
STS-84 -- 6th MIR DOCKING & SPACEHAB DM (image)NOTE: The countdown for launch of Atlantis on mission STS-84 continues on schedule today. Launch remains set for Thursday, May 15. Current indications show the 7-minute window opening at 4:07:48 a.m. EDT and closing at 4:14:47 a.m. EDT. The exact launch time will be announced about 90 minutes prior to launch following final computation of the location of the Mir space station.
This morning the orbiter's communication systems and inertial measurement units were activated and safety personnel performed a debris walkdown at the pad. Also, at about 10 a.m. the rotating service structure began its move into the park position. Loading of the external tank with cryogenic propellants is scheduled to begin at about 7 p.m. tonight. Prior to loading operations, the Mission Management Team will meet at about 6 p.m. today to discuss tomorrow's launch weather and any technical issues that may arise.
Early this morning, Shuttle test directors indicated possible concerns with data received from a master events controller (MEC) on the orbiter. The MEC sends electronic commands to Atlantis' onboard pyrotechnic devices. Further testing revealed the MEC to be in working order and ready for flight. Also, standard work on the orbiter maneuvering system thrusters revealed moisture in one of the thruster chambers. Technicians performed work necessary to dry the chamber and inspections of the other thrusters showed no moisture. At this time, there are no outstanding issues known that would preclude a launch attempt tomorrow.
Weather forecasters are currently indicating a 20 percent probability of weather prohibiting launch on Thursday. The temperature at the pad at the time of launch is expected to be about 69 degrees; relative humidity about 78 percent; clouds scattered at 5,000 and 25,000 feet; pad winds from the west at 7 knots; and no precipitation is forecast.
The 24-hour delay forecast indicates only a 20 percent chance of violation.
T-TIME LENGTH OF HOLD HOLD BEGINS HOLD ENDS T-6 hours 2 hours 5:17 p.m. Wed. 7:17 p.m. Wed. T-3 hours 2 hours 10:17 p.m. Wed. 12:17 a.m. Thurs. T-20 minutes 10 minutes 2:57 a.m. Thurs. 3:07 a.m. Thurs. T-9 minutes about 40 minutes 3:18 a.m. Thurs. 3:58 a.m. Thurs.
Commander (CDR): Charles Precourt
Pilot (PLT): Eileen Collins
Mission Specialist (MS1): Jean-Francois Clervoy
Mission Specialist (MS2): Carlos Noriega
Mission Specialist (MS3): Edward Lu
Mission Specialist (MS4): Elena Kondakova
Mission Specialist (MS5): Michael Foale (up)
Mission Specialist (MS6): Jerry Linenger (down)
Wednesday, May 14 6:00 p.m. Wake up 6:35 p.m. Breakfast * 11:32 p.m. Lunch and crew photo Thursday, May 15 12:02 a.m. Weather briefing (CDR, PLT, MS2) 12:02 a.m. Don launch and entry suits (MS1, MS3, MS4, MS5) 12:12 a.m. Don launch and entry suits (CDR, PLT, MS2) * 12:30 a.m. Crew suiting photo * 12:42 a.m. Depart for launch pad 39A * 1:12 a.m. Arrive at white room and begin ingress * 2:27 a.m. Close crew hatch * 4:07 a.m. Launch
* Televised events (times may vary slightly)
All times Eastern
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