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Shuttle Mission: STS-107
Orbiter: Columbia
Date: January 16, 2003

Did You Know?

Image: Montage of images including the Space Shuttle and American FlagColumbia (OV-102), the first of NASA's orbiter fleet, was delivered to Kennedy Space Center in March 1979. Columbia initiated the Space Shuttle flight program when it lifted off Pad A in the Launch Complex 39 area at KSC on April 12, 1981. It proved the operational concept of a winged, reusable spaceship by successfully completing the Orbital Flight Test Program - missions STS-1 through 4.

Image: Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-1, the first shuttle flight.
Launch of Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-1 on April 12, 1981 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
T-20 minutes and counting...

Activities escalate and the launch team's focus intensifies -- only one hour to go before liftoff! 

The orbiter's onboard computers are transitioned to launch configuration.  This includes:

Data processing system engineer confirmation that the onboard computers have been transitioned to the Terminal Countdown configuration.

Primary Ascent Software is loaded into the orbiter's computers and Columbia's Commander Rick Husband configures the backup Flight System software to a matching profile.

Verification that a dump of the orbiter's general purpose computer memory has been completed.

A purge of the three fuel cells is underway....

Pilot Willie McCool is also busy during this period accomplishing the following tasks:

Configuring cockpit displays for launch.

Performing the Main Propulsion System Helium System reconfiguration.  This activity ensures that helium isolation valves necessary for in-flight engine purges function properly and provide an emergency source of pressure for pneumatic shutdown of the engines.

Coordinates with Orbiter Test Conductor, Rudy Tench, to ensure proper Reaction Control System propellant tank levels.  This is required as part of checklist activities necessary to verify the appropriate configuration of cross-feed valves between the Orbital Maneuvering System and the Reaction Control System propellant tanks.

A gaseous nitrogen purge of the Orbiter's aft skirts is completed.  This flow of inert gas ensures that no explosive or flammable gases accumulate in the bottom of the Solid Rocket Boosters prior to launch. 

All nonessential personnel are cleared from the launch danger area. Final verification is received that all emergency aircraft and contingency support personnel are on station.

Page Last Revised Page & Curator Information
February 13, 2003 Online coverage by: Dennis Armstrong (NASA), Anna Heiney (IDI)
Web Development: Lynda Warnock & Debbie Barton (FDC)
Video Production: Chris Chamberland & Mike Chambers (Johnson Controls)
Countdown Clock by: Jim Fitzgerald (FDC)
NASA Official: Dennis Armstrong (Dennis.Armstrong-1@ksc.nasa.gov)
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Roy D. Bridges, Director
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