of the MLI repair 215 00:10:00,300 --> 00:10:03,701 that we'll be carrying up to do on the third and fourth EVAs. 216 00:10:03,701 --> 00:10:06,367 This is a flight-support system, 217 00:10:06,367 --> 00:10:09,767 and you see the berthing and position system 218 00:10:09,767 --> 00:10:12,267 that will be up when the telescope is berthed. 219 00:10:12,267 --> 00:10:13,534 This thing can rotate, 220 00:10:13,534 --> 00:10:15,868 and it can also pivot with the telescope on it. 221 00:10:15,868 --> 00:10:19,167 That post that you just saw will be installed on the first EVA, 222 00:10:19,167 --> 00:10:20,567 helps alleviate some of the loads 223 00:10:20,567 --> 00:10:21,834 on the telescope during ops, 224 00:10:21,834 --> 00:10:27,067 so that the solar rays don't get as much flows 225 00:10:27,067 --> 00:10:28,968 as the rest of the telescope, of course. 226 00:10:28,968 --> 00:10:32,067 Here is what the telescope will look like once it's berthed. 227 00:10:32,067 --> 00:10:34,267 The solar arrays will be in this position 228 00:10:34,267 --> 00:10:38,801 from may of the EVA activities. 229 00:10:41,801 --> 00:10:43,167 Okay, here's another picture. 230 00:10:43,167 --> 00:10:44,400 We'll show you where, 231 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:47,634 basically where all the replacement units are. 232 00:10:47,634 --> 00:10:49,734 This is -V3 side that you're looking at. 233 00:10:49,734 --> 00:10:52,133 You're looking at the fixed-head star trackers on the bottom 234 00:10:52,133 --> 00:10:55,133 and the high-gain antenna up near the top. 235 00:10:55,133 --> 00:10:58,300 First thing and the priority would be replacing the gyros 236 00:10:58,300 --> 00:11:00,767 which are housed in the right-center units 237 00:11:00,767 --> 00:11:02,667 that you show here, six gyros, 238 00:11:02,667 --> 00:11:05,400 two each, two each of these right sensor units, 239 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:07,567 and that's the first thing we'll do, first EVA. 240 00:11:07,567 --> 00:11:09,934 After that, we'll do the voltage and temperature 241 00:11:09,934 --> 00:11:13,067 improvement kits. 242 00:11:13,067 --> 00:11:14,968 There are six batteries, and each one will get -- 243 00:11:14,968 --> 00:11:18,467 And they also label the bays here, bay twos and threes. 244 00:11:18,467 --> 00:11:20,968 Second EVA, we will replace the old computer 245 00:11:20,968 --> 00:11:23,334 with the advanced computer in bay one. 246 00:11:25,334 --> 00:11:28,133 We also have the OCE, 247 00:11:28,133 --> 00:11:31,767 which is actually used for the Fine Guidance Sensor. 248 00:11:31,767 --> 00:11:32,934 We're showing it now 249 00:11:32,934 --> 00:11:34,400 because it's on this side of the telescope 250 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:38,334 even though we won't replace that until the third EVA. 251 00:11:38,334 --> 00:11:40,000 The morning of the second EVA, 252 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:43,100 we will replace the Fine Guidance Sensor, 253 00:11:43,100 --> 00:11:44,534 number two up here. 254 00:11:44,534 --> 00:11:47,634 We've done one of those on previous servicing mission 255 00:11:47,634 --> 00:11:51,133 which was number one on the other flight. 256 00:11:51,133 --> 00:11:55,400 We also will replace the S band single-access transmitter, 257 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:01,467 and in that same bay, we have the solid-state recorder 258 00:12:01,467 --> 00:12:05,267 which will replace one of the older tape recorders we have. 259 00:12:05,267 --> 00:12:07,234 We've also done that on a previous mission. 260 00:12:07,234 --> 00:12:08,767 There were three reel-to-reel, 261 00:12:08,767 --> 00:12:10,200 and now we have, after this flight, 262 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:13,567 we'll have two of the solid-state recorders. 263 00:12:13,567 --> 00:12:16,400 The third EVA will start repairing the MLI 264 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:21,334 with the New Outer Blanket Layers that go over the bay. 265 00:12:21,334 --> 00:12:24,767 And on the fourth EVA, we'll be doing the Shield/Shell 266 00:12:24,767 --> 00:12:26,701 Replacement Fabric which are big sheets 267 00:12:26,701 --> 00:12:28,868 that are rolled down the side of the telescope. 268 00:12:28,868 --> 00:12:31,167 We call it SSRF for short. 269 00:12:35,033 --> 00:12:36,133 Okay, the rendezvous, again, 270 00:12:36,133 --> 00:12:38,133 this is scheduled for flight day 3. 271 00:12:38,133 --> 00:12:40,834 In real life, we don't come this fast to the telescope, 272 00:12:40,834 --> 00:12:43,567 but this gives you an idea of how we will approach. 273 00:12:43,567 --> 00:12:46,968 We are doing approaching along the R-bar 274 00:12:46,968 --> 00:12:50,701 which is really what we've been using for all the Space Station 275 00:12:50,701 --> 00:12:54,267 docking missions with the Mir and the Space Station missions, 276 00:12:54,267 --> 00:12:55,968 the same type of approach. 277 00:12:55,968 --> 00:12:57,734 We also used the same type of approach 278 00:12:57,734 --> 00:13:00,334 on the last servicing mission. 279 00:13:00,334 --> 00:13:05,067 We come up close, grapple with the RMS 280 00:13:05,067 --> 00:13:07,968 and slowly maneuver the Hubble Space Telescope 281 00:13:07,968 --> 00:13:12,367 over to the flight service structure. 282 00:13:12,367 --> 00:13:19,100 And we'll set it down, and once we have it, we will latch. 283 00:13:19,100 --> 00:13:22,334 There are three latches that'll be latched, 284 00:13:22,334 --> 00:13:23,901 and then we'll connect the umbilical. 285 00:13:23,901 --> 00:13:25,367 This is some live footage 286 00:13:25,367 --> 00:13:28,667 from the last servicing mission of retrieval. 287 00:13:28,667 --> 00:13:29,934 Here you see the arm 288 00:13:29,934 --> 00:13:31,534 actually getting the grapple fixture here. 289 00:13:31,534 --> 00:13:35,634 It's a good shot, then maneuvering the telescope 290 00:13:35,634 --> 00:13:39,634 over to put in place in the payload bay. 291 00:13:39,634 --> 00:13:44,567 Here you see the umbilical, the main umbilical connect. 292 00:13:44,567 --> 00:13:46,000 Your turn. -Okay. 293 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:47,367 On the first EVA, 294 00:13:47,367 --> 00:13:50,100 our tasks are to replace the right sensor units. 295 00:13:50,100 --> 00:13:54,200 On STS-61, Story Musgrave and Jeff Hoffman 296 00:13:54,200 --> 00:13:57,901 opened up the same bay that we'll be going into. 297 00:13:57,901 --> 00:13:59,000 Jeff Hoffman was on the arm. 298 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,167 Story Musgrave was the free-floater 299 00:14:01,167 --> 00:14:03,133 and positioned himself inside. 300 00:14:03,133 --> 00:14:04,767 He's changing our RSU number two. 301 00:14:04,767 --> 00:14:07,267 We'll be replacing all three of them. 302 00:14:09,901 --> 00:14:14,701 Our first task is to retrieve RSU number two. 303 00:14:14,701 --> 00:14:15,934 John Grunsfeld is on the arm. 304 00:14:15,934 --> 00:14:18,300 Steve Smith is the free-floater. 305 00:14:18,300 --> 00:14:22,934 He'll hand him the new box, take out the old. 306 00:14:22,934 --> 00:14:25,234 And it's a tight fit in there. 307 00:14:25,234 --> 00:14:28,067 When he takes the RSU out, he'll stow it in a bag 308 00:14:28,067 --> 00:14:29,868 so that it doesn't bounce around. 309 00:14:29,868 --> 00:14:32,300 John Grunsfeld will take a power tool 310 00:14:32,300 --> 00:14:34,834 and drive the bolts that hold the box in place. 311 00:14:34,834 --> 00:14:36,100 When that's done, he goes down, 312 00:14:36,100 --> 00:14:38,434 stows the old box and retrieves the new one, 313 00:14:38,434 --> 00:14:41,968 and we repeat the process for all three RSUs. 314 00:14:41,968 --> 00:14:45,133 After we're done with that task, Steve Smith will get on the arm, 315 00:14:45,133 --> 00:14:46,501 and he'll install the voltage, 316 00:14:46,501 --> 00:14:48,801 the temperature improvement kits on the batteries. 317 00:14:48,801 --> 00:14:51,767 You see one big box there, but it's actually three batteries. 318 00:14:51,767 --> 00:14:54,567 We'll install three VIKs in that bay, 319 00:14:54,567 --> 00:14:59,901 and we'll repeat the process for the other set of batteries. 320 00:14:59,901 --> 00:15:04,901 On the second EVA, our first task is the advanced computer. 321 00:15:04,901 --> 00:15:09,100 On STS-61, we installed the coprocessor 322 00:15:09,100 --> 00:15:12,133 which enhanced the DF-224 computer. 323 00:15:12,133 --> 00:15:19,000 In this shot, you see Kathy Thornton driving the bolts. 324 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:24,267 In our task, we will remove both the DF-224 and the coprocessor, 325 00:15:24,267 --> 00:15:28,400 and that's done by Mike Foale while he's on the arm. 326 00:15:28,400 --> 00:15:30,434 Once that box is removed, 327 00:15:30,434 --> 00:15:33,434 we'll install some connector converters 328 00:15:33,434 --> 00:15:35,133 and then put in the new computer, 329 00:15:35,133 --> 00:15:39,234 the 486 computer and hook it up. 330 00:15:42,400 --> 00:15:43,901 After we've completed the 486, 331 00:15:43,901 --> 00:15:46,067 we move on to the Fine Guidance Sensor. 332 00:15:46,067 --> 00:15:48,300 Claude Nicollier gets on the arm. 333 00:15:48,300 --> 00:15:52,033 On STS-82, we did the same task on Fine Guidance 334 00:15:52,033 --> 00:15:54,300 Sensor number one. 335 00:15:54,300 --> 00:15:56,701 We open up the bay, remove the old 336 00:15:56,701 --> 00:15:58,601 Fine Guidance Sensor. It's a pretty big box. 337 00:15:58,601 --> 00:16:01,534 It's about 500 pounds. 338 00:16:01,534 --> 00:16:03,934 And it's got a pick-off mirror at the end 339 00:16:03,934 --> 00:16:05,667 that we have to be very careful of. 340 00:16:05,667 --> 00:16:07,234 Once that's removed, 341 00:16:07,234 --> 00:16:10,501 Claude Nicollier positions it and temporarily stows it 342 00:16:10,501 --> 00:16:13,834 on an aft fixture on our ORU carrier. 343 00:16:16,300 --> 00:16:18,167 And that's out over the port wing. 344 00:16:21,200 --> 00:16:24,767 He then maneuvers forward and retrieves the new 345 00:16:24,767 --> 00:16:27,434 Fine Guidance Sensor number two, and down at the bottom, 346 00:16:27,434 --> 00:16:29,634 you'll see the pick-off mirror cover. 347 00:16:29,634 --> 00:16:30,968 That protects the mirror 348 00:16:30,968 --> 00:16:34,734 while they're positioning the box for insertion. 349 00:16:34,734 --> 00:16:37,601 And he rotates it to get it in the right orientation 350 00:16:37,601 --> 00:16:39,467 to insert it into the telescope, 351 00:16:41,601 --> 00:16:45,968 aligns it, and Mike Foale, in a PFR, 352 00:16:45,968 --> 00:16:48,801 takes off the pick-off mirror cover, 353 00:16:48,801 --> 00:16:51,968 and Claude Nicollier inserts the Fine Guidance 354 00:16:51,968 --> 00:16:53,567 Sensor into the telescope. 355 00:16:56,901 --> 00:17:00,601 Once that's done, they go get the old box, 356 00:17:00,601 --> 00:17:03,701 lift it off its temporary stowage fixture, 357 00:17:03,701 --> 00:17:06,701 maneuver forward again. 358 00:17:06,701 --> 00:17:08,601 He'll have to rotate it because of the orientation 359 00:17:08,601 --> 00:17:10,334 that it came out of the telescope 360 00:17:10,334 --> 00:17:11,934 and how it was stowed 361 00:17:16,701 --> 00:17:20,667 and insert it into the FGS scientific instrument 362 00:17:20,667 --> 00:17:26,067 protective enclosure, and it's ready to come home. 363 00:17:26,067 --> 00:17:30,501 Again, on STS-82, you see some footage here of Joe 364 00:17:30,501 --> 00:17:34,801 Tanner inserting a Fine Guidance Sensor into the telescope. 365 00:17:34,801 --> 00:17:36,133 That means that after this mission, 366 00:17:36,133 --> 00:17:38,000 we'll have two good 367 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:42,434 Fine Guidance Sensors that have the corrective optics. 368 00:17:50,767 --> 00:17:54,000 On our third EVA, as Linda mentioned, 369 00:17:54,000 --> 00:17:56,601 we're installing optical control electronics enhancement kit. 370 00:17:56,601 --> 00:18:00,267 Well, the enhancement kit was installed on STS-82, 371 00:18:00,267 --> 00:18:03,367 and for this mission all we have to do is change 372 00:18:03,367 --> 00:18:04,834 a little bit of the wiring, 373 00:18:04,834 --> 00:18:06,667 disconnect one of the connectors from the box 374 00:18:06,667 --> 00:18:08,501 and hook it up to the enhancement kit. 375 00:18:08,501 --> 00:18:10,167 After that, we move over to bay five 376 00:18:10,167 --> 00:18:12,234 where we have the solid-state recorder, 377 00:18:12,234 --> 00:18:15,234 and the S band single-access transmitter. 378 00:18:15,234 --> 00:18:20,234 Here you see the SSAT being removed from the door. 379 00:18:20,234 --> 00:18:21,534 It will be handed off, 380 00:18:21,534 --> 00:18:24,100 and the new box will be installed. 381 00:18:27,901 --> 00:18:30,334 After that's complete, we turn around 382 00:18:30,334 --> 00:18:32,801 and do the solid-state recorder 383 00:18:32,801 --> 00:18:35,000 which is the lower of the two boxes that you see right there. 384 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:39,133 The upper box was replaced on the previous mission. 385 00:18:39,133 --> 00:18:42,033 For the New Outer Blanket Layer, we take the old MLI off 386 00:18:42,033 --> 00:18:43,634 on some of the bays and replace it 387 00:18:43,634 --> 00:18:46,801 with a rigid sheet that is the thermal protection 388 00:18:46,801 --> 00:18:49,734 and that corrects for the MLI damage 389 00:18:49,734 --> 00:18:51,868 that we've seen on a previous mission. 390 00:18:51,868 --> 00:18:55,767 On our final EVA, we continue our MLI repair 391 00:18:55,767 --> 00:18:58,501 by installing the Shield Shell Replacement Fabric. 392 00:18:58,501 --> 00:19:00,834 This is a lot like wallpapering. 393 00:19:00,834 --> 00:19:04,667 We have rolls of MLI material that the crew unrolls and clips 394 00:19:04,667 --> 00:19:07,234 along the way to various structures 395 00:19:07,234 --> 00:19:12,267 and Velcroes to itself, and we position that. 396 00:19:12,267 --> 00:19:15,100 We cover a good section of the telescope. 397 00:19:17,868 --> 00:19:20,234 -Okay, and here is some animation 398 00:19:20,234 --> 00:19:22,767 of what the deploy will look like. 399 00:19:22,767 --> 00:19:24,834 The solar arrays will be as shown at 90. 400 00:19:24,834 --> 00:19:27,067 The high-gain antennas will be deployed, 401 00:19:27,067 --> 00:19:29,901 and once we're out on the air, we will open aperture door. 402 00:19:29,901 --> 00:19:31,901 Of course before we deploy, 403 00:19:31,901 --> 00:19:34,300 Goddard goes through all kinds of commanding to verify 404 00:19:34,300 --> 00:19:36,567 that the normal computers and backup computers 405 00:19:36,567 --> 00:19:38,534 all function properly. 406 00:19:38,534 --> 00:19:42,934 We will do a separation maneuver after deploy. 407 00:19:42,934 --> 00:19:46,267 Here's some footage again from the previous servicing mission 408 00:19:46,267 --> 00:19:51,501 where that's ungrapple of the telescope 409 00:19:51,501 --> 00:19:53,167 and moving the arm away. 410 00:19:53,167 --> 00:19:54,934 You can see the solar arrays again at 90 411 00:19:54,934 --> 00:19:57,467 and high-gain antenna deployed. 412 00:19:57,467 --> 00:20:02,400 Here is a view from the aft window. 413 00:20:06,934 --> 00:20:11,767 So it'll be very similar, and it will be 414 00:20:11,767 --> 00:20:14,534 in the same configuration in this deploy in this flight. 415 00:20:18,834 --> 00:20:21,701 Okay, for mission priorities for this flight, 416 00:20:21,701 --> 00:20:23,267 since the gyros have had some problems, 417 00:20:23,267 --> 00:20:26,100 our main priority is to fix those or replace those. 418 00:20:26,100 --> 00:20:30,868 So the six gyros again contained three rate sensing units, 419 00:20:30,868 --> 00:20:34,133 so the priority is replacing the three RSUs. 420 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:35,601 Minimum success for this flight 421 00:20:35,601 --> 00:20:37,367 is to have five operational gyros 422 00:20:37,367 --> 00:20:40,133 when we leave, four which are newly installed, 423 00:20:40,133 --> 00:20:42,133 and we can do that just by replacing 424 00:20:42,133 --> 00:20:45,534 RSU number two and three, and that's the order we go in. 425 00:20:45,534 --> 00:20:49,834 We do two, three, then one because both the gyros in RSU 426 00:20:49,834 --> 00:20:51,133 one are still functional, 427 00:20:51,133 --> 00:20:52,334 although we do want to replace them. 428 00:20:52,334 --> 00:20:54,634 They are the oldest ones on the vehicle. 429 00:20:54,634 --> 00:20:56,934 They've been flying since we launched, 430 00:20:56,934 --> 00:20:59,601 so that would be the minimum success criteria. 431 00:20:59,601 --> 00:21:04,100 For full success, we want the six operational gyros. 432 00:21:04,100 --> 00:21:06,300 We also want the voltage improvement kits 433 00:21:06,300 --> 00:21:10,067 which are what we do right after the RSUs, 434 00:21:10,067 --> 00:21:12,267 the new computer and the Fine Guidance Sensor. 435 00:21:12,267 --> 00:21:14,968 So if we get through the first two EVAs as planned, 436 00:21:14,968 --> 00:21:18,167 then we will have what we consider full success. 437 00:21:21,267 --> 00:21:23,200 The next priority would be getting the S band 438 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:25,601 single-access transmitter replaced, 439 00:21:25,601 --> 00:21:27,300 then the solid-state recorder. 440 00:21:27,300 --> 00:21:31,400 After that, most of the priorities 441 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:34,200 are doing the MLI repair. 442 00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:36,767 First would be the bays five through 10 repair, 443 00:21:36,767 --> 00:21:40,400 followed by the Shield Shell Replacement Fabric. 444 00:21:40,400 --> 00:21:42,267 When we originally planned this mission, 445 00:21:42,267 --> 00:21:44,200 we weren't even going to do some of these tasks, 446 00:21:44,200 --> 00:21:46,067 but we had enough consumables on board 447 00:21:46,067 --> 00:21:47,801 to add another day to the flight, so we did so. 448 00:21:47,801 --> 00:21:49,901 Since we're up there, we thought we would take advantage of it 449 00:21:49,901 --> 00:21:51,367 and do as much as we could. 450 00:21:51,367 --> 00:21:54,667 So we have a list of additional tasks that, if we have time, 451 00:21:54,667 --> 00:21:57,000 we will try to get out of the way this flight 452 00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:59,267 so that we don't have to do them next flight. 453 00:22:01,934 --> 00:22:03,367 With that, I'll hand it over to Keith. 454 00:22:03,367 --> 00:22:05,968 He's got some tools here that he'd like to show you. 455 00:22:05,968 --> 00:22:07,434 -Okay. 456 00:22:07,434 --> 00:22:11,601 I brought along some mock-ups to show you basically the size 457 00:22:11,601 --> 00:22:15,033 and some of the work that the crew has to do. 458 00:22:15,033 --> 00:22:17,767 This is a mock-up of the right sensor unit. 459 00:22:17,767 --> 00:22:19,067 You can see it's kind of banged up. 460 00:22:19,067 --> 00:22:22,567 This is one of the water mock-ups that the crew members 461 00:22:22,567 --> 00:22:26,367 to practice changing out in our Neutral Buoyancy Lab. 462 00:22:26,367 --> 00:22:30,167 This box has a handhold on it for the crew to hold. 463 00:22:30,167 --> 00:22:32,400 There are two connectors that they disconnect 464 00:22:32,400 --> 00:22:34,767 and reconnect on the new box, and there are three bolts 465 00:22:34,767 --> 00:22:37,367 that they have to drive to hold it in place. 466 00:22:37,367 --> 00:22:40,534 So the crew members practice inserting this into the mock-ups 467 00:22:40,534 --> 00:22:44,734 that we have in the water tank. 468 00:22:44,734 --> 00:22:46,467 After they've completed that task, 469 00:22:46,467 --> 00:22:49,033 the second task on our first EVA 470 00:22:49,033 --> 00:22:52,234 is the voltage temperature improvement kit. 471 00:22:52,234 --> 00:22:55,567 This is one of the six that we will install. 472 00:22:55,567 --> 00:22:57,334 Again, this is a mock-up, 473 00:22:57,334 --> 00:22:59,968 but basically it's an electronics box 474 00:22:59,968 --> 00:23:03,467 that the crew members disconnect a connector 475 00:23:03,467 --> 00:23:06,834 from the bottom of the battery and hook this in line, 476 00:23:06,834 --> 00:23:12,868 and it corrects for the problems that we have with the batteries. 477 00:23:12,868 --> 00:23:15,367 On our third EVA, 478 00:23:15,367 --> 00:23:20,667 we replace the S band single-access transmitter, 479 00:23:20,667 --> 00:23:25,133 and that box is a box that looks like this. 480 00:23:25,133 --> 00:23:26,634 This is our replacement box, 481 00:23:26,634 --> 00:23:30,534 and you can see that there are some wires hanging off on this. 482 00:23:30,534 --> 00:23:33,167 The problem that we have with this task 483 00:23:33,167 --> 00:23:35,667 is that we are changing out coax connectors, 484 00:23:35,667 --> 00:23:40,033 and the coax connectors are quite similar to the ones 485 00:23:40,033 --> 00:23:43,400 that you have on the back of your television set. 486 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:45,300 So as you know, they're very tiny, 487 00:23:45,300 --> 00:23:48,701 and with a gloved hand, that's very difficult to do. 488 00:23:48,701 --> 00:23:53,367 So because of that, we've added jumpers that allow the connector 489 00:23:53,367 --> 00:23:55,934 to be made away from the doors. 490 00:23:55,934 --> 00:23:58,234 You may recall from the video that you saw. 491 00:23:58,234 --> 00:23:59,901 That's right up against the door. 492 00:23:59,901 --> 00:24:04,133 Also, we have two other connectors that you can see here 493 00:24:04,133 --> 00:24:07,300 and here that the crew members have to mate as well. 494 00:24:07,300 --> 00:24:10,400 The other problem that we have with this particular task 495 00:24:10,400 --> 00:24:14,033 is the original box was not to be changed out EVA 496 00:24:14,033 --> 00:24:19,133 which means that the connectors that hold this box to the door 497 00:24:19,133 --> 00:24:20,567 are down at the lower surface, 498 00:24:20,567 --> 00:24:22,334 and they're hard to get a tool on. 499 00:24:22,334 --> 00:24:26,567 And also those bolts that hold this, there are eight of them, 500 00:24:26,567 --> 00:24:30,467 are noncaptive which means if we take those bolts out, 501 00:24:30,467 --> 00:24:31,667 they could float away, 502 00:24:31,667 --> 00:24:33,801 and we don't want to add any extra debris. 503 00:24:33,801 --> 00:24:37,534 So because of that, on the new box we have bolts 504 00:24:37,534 --> 00:24:40,067 that are captive that will -- 505 00:24:40,067 --> 00:24:46,000 When we drive them in, they're easy to maintain and to hold. 506 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:49,367 Because those bolts are noncaptive, 507 00:24:49,367 --> 00:24:52,167 we had to develop a special tool 508 00:24:52,167 --> 00:24:56,634 that allows us to capture those bolts when we drive them out. 509 00:24:56,634 --> 00:24:58,968 And basically, it's a screwdriver 510 00:24:58,968 --> 00:25:01,734 that has a special capture feature 511 00:25:01,734 --> 00:25:05,400 which is these little claws right here. 512 00:25:05,400 --> 00:25:08,467 We slide that under the bolt head and the washer 513 00:25:08,467 --> 00:25:10,801 and then push in and capture the bolt 514 00:25:10,801 --> 00:25:12,801 and then drive it the rest of the way out. 515 00:25:12,801 --> 00:25:15,200 After that, we stow the bolt on a special bracket 516 00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:19,334 so we maintain control of that bolt the whole time. 517 00:25:19,334 --> 00:25:24,634 As I mentioned, the coax connectors are very tiny, 518 00:25:24,634 --> 00:25:27,901 and they're hard to do with a gloved hand, 519 00:25:27,901 --> 00:25:30,667 so the crew members have special tools 520 00:25:30,667 --> 00:25:34,167 that allow them to drive those in and out. 521 00:25:37,567 --> 00:25:40,868 The other tool that I brought along for the third EVA, 522 00:25:40,868 --> 00:25:44,467 I mentioned the New Outer Blanket Layer. 523 00:25:44,467 --> 00:25:48,067 To hold those in place, we have special plugs 524 00:25:48,067 --> 00:25:51,667 that the crew members will insert and open up, 525 00:25:51,667 --> 00:25:53,300 and it drives these over center, 526 00:25:53,300 --> 00:25:56,634 and that's what holds the New Outer Blanket Layer to the base. 527 00:25:58,901 --> 00:26:02,067 On the fourth EVA, we're installing 528 00:26:02,067 --> 00:26:05,200 the Shield Shell Replacement Fabric, 529 00:26:05,200 --> 00:26:08,067 and this is a sample of the actual flight material 530 00:26:08,067 --> 00:26:09,934 that we'll be using, 531 00:26:09,934 --> 00:26:14,634 and it has a scrim on the back, and it's highly reflective. 532 00:26:14,634 --> 00:26:17,100 And that is what's going to hold the existing 533 00:26:17,100 --> 00:26:19,567 MLI against the surface of the telescope 534 00:26:19,567 --> 00:26:24,667 and then protect the outside of the telescope. 535 00:26:24,667 --> 00:26:26,868 And the last tool the I brought -- 536 00:26:26,868 --> 00:26:28,033 Well, I shouldn't say the last tool. 537 00:26:28,033 --> 00:26:29,667 I have one more after this. 538 00:26:29,667 --> 00:26:32,400 This is the pistol-grip tool. 539 00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:38,467 This was first developed for the second servicing mission, 540 00:26:38,467 --> 00:26:40,334 and now it is kind of the workhorse 541 00:26:40,334 --> 00:26:43,133 of space station assembly. 542 00:26:43,133 --> 00:26:46,501 It is a computerized tool that allows us to control the torque 543 00:26:46,501 --> 00:26:48,634 and the speed and the number of turns 544 00:26:48,634 --> 00:26:52,634 that we have for all the bolts that we're driving. 545 00:26:52,634 --> 00:26:56,133 And the final tool that I have to show today 546 00:26:56,133 --> 00:27:00,434 is the lube applicator. 547 00:27:00,434 --> 00:27:02,834 One of the things that we talked about 548 00:27:02,834 --> 00:27:06,167 is the fact that on STS-82, 549 00:27:06,167 --> 00:27:10,801 we had problems driving the latches open, 550 00:27:10,801 --> 00:27:13,534 and because of that, we are applying lubricant 551 00:27:13,534 --> 00:27:16,968 to those bolts when we try and drive them out. 552 00:27:16,968 --> 00:27:22,400 This tool has a special nozzle that fits over the bolt head, 553 00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:24,934 and the crews members will, at each of the bolts 554 00:27:24,934 --> 00:27:27,434 that they're driving, open up and squeeze 555 00:27:27,434 --> 00:27:30,701 a small amount of lubricant, brake-coat lubricant on the bolt 556 00:27:30,701 --> 00:27:32,133 and then drive it out, 557 00:27:32,133 --> 00:27:34,534 and that helps hopefully the problem 558 00:27:34,534 --> 00:27:38,701 that we had with the binding. 559 00:27:38,701 --> 00:27:42,534 And after that, I'll turn it back over to Linda. 560 00:27:42,534 --> 00:27:43,534 -Okay. 561 00:27:43,534 --> 00:27:44,634 So our goal here on the servicing mission 562 00:27:44,634 --> 00:27:48,434 is help HST operational until about 2010. 563 00:27:48,434 --> 00:27:50,767 There are two additional servicing missions planned. 564 00:27:50,767 --> 00:27:55,234 One would be -- One of the science instruments 565 00:27:55,234 --> 00:27:56,834 on that would be the Advanced Camera. 566 00:27:56,834 --> 00:28:01,033 They're hoping to launch about mid-2001, 567 00:28:01,033 --> 00:28:02,501 and then about 2 years later 568 00:28:02,501 --> 00:28:04,634 there would be another servicing mission. 569 00:28:04,634 --> 00:28:06,000 That's all I had. 570 00:28:06,000 --> 00:28:07,334 -Okay, thanks. 571 00:28:07,334 --> 00:28:08,868 We're ready for questions, 572 00:28:08,868 --> 00:28:11,501 and I think we've got some other centers also. 573 00:28:11,501 --> 00:28:15,033 As usual, if I don't say your name, please state 574 00:28:15,033 --> 00:28:17,000 it for everybody listening in. 575 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,267 Let's start up here on front with Marcia 576 00:28:19,267 --> 00:28:21,601 from Associated Press. 577 00:28:21,601 --> 00:28:22,968 -Marcia from Associated Press. 578 00:28:22,968 --> 00:28:24,601 First question for Linda. 579 00:28:24,601 --> 00:28:28,067 Since you're using software from previous Hubble missions, 580 00:28:28,067 --> 00:28:30,901 I'm wondering just in case this mission slips into next year, 581 00:28:30,901 --> 00:28:34,901 the Y2K-compatibility issue and where that all stands. 582 00:28:34,901 --> 00:28:36,834 -Okay. We were concerned with the same thing, 583 00:28:36,834 --> 00:28:38,567 and what we had to go back and do -- 584 00:28:38,567 --> 00:28:40,334 The software called OI26B. 585 00:28:40,334 --> 00:28:42,200 The last flight we flew and what we were certified 586 00:28:42,200 --> 00:28:44,434 for for Y2K was OI27. 587 00:28:44,434 --> 00:28:46,434 We went back and onboard software 588 00:28:46,434 --> 00:28:48,534 wasn't a concern at all with Y2K. 589 00:28:48,534 --> 00:28:53,667 It was the tools that we use to build the software 590 00:28:53,667 --> 00:28:55,100 that we had to make sure were compatible, 591 00:28:55,100 --> 00:28:56,701 so we had to go back and verify 592 00:28:56,701 --> 00:28:59,367 that all this was going to be Y2K compatible. 593 00:28:59,367 --> 00:29:01,767 Another thing that we did in the Mission Control Center 594 00:29:01,767 --> 00:29:04,434 software was we stepped up to a new load 595 00:29:04,434 --> 00:29:06,834 there that is fully Y2K compatible, 596 00:29:06,834 --> 00:29:08,734 so we did ensure that with the ground software 597 00:29:08,734 --> 00:29:12,100 and the onboard software were going to be compatible. 598 00:29:12,100 --> 00:29:13,534 -So that's over with? -Yes. 599 00:29:13,534 --> 00:29:16,400 -That's all taken care of, and a couple EVA questions. 600 00:29:16,400 --> 00:29:18,767 Is there a backup EVA guy on board 601 00:29:18,767 --> 00:29:21,467 just in case one of the four gets sick and something happens, 602 00:29:21,467 --> 00:29:23,501 and how much suits are you flying? 603 00:29:23,501 --> 00:29:26,534 -We're flying four EMUs for this mission, 604 00:29:26,534 --> 00:29:30,267 and each of the crew members are cross-trained so that 605 00:29:30,267 --> 00:29:32,868 if one of them has a problem or can't go EVA, 606 00:29:32,868 --> 00:29:34,767 someone else could fill in, and they've all been 607 00:29:34,767 --> 00:29:37,634 100 percent cross-trained on all of the tasks. 608 00:29:37,634 --> 00:29:40,167 -[ Speaks indistinctly ] -No. 609 00:29:40,167 --> 00:29:43,767 No, these four. -Anybody else? 610 00:29:43,767 --> 00:29:45,834 Let's go back here to Bill. 611 00:29:48,734 --> 00:29:50,901 -Bill Harwood with CBS, a couple of quick ones for me. 612 00:29:50,901 --> 00:29:54,767 What is the threat that the voltage regulator kits correct? 613 00:29:54,767 --> 00:29:57,501 I mean, I'm confused because I was under the understanding 614 00:29:57,501 --> 00:29:59,267 you can get into some eclipse scenarios 615 00:29:59,267 --> 00:30:00,734 and you get some low power, 616 00:30:00,734 --> 00:30:02,701 and you get a really bad problem if that happens, 617 00:30:02,701 --> 00:30:05,334 but I'm not clear as to what the consequences are. 618 00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:13,534 -It's concerned with as the batteries have aged 619 00:30:13,534 --> 00:30:15,467 that they may overcharge and overtemp. 620 00:30:15,467 --> 00:30:17,334 So once they get these kits on there, 621 00:30:17,334 --> 00:30:19,634 they have less of concern or they won't have a concern 622 00:30:19,634 --> 00:30:22,000 with overtemping when they charge the batteries. 623 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:24,767 It's particularly important to have the VIKs installed 624 00:30:24,767 --> 00:30:26,367 when we get new solar arrays which are planned 625 00:30:26,367 --> 00:30:29,667 for future servicing missions but less of a concern now, 626 00:30:29,667 --> 00:30:31,033 but we do want to get those on there 627 00:30:31,033 --> 00:30:34,334 so that when they do charge, they don't overheat. 628 00:30:34,334 --> 00:30:37,467 So they switch the voltage at which they'll quit charging. 629 00:30:37,467 --> 00:30:41,767 -Thanks, and an MLI question. I know inside the bay 630 00:30:41,767 --> 00:30:43,334 where they're going to do the RSU work, 631 00:30:43,334 --> 00:30:46,033 you mentioned tight clearances. 632 00:30:46,033 --> 00:30:50,734 What is the concern with flaking insulation both inside as well 633 00:30:50,734 --> 00:30:52,434 as outside as you're messing around with these things 634 00:30:52,434 --> 00:30:54,100 because I remember on the last mission 635 00:30:54,100 --> 00:30:55,601 that was obviously an issue, and you obviously 636 00:30:55,601 --> 00:30:57,834 don't want stuff floating around in the optical path, 637 00:30:57,834 --> 00:30:59,534 but what's the concern there? 638 00:30:59,534 --> 00:31:02,634 -Well, that's exactly right. 639 00:31:02,634 --> 00:31:05,534 One of the things that we do is we want to mitigate 640 00:31:05,534 --> 00:31:07,300 the amount of debris that we cause 641 00:31:07,300 --> 00:31:11,567 before we open up the bays because inside the telescope 642 00:31:11,567 --> 00:31:15,133 is the highest concern for the optical equipment inside. 643 00:31:15,133 --> 00:31:18,334 Because of that, we train very extensively on avoiding 644 00:31:18,334 --> 00:31:20,634 all of the material inside. 645 00:31:20,634 --> 00:31:23,767 There is a handrail on each of the RSU bays 646 00:31:23,767 --> 00:31:26,567 that they hold onto, but we've trained very carefully 647 00:31:26,567 --> 00:31:31,367 not to impact any of the MLI inside the RSU bay. 648 00:31:31,367 --> 00:31:35,801 -Also, if you notice, we put the MLI repair tasks 649 00:31:35,801 --> 00:31:40,133 on the third and fourth EVA after the aft shrouds close. 650 00:31:40,133 --> 00:31:41,667 -Yeah. -Just a quick follow-up 651 00:31:41,667 --> 00:31:44,100 but how brittle do y'all think the stuff is? 652 00:31:44,100 --> 00:31:46,667 I mean, in other words, if you accidentally brushed against it, 653 00:31:46,667 --> 00:31:48,701 do you expect a cloud of this stuff 654 00:31:48,701 --> 00:31:52,133 to be released or big chunks, or what's the concern? 655 00:31:52,133 --> 00:31:56,267 -We believe that the material that's inside is brittle, 656 00:31:56,267 --> 00:31:58,834 but because we've trained to avoid it, 657 00:31:58,834 --> 00:32:01,400 we hope to not find out exactly how brittle that is. 658 00:32:01,400 --> 00:32:04,300 The stuff that's outside, the material that's outside, 659 00:32:04,300 --> 00:32:05,601 we feel will be very brittle, 660 00:32:05,601 --> 00:32:09,701 but we're capable of covering any contingency. 661 00:32:09,701 --> 00:32:13,400 If it's a big mess, we're going to cover it up 662 00:32:13,400 --> 00:32:16,467 with the New Outer Blanket Layer that we're installing, so... 663 00:32:19,367 --> 00:32:21,934 -Mark Carreau from the Houston Chronicle. 664 00:32:21,934 --> 00:32:23,200 I had a couple questions. 665 00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:27,334 First, will there be any reboost this time? 666 00:32:27,334 --> 00:32:31,634 -There is no reboost planned so that we'll have more capability 667 00:32:31,634 --> 00:32:34,767 to get there on the next servicing mission, 2001, 668 00:32:34,767 --> 00:32:37,000 so we're not going to reboost. 669 00:32:37,000 --> 00:32:41,634 -Okay and could you just review what the last date of the month 670 00:32:41,634 --> 00:32:43,234 you would launch this mission on? 671 00:32:43,234 --> 00:32:45,234 Is that under review as well? 672 00:32:45,234 --> 00:32:46,934 I think it was the 14th before, 673 00:32:46,934 --> 00:32:48,868 or are you sticking with that or... 674 00:32:48,868 --> 00:32:50,400 -The last I heard it was the 14th. 675 00:32:50,400 --> 00:32:53,267 I don't think it's been an update. 676 00:32:53,267 --> 00:32:57,434 -Hi, Todd Halvorson of space.com. 677 00:32:57,434 --> 00:32:59,968 For Keith, I was wondering if you could characterize 678 00:32:59,968 --> 00:33:02,667 the degree of difficulty of these EVAs 679 00:33:02,667 --> 00:33:05,801 and perhaps compare them to previous servicing missions 680 00:33:05,801 --> 00:33:09,334 or the ones down the line. 681 00:33:09,334 --> 00:33:13,067 -Well, I would say that a lot of these tasks have been performed 682 00:33:13,067 --> 00:33:15,167 on the previous servicing missions, 683 00:33:15,167 --> 00:33:20,534 and the previous missions proved how difficult the tasks were, 684 00:33:20,534 --> 00:33:22,167 but the crew is capable of doing that, 685 00:33:22,167 --> 00:33:24,400 and they're extensively trained. 686 00:33:24,400 --> 00:33:27,901 Our next servicing mission after this, 3-B, 687 00:33:27,901 --> 00:33:29,701 will prove to be a bit more difficult 688 00:33:29,701 --> 00:33:31,133 because we're doing a lot of tasks 689 00:33:31,133 --> 00:33:36,167 that we haven't seen before, but this is fairly 690 00:33:36,167 --> 00:33:39,634 straightforward on the tasks that they're doing. 691 00:33:39,634 --> 00:33:41,868 -And for Linda, could you give us an idea 692 00:33:41,868 --> 00:33:43,734 of what your options are down at KSC 693 00:33:43,734 --> 00:33:47,701 in terms of the flow through the VAB 694 00:33:47,701 --> 00:33:49,701 and out at the pad and when you think 695 00:33:49,701 --> 00:33:54,200 you'll be able to come up with a launch date? 696 00:33:54,200 --> 00:33:56,067 -I don't know when they're going to decide on the launch date, 697 00:33:56,067 --> 00:33:58,701 but I know they're looking for trying to roll out 698 00:33:58,701 --> 00:34:00,167 to the launchpad on Saturday. 699 00:34:00,167 --> 00:34:03,067 It is still open as to whether we could launch on the 6th 700 00:34:03,067 --> 00:34:04,868 or whether we might delay. 701 00:34:04,868 --> 00:34:06,601 We had a couple, I know a couple days 702 00:34:06,601 --> 00:34:09,133 were built in, holidays and things that we could use 703 00:34:09,133 --> 00:34:12,000 if we needed to, so I don't know when they're 704 00:34:12,000 --> 00:34:13,801 going to make a decision or set the launch date. 705 00:34:13,801 --> 00:34:15,033 Do you? -No. 706 00:34:15,033 --> 00:34:16,701 James just gave me a note that said the target 707 00:34:16,701 --> 00:34:21,667 is still the 6th, so... Miles. 708 00:34:21,667 --> 00:34:23,501 -What is the problem with the S band transmitter 709 00:34:23,501 --> 00:34:26,901 which is currently on there? 710 00:34:26,901 --> 00:34:31,100 -Well, from what I understand, it has completely died, 711 00:34:31,100 --> 00:34:35,200 so they can't get any of the data through at this point. 712 00:34:35,200 --> 00:34:36,834 -How much does that hinder their ability 713 00:34:36,834 --> 00:34:37,901 to do science without that? 714 00:34:37,901 --> 00:34:39,601 They have multiple paths back. 715 00:34:39,601 --> 00:34:41,767 -There are two S band transmitters. 716 00:34:41,767 --> 00:34:44,133 This is the second of the two, 717 00:34:44,133 --> 00:34:46,400 and the first one is working correctly. 718 00:34:46,400 --> 00:34:49,033 It just has to have all the data go through it. 719 00:34:49,033 --> 00:34:51,567 -So they haven't lost any capability right now. 720 00:34:51,567 --> 00:34:54,400 They just don't want to have a redundant unit. 721 00:34:54,400 --> 00:34:57,734 -And if you could explain a little better for us 722 00:34:57,734 --> 00:34:59,901 the issue which is requiring you 723 00:34:59,901 --> 00:35:02,200 to put this additional thermal protection on there. 724 00:35:02,200 --> 00:35:04,567 Was this something that just wasn't fully understood 725 00:35:04,567 --> 00:35:07,167 when Hubble was launched, or was this anticipated 726 00:35:07,167 --> 00:35:11,100 that you'd have to do some wallpapering later on? 727 00:35:11,100 --> 00:35:14,400 -Well, they've determined that there are thermal limits 728 00:35:14,400 --> 00:35:17,901 on each of the bays, and some of the bays 729 00:35:17,901 --> 00:35:21,300 are getting close to that thermal limit overheating 730 00:35:21,300 --> 00:35:24,701 because the MLI, when it peels back, 731 00:35:24,701 --> 00:35:28,567 it allows the Sun to warm up that bay. 732 00:35:28,567 --> 00:35:31,067 Because of that, on some of the bays 733 00:35:31,067 --> 00:35:33,868 we are taking the existing MLI off 734 00:35:33,868 --> 00:35:35,801 and putting a new blanket on it. 735 00:35:35,801 --> 00:35:37,100 On some of the bays, 736 00:35:37,100 --> 00:35:40,267 we are just completely covering it over again. 737 00:35:40,267 --> 00:35:44,100 On the bay number one, where the computer is, 738 00:35:44,100 --> 00:35:46,033 it will not be warm enough in that bay 739 00:35:46,033 --> 00:35:49,100 because the heat produced by the 486 computer 740 00:35:49,100 --> 00:35:53,601 is not as great as the coproccesor in DF-224. 741 00:35:53,601 --> 00:35:57,367 -And that computer which is going on board 742 00:35:57,367 --> 00:35:59,133 is what level of computer? 743 00:35:59,133 --> 00:36:02,467 Do you call it advanced? What level of computer is it? 744 00:36:02,467 --> 00:36:04,701 -Well, it's a 486 computer, 745 00:36:04,701 --> 00:36:08,234 and now that we're going into the 21st century, 746 00:36:08,234 --> 00:36:11,200 it kind of is ironic to out a 486 computer in there, 747 00:36:11,200 --> 00:36:14,033 but it is a lot of capacity 748 00:36:14,033 --> 00:36:17,934 and as much as the telescope can handle. 749 00:36:17,934 --> 00:36:19,734 -Let me remind folks. 750 00:36:19,734 --> 00:36:21,300 A lot of the questions you're asking, 751 00:36:21,300 --> 00:36:22,767 the next briefers 752 00:36:22,767 --> 00:36:24,467 from headquarters are going to be able 753 00:36:24,467 --> 00:36:27,100 to give you a lot more detail on all of that. 754 00:36:27,100 --> 00:36:29,801 Any other questions here? All right. 755 00:36:29,801 --> 00:36:31,367 Let's catch this up front, 756 00:36:31,367 --> 00:36:33,267 and then we'll come back to you, Mark. 757 00:36:35,334 --> 00:36:37,901 -Tom Keller from the BBC. I might have missed something, 758 00:36:37,901 --> 00:36:39,601 but I thought right at the beginning you said 759 00:36:39,601 --> 00:36:44,567 you had a window up to October this year for launch, 760 00:36:44,567 --> 00:36:48,367 and then you said that you were able delay until December. 761 00:36:48,367 --> 00:36:52,400 -When we originally planned to move the flight up earlier, 762 00:36:52,400 --> 00:36:54,801 the original launch date was October 14th. 763 00:36:54,801 --> 00:36:58,200 But now that we've delayed the six weeks to December, 764 00:36:58,200 --> 00:37:01,467 we actually will launch all the way through December 14th. 765 00:37:01,467 --> 00:37:03,000 -So it doesn't create 766 00:37:03,000 --> 00:37:04,934 any additional problems to delay until December? 767 00:37:04,934 --> 00:37:07,300 -No, none. -Okay. 768 00:37:07,300 --> 00:37:08,901 Let's grab Mark Carreau. 769 00:37:12,634 --> 00:37:15,400 -Mark Carreau from the Houston Chronicle for Keith Johnson. 770 00:37:15,400 --> 00:37:17,200 Can you just review how many tools 771 00:37:17,200 --> 00:37:19,100 you're taking for this task, 772 00:37:19,100 --> 00:37:22,367 and do a lot of these have any sort of application 773 00:37:22,367 --> 00:37:26,033 for space station assembly as well, 774 00:37:26,033 --> 00:37:29,100 or are they pretty much specialized tools 775 00:37:29,100 --> 00:37:34,000 just for the Hubble that have been around for some years? 776 00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:38,567 -Well, the tools, we're flying about 280 tools, 777 00:37:38,567 --> 00:37:41,868 and there are a lot of redundant tools that we are flying. 778 00:37:41,868 --> 00:37:44,667 Several of the tools have been specifically designed 779 00:37:44,667 --> 00:37:46,534 for the tasks that we're doing, 780 00:37:46,534 --> 00:37:51,567 but their applications can be used for Space Station 781 00:37:51,567 --> 00:37:54,734 as far as capturing bolts that are noncaptive. 782 00:37:54,734 --> 00:37:58,200 In most cases because of the designs that we've had 783 00:37:58,200 --> 00:38:00,234 and what we've learned from Hubble Space Telescope 784 00:38:00,234 --> 00:38:05,000 servicing, Space Station has designed in changes 785 00:38:05,000 --> 00:38:09,267 that allows us to do the tasks more easily. 786 00:38:09,267 --> 00:38:10,334 -Go ahead. 787 00:38:10,334 --> 00:38:11,934 -Yeah, contingency sort of question, 788 00:38:11,934 --> 00:38:13,567 and I know that they're going to be ground 789 00:38:13,567 --> 00:38:15,634 commanding all of the hardware for aliveness test 790 00:38:15,634 --> 00:38:18,167 and functional test as you install them, 791 00:38:18,167 --> 00:38:20,534 but can you maybe just give us kind of a feel 792 00:38:20,534 --> 00:38:23,968 for what happens if for example, you know, you get the RSUs in, 793 00:38:23,968 --> 00:38:26,567 you go on to the VIKs and then RSU tests bad 794 00:38:26,567 --> 00:38:27,968 and you've got to do some replacement work? 795 00:38:27,968 --> 00:38:30,901 How much flexibility in those four EVAs 796 00:38:30,901 --> 00:38:33,100 to reorder stuff on the fly? 797 00:38:33,100 --> 00:38:34,801 I know you got a backup RSU, I guess, 798 00:38:34,801 --> 00:38:37,200 and a backup computer onboard? 799 00:38:37,200 --> 00:38:41,033 Anyway, can you just talk about that a little bit? 800 00:38:41,033 --> 00:38:42,934 -We have plenty of time for contingencies. 801 00:38:42,934 --> 00:38:45,501 We try to do an aliveness test right after we connect 802 00:38:45,501 --> 00:38:47,734 the boxes, and we should know in fairly 803 00:38:47,734 --> 00:38:50,200 short order whether that works or not, 804 00:38:50,200 --> 00:38:54,968 so we would have plenty of time to replace the gyros. 805 00:38:54,968 --> 00:38:57,701 Everything, the VIK functional test 806 00:38:57,701 --> 00:38:59,767 and the RSU functional test, 807 00:38:59,767 --> 00:39:03,968 actually, for that night before the next EVA so we should know, 808 00:39:03,968 --> 00:39:06,968 you know, before the morning whether we need to readjust 809 00:39:06,968 --> 00:39:08,534 what we're doing in the time line. 810 00:39:08,534 --> 00:39:11,801 The things that we're doing on the fourth EVA are really -- 811 00:39:11,801 --> 00:39:13,467 Optional tasks is what we call them. 812 00:39:13,467 --> 00:39:15,601 They're things that we'd like to do to get out of the way 813 00:39:15,601 --> 00:39:17,167 for the next servicing mission, 814 00:39:17,167 --> 00:39:20,033 so it's kind of a great way to get ahead for that. 815 00:39:20,033 --> 00:39:22,734 So if we do run over and need to do -- 816 00:39:22,734 --> 00:39:26,667 take more time or do more replacements 817 00:39:26,667 --> 00:39:28,634 that feed into the next days, 818 00:39:28,634 --> 00:39:31,534 we're still going to be in good shape by the end of the mission. 819 00:39:31,534 --> 00:39:33,834 On the new computer, we'll do, of course, 820 00:39:33,834 --> 00:39:35,167 the aliveness test right after 821 00:39:35,167 --> 00:39:38,133 we install it which tests one of the three strings. 822 00:39:38,133 --> 00:39:40,100 They want two of three strings to be functional 823 00:39:40,100 --> 00:39:41,934 before we'll go. 824 00:39:41,934 --> 00:39:44,133 But again, we may even know 825 00:39:44,133 --> 00:39:45,601 whether that one string is functional 826 00:39:45,601 --> 00:39:47,701 before we even get to the Fine Guidance Sensor, 827 00:39:47,701 --> 00:39:50,968 so we've got sufficient time 828 00:39:50,968 --> 00:39:54,634 to get the critical things done in these 4 days. 829 00:39:54,634 --> 00:39:58,634 -And also to add to that, each of our tasks are modular 830 00:39:58,634 --> 00:40:00,234 so that they can move to the next day 831 00:40:00,234 --> 00:40:01,534 or move a day ahead. 832 00:40:01,534 --> 00:40:03,868 -That's what I was wondering. -Yeah. 833 00:40:03,868 --> 00:40:06,634 -Go ahead, Todd. -Todd Halvorson, space.com, 834 00:40:06,634 --> 00:40:07,868 for one or both of you. 835 00:40:07,868 --> 00:40:09,934 I was wondering if you could put in perspective 836 00:40:09,934 --> 00:40:12,000 this 8-month launch campaign 837 00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:16,300 and how that compares to the normal way of doing business 838 00:40:16,300 --> 00:40:20,200 and how that might actually spin off 839 00:40:20,200 --> 00:40:23,634 into International Space Station assembly, 840 00:40:23,634 --> 00:40:27,067 whether this exercise helps you prepare for contingencies 841 00:40:27,067 --> 00:40:30,801 that might come up during assembly? 842 00:40:30,801 --> 00:40:32,367 -The 8-month template for this flight 843 00:40:32,367 --> 00:40:37,200 was fairly easy to do for us, and the reason for that 844 00:40:37,200 --> 00:40:41,200 was because we have flown missions like this before, 845 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:45,300 and we were able to, you know, pick up some of our software 846 00:40:45,300 --> 00:40:48,167 off the shelf to go the same inclination 847 00:40:48,167 --> 00:40:51,067 and adjust the I-loads to get to the right altitude. 848 00:40:51,067 --> 00:40:52,667 It was easy to do. 849 00:40:52,667 --> 00:40:55,968 Plus, the EVA crew members were partway through their training 850 00:40:55,968 --> 00:40:57,868 already because they had been named earlier. 851 00:40:57,868 --> 00:40:59,801 We've got a very experienced crew, 852 00:40:59,801 --> 00:41:01,200 and again, the flight controllers 853 00:41:01,200 --> 00:41:04,033 are very experienced, and so are the Goddard folks. 854 00:41:04,033 --> 00:41:05,567 I think we will be able to do it 855 00:41:05,567 --> 00:41:06,934 for some of the Space Station missions 856 00:41:06,934 --> 00:41:08,501 because, again, we're going the same inclination. 857 00:41:08,501 --> 00:41:10,434 It's the same kind of mission. 858 00:41:10,434 --> 00:41:12,467 The tasks that they do on orbit will be different, 859 00:41:12,467 --> 00:41:15,734 so we'd have to get that training done in 8 months, 860 00:41:15,734 --> 00:41:17,267 but I think it's feasible. 861 00:41:17,267 --> 00:41:19,834 We're right now already cutting down to a 12-month 862 00:41:19,834 --> 00:41:23,601 template for flights anyway, so it'll be 4 months shorter, 863 00:41:23,601 --> 00:41:26,901 and we should be able to do that if we need to. 864 00:41:26,901 --> 00:41:28,434 -Okay. Let's go to Kennedy Space Center, 865 00:41:28,434 --> 00:41:30,834 and we'll come back here, so think of some more questions. 866 00:41:30,834 --> 00:41:33,434 KSC, go ahead. 867 00:41:33,434 --> 00:41:35,701 -This is Phil Chen for Keith. 868 00:41:35,701 --> 00:41:39,334 What size HUDs do you have for each of the four crew members, 869 00:41:39,334 --> 00:41:44,234 and why four EMUs this time rather than three? 870 00:41:44,234 --> 00:41:46,534 Did you not be able to find people the right size 871 00:41:46,534 --> 00:41:49,100 to be able to mix and match? 872 00:41:49,100 --> 00:41:54,167 -Well, we are flying three large HUDs and one extra large HUD, 873 00:41:54,167 --> 00:41:56,534 and in this particular mission, we found that we had 874 00:41:56,534 --> 00:41:59,067 the resources to carry an additional suit. 875 00:41:59,067 --> 00:42:01,067 And for the redundancy, we decided 876 00:42:01,067 --> 00:42:04,634 that it was worthwhile to fly that fourth suit. 877 00:42:04,634 --> 00:42:06,801 We have backup options for each of the suits, 878 00:42:06,801 --> 00:42:10,367 and we had planned on resizing in between each EVAs 879 00:42:10,367 --> 00:42:11,801 when we had three. 880 00:42:11,801 --> 00:42:13,334 The four just makes it easier. 881 00:42:13,334 --> 00:42:17,300 We don't have to do that. -Okay, who's the extra large, 882 00:42:17,300 --> 00:42:20,534 and can he squeeze into a large if necessary, 883 00:42:20,534 --> 00:42:23,133 or is he out of his HUD is out? 884 00:42:23,133 --> 00:42:26,601 -The extra-large is Steve Smith, and he can fit in a large HUD. 885 00:42:26,601 --> 00:42:28,767 He has trained in a large HUD before, 886 00:42:28,767 --> 00:42:33,501 and he's capable of doing that. 887 00:42:33,501 --> 00:42:35,200 -This is Mike Cabbage with the Orlando Sentinel. 888 00:42:35,200 --> 00:42:37,601 I have a question for Keith, also. 889 00:42:37,601 --> 00:42:40,200 Could review in a little bit of detail again 890 00:42:40,200 --> 00:42:43,968 what you think the two or three toughest tasks the space walkers 891 00:42:43,968 --> 00:42:46,634 are going to have on this flight are 892 00:42:46,634 --> 00:42:48,801 and give a little bit of detail 893 00:42:48,801 --> 00:42:52,100 about what makes those especially challenging? 894 00:42:52,100 --> 00:42:53,634 -Well, to start off with, 895 00:42:53,634 --> 00:42:56,334 our first EVA with the right sensor units, 896 00:42:56,334 --> 00:42:58,267 we've done it before, 897 00:42:58,267 --> 00:43:00,868 but it is a tight fit to get into that bay, 898 00:43:00,868 --> 00:43:02,400 and in that case, 899 00:43:02,400 --> 00:43:06,400 Steve Smith will be positioned by John Grunsfeld. 900 00:43:06,400 --> 00:43:10,400 He'll hold his feet and position him when he's getting in there. 901 00:43:10,400 --> 00:43:12,968 The actual change out of the box is not that difficult, 902 00:43:12,968 --> 00:43:16,501 but getting into the position is more difficult. 903 00:43:16,501 --> 00:43:18,834 As far as the voltage thermal improvement kits, 904 00:43:18,834 --> 00:43:22,467 that's a very simple task, disconnecting from the battery 905 00:43:22,467 --> 00:43:26,400 and then putting the VIK in line. 906 00:43:26,400 --> 00:43:29,934 The S band single-access transmitter 907 00:43:29,934 --> 00:43:31,334 is a very difficult task 908 00:43:31,334 --> 00:43:34,934 because of how tiny the coax connectors are and the fact 909 00:43:34,934 --> 00:43:38,234 that the eight bolts that hold it in place are noncaptive, 910 00:43:38,234 --> 00:43:41,701 so that's a fairly difficult task to do. 911 00:43:41,701 --> 00:43:44,234 The Fine Guidance Sensor is a task that we've done before, 912 00:43:44,234 --> 00:43:47,067 and the crew is very comfortable changing that out as well 913 00:43:47,067 --> 00:43:48,567 as the computer. 914 00:43:48,567 --> 00:43:51,000 The problem with the computer is that the connectors 915 00:43:51,000 --> 00:43:54,467 are on the left side of the box. 916 00:43:54,467 --> 00:43:57,767 We have a clearance with the backpack and the box 917 00:43:57,767 --> 00:44:00,767 that is attached to the door to the crew member's left, 918 00:44:00,767 --> 00:44:03,367 and it's Mike Foale who's changing that out. 919 00:44:03,367 --> 00:44:07,400 He kind of has to do it with one eye while he's disconnecting 920 00:44:07,400 --> 00:44:08,667 and reconnecting to that, 921 00:44:08,667 --> 00:44:11,133 but he's trained extensively on that, 922 00:44:11,133 --> 00:44:13,000 and he's very comfortable with it. 923 00:44:13,000 --> 00:44:16,067 Other than that, the tasks are moderately difficult, 924 00:44:16,067 --> 00:44:17,634 but the crew is very well trained 925 00:44:17,634 --> 00:44:19,567 to do each and every task. 926 00:44:23,067 --> 00:44:24,534 -This is Phil Chen again. 927 00:44:24,534 --> 00:44:27,634 For the S band transceiver, what type of coax is that, 928 00:44:27,634 --> 00:44:29,501 and what type of connectors are on the end? 929 00:44:29,501 --> 00:44:32,234 I couldn't really tell from the video view. 930 00:44:32,234 --> 00:44:35,467 -Well, I'm sure exactly the name that the coax is. 931 00:44:35,467 --> 00:44:38,901 I know it's the kind that you have on the back of the TV. 932 00:44:38,901 --> 00:44:44,133 It's a single line, and we have three of them on the box. 933 00:44:44,133 --> 00:44:46,901 -Is it an actual F connector that's virtually identical 934 00:44:46,901 --> 00:44:49,234 to the one that would go on a TV set? 935 00:44:56,234 --> 00:44:59,334 Besides, the S band transceiver, are there any parts of which 936 00:44:59,334 --> 00:45:02,634 are second-generation Hubble serviceables, 937 00:45:02,634 --> 00:45:05,234 ones which were not originally intended to be serviced 938 00:45:05,234 --> 00:45:07,434 but were made serviceable through these additions 939 00:45:07,434 --> 00:45:11,067 and these clever tools you have? 940 00:45:11,067 --> 00:45:14,567 -Well, the rest of the tasks are straightforward, 941 00:45:14,567 --> 00:45:18,767 and they were designed to be changeable EVA. 942 00:45:18,767 --> 00:45:20,934 With the addition of the New Outer Blanket Layer, 943 00:45:20,934 --> 00:45:23,767 that was kind of a new design. 944 00:45:23,767 --> 00:45:28,033 We're using existing holes that are vent holes on the door, 945 00:45:28,033 --> 00:45:29,634 and we've designed special plugs 946 00:45:29,634 --> 00:45:34,133 that hold those New Outer Blanket Layers in place. 947 00:45:34,133 --> 00:45:36,634 -And I guess for Linda. If for some reason 948 00:45:36,634 --> 00:45:39,634 you're in a MDF scenario, a relatively mild one, 949 00:45:39,634 --> 00:45:41,334 consumable emitted or something like that, 950 00:45:41,334 --> 00:45:44,033 I assume you'd just go ahead and perform as many tasks 951 00:45:44,033 --> 00:45:47,834 as you can in order before you have to return? 952 00:45:47,834 --> 00:45:48,934 -That's correct. 953 00:45:48,934 --> 00:45:50,200 We already planned and put in the rules 954 00:45:50,200 --> 00:45:51,534 that if we had a single EVA say 955 00:45:51,534 --> 00:45:56,133 due to consumables that we would do the gyros 956 00:45:56,133 --> 00:45:58,400 and the voltage improvement kits since they're the number one 957 00:45:58,400 --> 00:46:00,267 and two priority but if we had one EVA. 958 00:46:00,267 --> 00:46:03,100 If we had two in addition to that, we'd do the computer 959 00:46:03,100 --> 00:46:05,400 and we would do the Fine Guidance Sensor, 960 00:46:05,400 --> 00:46:08,167 and it just so happens that's the same order we're doing them, 961 00:46:08,167 --> 00:46:11,000 so it would be the first two EVAs. 962 00:46:11,000 --> 00:46:14,267 -Any indication of how much prop margin you have? 963 00:46:14,267 --> 00:46:17,167 I know Curt is pretty good on doing rendezvous, 964 00:46:17,167 --> 00:46:22,234 but how much excess or negative prop margin you have going in? 965 00:46:22,234 --> 00:46:24,300 -I don't remember the exact numbers, 966 00:46:24,300 --> 00:46:26,434 but they were around, I want to say, 967 00:46:26,434 --> 00:46:29,501 500 or 600 in the forward and about that in the aft total, 968 00:46:29,501 --> 00:46:30,901 maybe a little less than that in the aft, 969 00:46:30,901 --> 00:46:33,767 but that protects everything, 970 00:46:33,767 --> 00:46:37,033 everything that we put in what we call priority table, 971 00:46:37,033 --> 00:46:40,400 a lot of waning opportunities over 3 days 972 00:46:40,400 --> 00:46:43,200 plus a mean round of usage, a normal round of the usage 973 00:46:43,200 --> 00:46:44,934 so we think we'll be in good shape. 974 00:46:44,934 --> 00:46:46,133 That's from propulsive, 975 00:46:46,133 --> 00:46:49,334 and we've got plenty of cryo for power. 976 00:46:49,334 --> 00:46:52,000 We've got lots of margin there. 977 00:46:52,000 --> 00:46:55,300 -Well, could you do a second rendezvous if for some reason 978 00:46:55,300 --> 00:46:59,934 you had to back out during the final, after the TI burn? 979 00:47:02,200 --> 00:47:03,601 -If we had to do a TI delaying, 980 00:47:03,601 --> 00:47:05,868 we'd only delay for a rev or maybe two revs. 981 00:47:05,868 --> 00:47:07,834 We probably could go back in. 982 00:47:07,834 --> 00:47:09,434 It would depend on where you broke out. 983 00:47:09,434 --> 00:47:10,801 Say you were real close to grapple 984 00:47:10,801 --> 00:47:12,167 and had to break out for some reason. 985 00:47:12,167 --> 00:47:14,734 You would have to see how far out you needed to go 986 00:47:14,734 --> 00:47:15,934 and how you would re-rendezvous. 987 00:47:15,934 --> 00:47:18,267 We'd just have to wait and see. 988 00:47:18,267 --> 00:47:20,767 -In terms of cryos and other supplies, 989 00:47:20,767 --> 00:47:23,300 could you add on a fifth or even a sixth EVA 990 00:47:23,300 --> 00:47:26,901 if for some reason that became necessary? 991 00:47:26,901 --> 00:47:28,000 -We scheduled four. 992 00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:29,334 We book keep another one in case 993 00:47:29,334 --> 00:47:31,000 we need to for deploy which we will keep. 994 00:47:31,000 --> 00:47:33,234 That's the fifth. 995 00:47:33,234 --> 00:47:36,734 And what we've got now with LIO and everything, 996 00:47:36,734 --> 00:47:38,200 we probably could have an extra day 997 00:47:38,200 --> 00:47:40,934 if we had the propulsive consumables, 998 00:47:40,934 --> 00:47:43,934 also, so there's a chance that we could add another one. 999 00:47:48,133 --> 00:47:50,968 -Okay. That's all from KSC, and we're back here. 1000 00:47:50,968 --> 00:47:53,234 Let's grab some last follow-ups. Bill. 1001 00:47:53,234 --> 00:47:54,968 -Bill Hardwood, again. Linda, just to follow that, 1002 00:47:54,968 --> 00:47:57,701 but you also keep one for shuttle related problems, right? 1003 00:47:57,701 --> 00:47:59,200 -Yes. -So, I mean, his question, 1004 00:47:59,200 --> 00:48:01,434 I'm assuming, is, "What's the maximum EVAs you could stage 1005 00:48:01,434 --> 00:48:04,701 if you had to including a shuttle EVA?" 1006 00:48:04,701 --> 00:48:06,367 So you're saying that's seven? I mean... 1007 00:48:06,367 --> 00:48:10,501 -The one that we book keep for the shuttle contingency 1008 00:48:10,501 --> 00:48:12,267 is now what we call double book kept, 1009 00:48:12,267 --> 00:48:14,501 so we take the consumables 1010 00:48:14,501 --> 00:48:17,033 out of what we would normally protect for cabin leak, 1011 00:48:17,033 --> 00:48:19,834 so you can have one or the other not the two failures. 1012 00:48:19,834 --> 00:48:22,067 So we kind of keep that one separate from the five 1013 00:48:22,067 --> 00:48:23,934 that we have enough consumables for, 1014 00:48:23,934 --> 00:48:27,100 and if we're not talking propellant, 1015 00:48:27,100 --> 00:48:28,667 we actually probably have enough on board 1016 00:48:28,667 --> 00:48:32,100 and enough EMU suit consumables also for another one, 1017 00:48:32,100 --> 00:48:35,067 so we probably have enough for six putting aside 1018 00:48:35,067 --> 00:48:38,701 the contingency for the orbiter. 1019 00:48:38,701 --> 00:48:40,100 -Go ahead, Mark. Sorry. 1020 00:48:40,100 --> 00:48:43,000 -Mark Carreau, Houston Chronicle for Keith, again. 1021 00:48:43,000 --> 00:48:45,300 Could you be a little more descriptive 1022 00:48:45,300 --> 00:48:48,734 about the two different types of insulation 1023 00:48:48,734 --> 00:48:52,267 you'll be applying, kind of what they're made out of 1024 00:48:52,267 --> 00:48:58,868 and actually how each is bonded to the surface of the telescope? 1025 00:48:58,868 --> 00:49:01,200 -Okay, the New Outer Blanket Layer 1026 00:49:01,200 --> 00:49:03,200 that we're installing on the third EVA 1027 00:49:03,200 --> 00:49:10,000 is a rigid sheet of metal that is kind of like 1028 00:49:10,000 --> 00:49:13,334 a cookie-pan material that's rigid, 1029 00:49:13,334 --> 00:49:19,834 that fits snugly over the bays five through 10 and also one. 1030 00:49:19,834 --> 00:49:23,100 The material, the Shield Shell Replacement Fabric, 1031 00:49:23,100 --> 00:49:26,767 is the fabric that I showed you here, 1032 00:49:26,767 --> 00:49:28,634 and it is flexible, 1033 00:49:28,634 --> 00:49:32,367 and it unrolls, and we clip it in place. 1034 00:49:32,367 --> 00:49:34,667 We have special lanyards that attach 1035 00:49:34,667 --> 00:49:38,467 to hardware along the way, and also when we attach 1036 00:49:38,467 --> 00:49:41,067 these side-by-side, kind of like wallpaper, 1037 00:49:41,067 --> 00:49:44,200 and there are Velcro pieces that we attach. 1038 00:49:46,968 --> 00:49:49,834 -Let's come up here and get Marcia on the front row. 1039 00:49:52,367 --> 00:49:56,067 -Marcia Dunn, AP, a couple questions for Keith. 1040 00:49:56,067 --> 00:50:00,334 How many hours in the water tank have the four guys spent, 1041 00:50:00,334 --> 00:50:02,634 and how does that compare to the previous mission? 1042 00:50:02,634 --> 00:50:04,167 I'm going to assume it doesn't even come close 1043 00:50:04,167 --> 00:50:07,968 to the first servicing mission in terms of time spent training, 1044 00:50:07,968 --> 00:50:11,701 and does this extra month and a half or 2 months in delay, 1045 00:50:11,701 --> 00:50:13,634 how much extra comfort, 1046 00:50:13,634 --> 00:50:16,701 training, you know, does that give you for flight? 1047 00:50:16,701 --> 00:50:18,334 And you could both answer that, maybe. 1048 00:50:18,334 --> 00:50:21,300 -Well, we've done, specific to this training, 1049 00:50:21,300 --> 00:50:25,834 we've done 44 neutrally buoyant labs tests. 1050 00:50:25,834 --> 00:50:27,501 They are 6-hour runs. 1051 00:50:27,501 --> 00:50:30,100 On some cases, we have three crew members in the water 1052 00:50:30,100 --> 00:50:33,434 performing the tasks. 1053 00:50:33,434 --> 00:50:35,567 We had the benefit of the delay. 1054 00:50:35,567 --> 00:50:38,834 It gave us additional time, but the crew was comfortable 1055 00:50:38,834 --> 00:50:42,267 and prepared for the October 14th launch. 1056 00:50:42,267 --> 00:50:45,334 We did two runs on October 4th and 5th, 1057 00:50:45,334 --> 00:50:47,801 and after those runs, everybody felt 1058 00:50:47,801 --> 00:50:50,000 that we were ready to fly if we had to the next week. 1059 00:50:50,000 --> 00:50:52,234 Of course, we weren't going to. 1060 00:50:52,234 --> 00:50:56,267 But it was a compressed training flow. 1061 00:50:56,267 --> 00:51:00,400 We had the opportunity to get in the water when we needed to. 1062 00:51:00,400 --> 00:51:02,701 The facility, neutrally buoyant lab, 1063 00:51:02,701 --> 00:51:06,634 allows us to get in the water when we needed to, 1064 00:51:06,634 --> 00:51:11,033 so we have sufficient training in the shortened template. 1065 00:51:11,033 --> 00:51:12,567 -It's pretty typical, too, to have about 1066 00:51:12,567 --> 00:51:16,901 10 times more hours in the pool than you do in space. 1067 00:51:16,901 --> 00:51:20,434 So that's what it ends up being, even more than that. 1068 00:51:20,434 --> 00:51:22,834 -How does that compare to the previous servicing missions? 1069 00:51:22,834 --> 00:51:26,801 You know, however, this 44 lab tests breaks down, 1070 00:51:26,801 --> 00:51:29,968 is that about what the last crew had in the end? 1071 00:51:29,968 --> 00:51:31,501 -It's getting close. 1072 00:51:31,501 --> 00:51:33,868 With the additional month of training 1073 00:51:33,868 --> 00:51:36,934 that we had, we came close to that ratio. 1074 00:51:36,934 --> 00:51:39,801 What we did for that mission was we had it spread out 1075 00:51:39,801 --> 00:51:41,901 over a longer period of time. 1076 00:51:41,901 --> 00:51:45,267 This, we kind of compressed it prior to flight. 1077 00:51:45,267 --> 00:51:48,501 -And for the wallpapering and the shields and everything, 1078 00:51:48,501 --> 00:51:50,534 is that meant to stay on for good, 1079 00:51:50,534 --> 00:51:53,667 or is that just a stop-gap measure until the next mission 1080 00:51:53,667 --> 00:51:55,667 where you might come up with a better plan? 1081 00:51:55,667 --> 00:51:57,501 -Oh, this is installed for good. 1082 00:51:57,501 --> 00:52:02,334 -Okay, and the bolt lubricant, 1083 00:52:02,334 --> 00:52:04,133 is that meant for any sticky bolt, 1084 00:52:04,133 --> 00:52:08,067 or is that just meant for one particular unit or... 1085 00:52:08,067 --> 00:52:09,567 I wasn't clear on... -Okay. 1086 00:52:09,567 --> 00:52:15,767 We're inserting the lubricant on the four bolts on the RSU bay 1087 00:52:15,767 --> 00:52:20,501 and the three bolts on the Fine Guidance Sensor bay nominally, 1088 00:52:20,501 --> 00:52:23,300 and we will not be inserting any lubricant 1089 00:52:23,300 --> 00:52:24,601 on any of the other bolts 1090 00:52:24,601 --> 00:52:27,300 until the next servicing mission. 1091 00:52:27,300 --> 00:52:28,868 -What if it needs it? 1092 00:52:28,868 --> 00:52:30,934 -If it needs it, we have work-arounds. 1093 00:52:30,934 --> 00:52:33,767 We can increase the torque on the bolt, 1094 00:52:33,767 --> 00:52:36,567 and we have a go to fail those bolts 1095 00:52:36,567 --> 00:52:38,767 because we have latch-repair kits 1096 00:52:38,767 --> 00:52:40,534 if something gets bound up 1097 00:52:40,534 --> 00:52:42,167 while we're trying to open it up. 1098 00:52:44,400 --> 00:52:45,501 -Go ahead, Miles. 1099 00:52:45,501 --> 00:52:47,701 -Keith, have you trained for contingencies 1100 00:52:47,701 --> 00:52:50,501 if the doors don't close properly? 1101 00:52:50,501 --> 00:52:51,734 -Yes. 1102 00:52:51,734 --> 00:52:53,434 We've trained pretty extensively on that. 1103 00:52:53,434 --> 00:52:56,300 Goddard Space Flight Center developed a trainer 1104 00:52:56,300 --> 00:52:58,033 for the crew members to use, 1105 00:52:58,033 --> 00:53:01,133 an aft shroud door trainer specifically for the problem 1106 00:53:01,133 --> 00:53:06,767 that we had on STS-61 where the doors wouldn't close properly. 1107 00:53:06,767 --> 00:53:09,234 With this trainer, we have a flightlike door 1108 00:53:09,234 --> 00:53:13,567 that allows us to train on the exact alignment and closure, 1109 00:53:13,567 --> 00:53:15,834 so they are very thoroughly prepared for that. 1110 00:53:15,834 --> 00:53:17,634 -Just to refresh my memory, 1111 00:53:17,634 --> 00:53:19,133 did you figure out what the problem was? 1112 00:53:19,133 --> 00:53:20,901 Was it some fort of thermal condition 1113 00:53:20,901 --> 00:53:23,801 which caused them to get out of shape or something? 1114 00:53:23,801 --> 00:53:26,501 -Well, again, Goddard has done some extensive work 1115 00:53:26,501 --> 00:53:29,100 on their interpretation of the problem, 1116 00:53:29,100 --> 00:53:32,300 and it could be any number of factors. 1117 00:53:32,300 --> 00:53:34,000 We don't know specifically what it is, 1118 00:53:34,000 --> 00:53:37,067 but we believe we've trained extensively on 1119 00:53:37,067 --> 00:53:41,834 any possible contingency to get the door closed. 1120 00:53:41,834 --> 00:53:44,167 -Okay, Tom. -Yeah, Tom Keller from the BBC. 1121 00:53:44,167 --> 00:53:46,000 Can you just clarify a couple of things? 1122 00:53:46,000 --> 00:53:50,968 One is 44 times 6-hour runs, can you just tell me 1123 00:53:50,968 --> 00:53:56,234 how many hours per astronaut that would be roughly? 1124 00:53:56,234 --> 00:54:01,634 -Well, off the top of my head, I'd have to say 1125 00:54:01,634 --> 00:54:06,033 I can't tell you exactly what that comes out to. 1126 00:54:06,033 --> 00:54:07,234 Again, there are some cases 1127 00:54:07,234 --> 00:54:09,067 where we have three crew members in the water, 1128 00:54:09,067 --> 00:54:11,501 and there were some runs where we only have two. 1129 00:54:11,501 --> 00:54:13,501 We do keep pretty extensive records, 1130 00:54:13,501 --> 00:54:14,901 but off the top of my head, 1131 00:54:14,901 --> 00:54:16,300 I can't tell you what that number is. 1132 00:54:16,300 --> 00:54:18,534 -And the other thing is, just to clarify on the Y2K, 1133 00:54:18,534 --> 00:54:22,200 does this mean that if you had to delay until next year, 1134 00:54:22,200 --> 00:54:24,000 you're confident there wouldn't be a problem? 1135 00:54:24,000 --> 00:54:26,000 -That's right. We've done all the testing, 1136 00:54:26,000 --> 00:54:29,467 and we feel comfortable with the software. 1137 00:54:29,467 --> 00:54:34,133 -Grab Todd there. 1138 00:54:34,133 --> 00:54:36,367 -Todd Halvorson with space.com. 1139 00:54:36,367 --> 00:54:39,634 I guess for Linda, I wonder if you can just talk 1140 00:54:39,634 --> 00:54:43,501 about the importance of the wiring inspections 1141 00:54:43,501 --> 00:54:45,601 and the decision that was made 1142 00:54:45,601 --> 00:54:48,901 to stand down the flight temporarily. 1143 00:54:48,901 --> 00:54:50,601 And also, it seems to me 1144 00:54:50,601 --> 00:54:53,234 that you guys have been running into little things here 1145 00:54:53,234 --> 00:54:57,701 and there during this flow, drill bits, range-safety cables, 1146 00:54:57,701 --> 00:55:02,033 and I'm wondering if you feel at all snakebit? 1147 00:55:02,033 --> 00:55:03,400 -Oh. 1148 00:55:03,400 --> 00:55:05,334 First, as you know, safety is our number one priority, 1149 00:55:05,334 --> 00:55:07,267 so the slip from October to December 1150 00:55:07,267 --> 00:55:09,767 is really only about a 6-week slip 1151 00:55:09,767 --> 00:55:12,934 which really isn't that much in the big picture. 1152 00:55:12,934 --> 00:55:15,367 The changes that they've done to protect the wiring 1153 00:55:15,367 --> 00:55:17,200 and they've changed a lot of procedures 1154 00:55:17,200 --> 00:55:21,634 on how they'll do work in the orbiter 1155 00:55:21,634 --> 00:55:24,701 and how they will position the work platforms in order 1156 00:55:24,701 --> 00:55:30,901 to avoid breaking any wires or having any openings later. 1157 00:55:30,901 --> 00:55:33,234 They've installed flexible plastic tubing around the wires 1158 00:55:33,234 --> 00:55:34,267 where they thought they needed it, 1159 00:55:34,267 --> 00:55:36,000 and they put smooth 1160 00:55:36,000 --> 00:55:39,334 or put coating over rough edges near the wiring 1161 00:55:39,334 --> 00:55:42,667 so that they wouldn't have a rubbing concern, 1162 00:55:42,667 --> 00:55:44,300 so I think that overall, 1163 00:55:44,300 --> 00:55:46,534 we're probably in a lot better shape, 1164 00:55:46,534 --> 00:55:49,033 and the integrity of the vehicle is excellent right now. 1165 00:55:49,033 --> 00:55:50,834 There is a team that is reviewing the shuttle 1166 00:55:50,834 --> 00:55:53,300 maintenance and refurbishment procedures, as you know, 1167 00:55:53,300 --> 00:55:58,334 and the report will be out before we fly this flight. 1168 00:55:58,334 --> 00:56:02,901 So I think it was a good plan for us to delay the 6 or 7 weeks 1169 00:56:02,901 --> 00:56:04,501 to get the wiring in place. 1170 00:56:04,501 --> 00:56:06,000 The other things that we saw was, like, 1171 00:56:06,000 --> 00:56:07,367 the tip of the drill bit that broke off, 1172 00:56:07,367 --> 00:56:10,067 and they found between the two face plates, 1173 00:56:10,067 --> 00:56:12,534 there was no credible way for this bit to escape the area, 1174 00:56:12,534 --> 00:56:16,234 and even if it, they didn't think it would do any hazard. 1175 00:56:16,234 --> 00:56:19,234 Of course, we did decide to replace this at the pad. 1176 00:56:19,234 --> 00:56:20,534 That engine -- 1177 00:56:20,534 --> 00:56:22,267 This came to light at the rollout review 1178 00:56:22,267 --> 00:56:25,467 which we held I believe it was last week. 1179 00:56:25,467 --> 00:56:27,200 It's not uncommon to find things, 1180 00:56:27,200 --> 00:56:28,667 and it's because we have these checks 1181 00:56:28,667 --> 00:56:30,133 and balances in place and meetings 1182 00:56:30,133 --> 00:56:32,801 like the rollout review to find these, 1183 00:56:32,801 --> 00:56:34,868 so that is when we decided that we would go ahead 1184 00:56:34,868 --> 00:56:38,033 and replace it, so I just think that was, 1185 00:56:38,033 --> 00:56:39,901 you know, a typical, standard thing. 1186 00:56:39,901 --> 00:56:42,334 There's a lot of things that we'll find at rollout reviews 1187 00:56:42,334 --> 00:56:44,300 and other meetings where we decide to go back 1188 00:56:44,300 --> 00:56:46,734 and replace it. 1189 00:56:46,734 --> 00:56:48,234 -Mark. 1190 00:56:48,234 --> 00:56:50,767 -Mark Carreau from the Houston Chronicle, also for Linda Ham. 1191 00:56:50,767 --> 00:56:52,501 I have a couple questions. 1192 00:56:52,501 --> 00:56:54,200 Have any of the procedures 1193 00:56:54,200 --> 00:56:57,133 or the communication calls during ascent, 1194 00:56:57,133 --> 00:57:02,367 has any of that changed as a result of the last flight to, 1195 00:57:02,367 --> 00:57:05,434 I don't know, to make things clearer or crisper for the crew, 1196 00:57:05,434 --> 00:57:11,367 or was all of that reviewed and found to be fine? 1197 00:57:11,367 --> 00:57:13,734 -We really haven't made any significant changes. 1198 00:57:13,734 --> 00:57:14,934 All the calls will be the same. 1199 00:57:14,934 --> 00:57:16,601 I think we're going to eliminate one 1200 00:57:16,601 --> 00:57:19,200 which was a low-performance call that we make dependent 1201 00:57:19,200 --> 00:57:25,400 on whether we see three-sigma performance or not, 1202 00:57:25,400 --> 00:57:29,601 and it's just for something like another failure, 1203 00:57:29,601 --> 00:57:31,334 if you had a hydraulic lock up in the main engine 1204 00:57:31,334 --> 00:57:34,868 where the crew would shut it down at 23K or not. 1205 00:57:34,868 --> 00:57:36,467 We decided that rather than -- 1206 00:57:36,467 --> 00:57:38,701 We'd only on a low-performance day before. 1207 00:57:38,701 --> 00:57:41,734 Now we'll do it on any given day 1208 00:57:41,734 --> 00:57:43,334 because it was hard for us to -- 1209 00:57:43,334 --> 00:57:44,567 We couldn't predict on that flight 1210 00:57:44,567 --> 00:57:46,367 that we would have a slightly lower performance 1211 00:57:46,367 --> 00:57:48,601 than we expected, so we'll just delete that call, 1212 00:57:48,601 --> 00:57:50,000 and if they had one of those failures 1213 00:57:50,000 --> 00:57:52,434 where they should shut the engine down at 23K, 1214 00:57:52,434 --> 00:57:55,534 we'll do it, and it was really not very significant at all. 1215 00:57:55,534 --> 00:57:57,901 The rest of the calls will be the same. 1216 00:57:57,901 --> 00:58:05,000 -Okay and just to revisit the December 14th cutoff date, 1217 00:58:05,000 --> 00:58:07,868 I'm not sure I understand why that is. 1218 00:58:07,868 --> 00:58:12,033 If you don't have Y2K concerns, I thought maybe that had 1219 00:58:12,033 --> 00:58:16,400 played into that decision either on the ground, 1220 00:58:16,400 --> 00:58:18,234 but could you clarify that at all, 1221 00:58:18,234 --> 00:58:22,634 or is just strictly an issue of stopping for the year? 1222 00:58:22,634 --> 00:58:24,434 I'm just not certain I understand. 1223 00:58:24,434 --> 00:58:25,901 -I think it's a holiday. 1224 00:58:25,901 --> 00:58:29,334 I think it reflects protecting the holidays, 1225 00:58:29,334 --> 00:58:32,968 getting the vehicle back on the ground in the OPF. 1226 00:58:32,968 --> 00:58:35,868 -There was a reason, and, again, we'll have to find out for you, 1227 00:58:35,868 --> 00:58:38,167 but they wanted to be on the ground by the 28th. 1228 00:58:38,167 --> 00:58:39,834 If you launch the 14th and 10 days 1229 00:58:39,834 --> 00:58:41,534 plus 2 would put you 28. 1230 00:58:41,534 --> 00:58:43,934 I can't recall what that is, but we can find out. 1231 00:58:43,934 --> 00:58:47,200 -Do we have any other questions? 1232 00:58:47,200 --> 00:58:50,400 I've got one that Jim Slade, 1233 00:58:50,400 --> 00:58:53,334 a colleague of y'all's, called in. 1234 00:58:53,334 --> 00:58:55,901 He wasn't able to be here, and his question is, 1235 00:58:55,901 --> 00:58:58,834 "If one of the three remaining gyros fails, 1236 00:58:58,834 --> 00:59:00,434 are there any rendezvous 1237 00:59:00,434 --> 00:59:02,067 difficulties associated with that 1238 00:59:02,067 --> 00:59:03,767 if the telescope is in safe mode?" 1239 00:59:03,767 --> 00:59:06,400 -We have assessed additional gyro failures. 1240 00:59:06,400 --> 00:59:08,501 We've actually assessed more than even one failure. 1241 00:59:08,501 --> 00:59:10,534 We went two failures deep to see what we will do 1242 00:59:10,534 --> 00:59:13,100 and have documented all that in the flight rules. 1243 00:59:13,100 --> 00:59:16,567 If we have one additional failure of a gyro, 1244 00:59:16,567 --> 00:59:20,300 then the telescope when we do the rendezvous and the grapple 1245 00:59:20,300 --> 00:59:23,067 will be in hardware sunpoint, 1246 00:59:23,067 --> 00:59:26,467 and there really are no more difficulties. 1247 00:59:26,467 --> 00:59:28,133 We will know the condition of the telescope. 1248 00:59:28,133 --> 00:59:32,234 We'll know what to expect, 1249 00:59:32,234 --> 00:59:33,868 and we will have told the crew that, 1250 00:59:33,868 --> 00:59:38,300 and we also know that it still has extremely accurate pointing, 1251 00:59:38,300 --> 00:59:42,334 so we don't anticipate any problems with that. 1252 00:59:42,334 --> 00:59:44,234 -Okay. With that, I'll thank you guys, 1253 00:59:44,234 --> 00:59:45,934 and the next briefing coming up 1254 00:59:45,934 --> 00:59:48,200 about 1 hour from now from NASA Headquarters. 1255 00:59:48,200 --> 00:59:50,067 Of course, you'll be able to participate from here, 1256 00:59:50,067 --> 00:59:53,167 and that will be a telescope, payload and science briefing. 1257 00:59:53,167 --> 00:59:54,634 Thanks a lot. 1258 00:59:54,634 --> 00:59:54,634