Comments on: Hubble Update: it will be Atlantis’s last mission

By: Irishman

Irishman — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:57:57 +0000

Things to keep in mind, in order to dock with the ISS, the shuttles require a docking module and external airlock that sit in the payload bay. In order to dock with Hubble and service it, that airlock cannot be in the payload bay. Originally Columbia was slated to be the Hubble servicing orbiter because it did not have the airlock/docking module installed, and as the heaviest orbiter it would be most limited in ability to support ISS.

I’m concerned about Bush’s plan not having an overlap. I haven’t really seen a good description of what the ISS servicing between the gap is supposed to be.

I’m a little surprised they would take one out of the rotation then, but I guess if the close out deadline is 2010 and they stay on schedule, they can support the launch turnarounds with 2 orbiters. Seems rushed to me. But I suppose that’s considered part of the “transition” to allow some Shuttle funds to start shifting to the Constellation Program. It will definitely be a dicey job situation for launch servicing crews. The new program systems will be in development (if that far) and thus not ready to hire. If NASA can’t use the personnel to continue to support the ISS build schedule, there may be layoffs. There will be new jobs picking up with the new programs, but maybe not for the same particular segment of the workforce.

By: Quiet_Desperation

Quiet_Desperation — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:39:29 +0000

Need to think positive.

At least Hubble is getting a fix.

By: Gary Ansorge

Gary Ansorge — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:04:54 +0000

Man, that’s cutting it close. What happens if ther’s a mis-step? Will the Hubble be put on indefinte hold to accomodate some other emergency? Sheese, we really need overlap,,,

Gary 7

By: david

david — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:07:11 +0000

For what I read atlantis is to be as scrap parts for the remaining shuttles, enterprise never went into space it was a test version of the shuttle it was suppose to be refitted but the expense was to high to make it space worthy.

By: Waspie_Dwarf

Waspie_Dwarf — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:28:32 +0000

I rather hope that NASA will not be forced to stick to the 2010 deadline. Leaving the ISS incomplete would be illogical but on the other hand rushing to meet a deadline was part of the problem that lead to the loss of Challenger and her crew.

csrester, there is no way that NASA will srcap the orbiters. I am certain they will be put on display (Enterprise is already on display at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Washington Dulles Airport).

By: csrster

csrster — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:12:04 +0000

I hope the remaining shuttles will be exhibited rather than scrapped.

By: Grand Lunar

Grand Lunar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:16:59 +0000

Reminds me of hearing that the F-14s were being retired as well. I recall that last catapult launch the squadron had from my ship did.

Anyway, it’s a bit emotional, knowing that what could probably be called the flagships of the US space program are going into retirement. I wonder what will become of the shuttles afterward.

But at the same time, I’m really looking forward to seeing the Orion and Ares fly. The looks are nostalgic for me; I feel that happy days will be here again.