Launch Day STS 122 Atlantis

[DaveS]

The loading continues without issues. CPROP reports that they would like to perform an additional suite of tests before giving a near-term status of the LLCO system.

 

[DaveS]

All the LLCO system test have been completed. So far the system appears good.

There will be an automatic cycling of the sensors once stable replenish is reached and only then can success be decalred by the launch team in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center.

 

[DaveS]

The sun has now risen at the Cape, revealing dark blueish clouds in the background.

 

[DaveS]

MILA antennas is now being aligned with 39A. For now they will remain in low power mode. Shortly before launch they'll switch to high power for final checks.

 

[DaveS]

T-4 hours and counting. About 1 hour left in the tanking operations, before heading into the T-3 hour hold.

 

[DaveS]

LH2 has now passed 98%, starting the top-off.
LOX is at 50%, still in fastfill.

Working no issues whatsoever in the countdown.

 

[DaveS]

Relatively clear skies around KSC now.

 

[FordPrefect]

Here's a regularly updated satellite image of Florida:

I believe you can see the front north of KSC, stretching from southwest to northeast. Hoping it will not spoil todays launch window.

Oh, and hello all, this is my first post here, I was getting tired of M6's downtime, slowliness, a.s.o.... you name it.

 

[Chipstone306]

WELCOME! FORDPREFECT

 

[DaveS]

T-3 hours and holding for 2 hours, 30 minutes. Now in stable replenish on both sides.

 

[DaveS]

ECO sensor cycle test is now underway.
Final Inspection Team has arrived at the pad to inspect the vehicle for any ice or frost build-ups following tanking.
Orbiter Closeout Crew is also at the pad going up to 195 ft level of the FSS where the Orbiter Access Arm and the White Room is located.

 

[DaveS]

The crew is now receiving their final medical checkout prior to launch.

 

[DaveS]

The LLCO sensor system has been declared healthy and ready for launch. They have one final system confidence test during the T-9 minute hold.

 

[DaveS]

The Final Inspection Team is currently on the 215 ft level of the FSS performing their inspections of the vehicle.

 

[DaveS]

NASA TV has now switched to JSC for today's Progress M63 docking coverage. Live launch coverage of STS-122 will return at 9:45 am EST(1445 UTC).

 

[DaveS]

Ascent & Entry Flight Control Team is now on duty in the Shuttle FCR in MCC.

 

[DaveS]

Working no issues in the countdown. The Final Inspection Team hasn't found anything signficant.

 

[DaveS]

The Final Inspection Team is now on the MLP Level 0 deck conducting the final phase of their inspections. They will then depart the pad and head for the LCC where they will brief Launch Director Doug Lyons on their findings.

 

[DaveS]

29 minutes left on this hold at T-3 hours. Next hold then is at T-20 minutes where the countdown clock will hold for 10 minutes.

 

[DaveS]

Crew is now getting suited up for the trip out to 39A.