MISSION:
STS-99 -- Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
(SRTM) |
|
|
VEHICLE |
Endeavour/OV-105
|
LOCATION |
Pad 39A |
TARGET KSC LAUNCH
DATE/TIME |
Feb.
11, 2000 at 12:43 p.m. EST |
TARGET KSC LANDING
DATE/TIME |
Feb.
22, 2000 at 4:52 p.m. EST |
MISSION
DURATION |
11
days, 4 hours and 8 minutes |
CREW |
Kregel, Gorie, Kavandi, Voss, Mohri, Thiele
|
ORBITAL ALTITUDE and
INCLINATION |
126 nautical miles/57 degrees |
|
|
Work in
progress |
Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off from KSC's Launch
Pad 39A at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. With excellent weather conditions and a virtually
flawless countdown, the six-member crew began their mission about 13 minutes
later than planned. Launch controllers decided to extend the standard T-9 minute
hold to allow engineers enough time to resolve three minor technical issues.
During the T-9 minute built in hold, engineers
concluded evaluations of four superficial cracks in the thermal foam on the
lower side of Endeavour's external tank. They determined that the cracks were
too shallow to cause ice or debris concerns. Shuttle engineers successfully
repeated a pressure leak test of the orbiter's crew compartment that initially
showed a slight variance in the pressure and confirmed the orbiter's readiness
to proceed toward launch. Also, a meter that was giving intermittent pressure
readings from Endeavour's main propulsion system was exonerated as alternate
sensors confirmed good data. Finally, managers determined that a fluctuating
reading from Endeavour's hydraulic system was a normal condition. Following a
decision to resume the countdown no further issues were worked through liftoff.
The two solid rocket booster recovery ships,
Freedom Star and Liberty Star, deployed into the Atlantic Ocean yesterday and
are currently on station with the STS-99 boosters. Depending upon weather
conditions during recovery operations, the ships are expected to arrive at
Hangar AF Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Preliminary inspections will commence on
Sunday and booster disassembly begins Monday.
|
|
|
|
|