Sick and Gone...

Where have i been you ask? Well, sick and gone. All these crazy hours i've been working has taken a toll on my health. I did take one day off of work to recover. I've been too blah to even post. Things are much better now. Just one more shift beore i get to have a normal weekend. Unfortunately, it's right back to console monday morning. But after that, i get a little reprieve.

I will start working on music soon. I will also start painting the studio. I have the idea mapped out...i just need to follow through.

Hope everyone is healthy...or as healthy as you can be...

Overtime!!!

Ouch...i already have 2.5 hours of overtime for the week. All this work that i've been doing has been making me ill. I've got a summer cold, which is making work miserable. Tarik...be on the ready...i may need you cover for me (you are on call after all...)

Oh yes...i need a vacation.

Finding Reason has a 7 song set list. That means 4 other songs are nearing completion. Stay tuned for the latest details...

Ok...the Nyquil is kicking in.

The Worst On Call Weekend Ever

I just got through working a 13 hour shift. I was called in again. This time was due to one of the controllers ending up in the ER overnight. As far as i know, he's okay. I was able to get almost 6 hours of sleep before having to go in. Unfortunately, i woke up with a sore throat. This didn't make the day any better.

Again, unfortunately, i will be working console this week. I'm nearing burnout. Luckily i do get some freedom from console after this week. I did find some time where i could take a trip to San Antonio. Just need to firm that up with my brother.

Well, I'm going to turn in early, so i can rest up. I've got a long week ahead of me...and i need to get better.

How was your weekend?

Called In For Broken Water...

It's now nearing 5am...i'm sitting here watching telemetry flash before my eyes. Am i really seeing what i'm looking at? I think so...but i am tired. You see, i was called in (cause i'm on call) because Mike and Molly are having a baby. Molly's water broke and Mike was working midnights (his last shift of midnights). Didn't quite make it did he.

It was quite weird...Molly's last day in the office was today, er...yesterday. We were at a meeting... Excellent timing on her part i suppose. Well, congrats to Mike and Molly!!!

Mike, don't feel bad for calling us in...Life happens...
Congrats!

I CAN SEE!!!

Finally, after years and years of trying and giving up, i can now see (sometimes) the images buried in those magic eye 3D pictures. Cory brought in some magic eye 3D books. I took a look at them, but just couldn't see them. Cory found a picture that was pretty easy to see, and i took a look at it for a bit and there it was...the image. I FINALLY saw it. But i see the images backwards...everyone else sees the images pop out of the page. All the images i saw went into the page. Erin saw the images the same way i did...so i didn't feel like a complete weirdo.

I can see this one...can you?

Long Lunches, Late Nite Football, oh, and a Perfect Landing...

Endeavour made a picture perfect landing today at the Kennedy Space Center. Probably one of the prettiest landings i've seen in some time. I don't know if it's cause i got to spend time with some of the crew or what, but i had a better appreciation for that landing. It's amazing how that spacecraft-turned-aircraft plummeted 28000 ft in less than 3 minutes. The double sonic boom was pretty cool...as always. i'm not sure the little Cessnas that i flew could even fall out of the sky that fast. It seems i get a new appreciation for aerodynamics every time i watch a mission. The shuttle is truly an impressive machine.

With the successful landing of Endeavour, i declare the STS 118/13A.1 Mission a complete success. The crew will be returning to Houston tomorrow and shortly after than there will be many crew and post landing parties. We all need a little break.

I wasn't even going to go into work today, but i had a meeting i had to be at to fill out background information for a new badge. I figured since i was near work today i'd just go in and watch the landing from the place i watched the launch: the FCR-1 viewing room with my 13A.1 orbit 2 team.

So, little motivation leads to a long lunch. It was a nice little lunch. But i tell you, doing any work after that was a lost cause.

So, i came home a little early and got in some quality jamming...ahhh...things are getting better. But i'm a little disappointed in the cover that i'm working on. I've got some of it down, but i'm too slow and i don't have it all down yet. I guess more practice right?

Tonight, the MudDogs prevailed in a pretty good little game. It was a tougher challenge than last week, but we beat an undefeated team. So...it was an all around good day.

Day Off

Well, i slept a little later than i thought i would...but not by much. I rolled out of bed around 8:30am. I lounged around for a bit, then i thought i'd start my day. Finally got the oil changed in the cruiser. Did a little online shopping. Took a nap. Finally picked up my guitars and played through Finding Reason's set list (wow...i was super rusty.) kinda frustrating...now if i can just get into a normal practice routine. Mowed the backyard. Filled out that stupid form to get my new badge (that thing is a pain). Scheduled an eye exam. Well, that is about all i did today. I still have a lot of things i'd like to do, but that'll have to wait for another day.

Here is a group photo of the Orbit 2 team sportin' our newly applied tattoos.



There might be a few more pictures from the mission going around. If i find any more, i'll post them here.

Endeavour is scheduled to land tomorrow morning, thus bringing a close to the STS118/13A.1 Mission.

FD12 -- Undock and the Last

This morning Endeavour undocked from the ISS. Today was also my last day on console for about a week. This last shift marked the end of the ISS's involvement in the STS 118/13A.1 Mission. I must say it was great mission. Thanks to all those that helped me in this mission. I couldn't have done it without your support. Of course, the celebration will start once Endeavour safely lands on Tuesday.

I hope to get some things done tomorrow as I'm taking the day off. Things that have been put on hold while i prepare and execute this mission. It'll take me some time to get everything done, so i may take a few days to get it done.

Time to call it a night...no alarms for me in the morning...how long will i sleep? Probably not beyond 8am...uggh...stupid internal alarm clock...

Here She Is...the Production Version

Here is the production version of the Infiniti EX.



This week the production version, known as the Infiniti EX35, was released to Europe...and today to the US. Pricing information is not yet available nor is a schedule of delivery. This is one beautiful looking vehicle. I don't know if i can wait until December or January to get this thing. I think there might be a waiting list on this ... especially if it is priced well.

Here are more pictures.
Here is an article on the features.

Ooh...i can't wait...

FD11 -- Farewell

Well, Hurricane Dean has spoken and NASA has decided to listen. The early word last night was that we were undocking a day early, and in fact, that is still the plan. Today the crew went outside for their final EVA of the mission. This EVA was to do a lot of get-a-head tasks and finish up a task leftover from the previous EVA.
The crew got a good view of Dean as we passed over him.

Once the EVA was complete, we handed attitude control over to Endeavour while they dumped some waste water and performed a depress of the vestibule between the orbiter and ISS. Yep, that means that it was time to say goodbye. Oleg, Fyoder, and Clay had to say goodbye to their visitors. It was a little emotional and some tears were shed. The hatches were closed and each crew was sealed away in their respective vehicles.

Tomorrow morning, Endeavour will undock and push away from ISS. Unfortunately there will be no flyaround of the greatest engineering achievement in history. Those flyaround pictures are always so impressive. We'll get some pictures, but not a whole lot.

Today was my last shift with Endeavour still attached. When i go in tomorrow, i will be flying a slightly different vehicle. After tomorrow's shift, i will be done with console for a few days. i'll take a few days off to rest and relax. Somewhere in there i need to mow my backyard...

We didn't pick a color for tomorrow...

FD10 -- Photo day

This morning started out a little slow. My planning team built a pretty good plan and all that we had to do was finalize a few small things. So the work load was fairly light. There was a full crew conference with several organizations. That went fairly well. After the crew conference it was time for us to take our team pictures. We didn't do the "individual discipline photos" like on 12A.1 but we did do a photo with all of our "tattoos." The new, hip thing in the space business is to wear temporary tattoos.

Then things got crazy. We were asked to start planning an early undock. Apparently the uncertainty with Hurricane Dean is making folks around here a little nervous. It wouldn't be all that good to try and land a shuttle while a hurricane is knocking on MCC here in Houston. So, with that, we were asked to see what it would take to undock early so we could land the shuttle before it was time to evacuate JSC.

At a team outing at Boondoggles tonight, we learned that we are probably going to undock a day early. I must say, i'm a little bummed about that. But you ask, don't you get to take a break a day earlier then? No, actually, i don't. Because we don't have any personnel lined up for this little scenario, we are going to be asked to continue working through the weekend. While tomorrow may be my last shift on the 13A.1 mission, Sunday will be another day on console getting ready for increment work.

Hopefully, the morning prediction for the track of H. Dean will be further south so that the JSC area will not be affected and we'll go ahead and finish our nominally planned mission length. I guess we'll find out in the morning.

Tomorrow's color is bright. Wear something bright. I don't think i'll be able to pull this one off...

FD9 -- Crew Day Off

Not a lot when on today. The reason? Well, upper management needed to make a decision on whether we were doing a thermal protection system (TPS) repair on EVA 4 or not. If the decision goes route A, then we need to plan for X. If the decision goes route B, then we need to plan for Y. X and Y are different things and one requires a lot of planning and coordinating. The other is less painful and requires less work. we are ready to handle either one...just tell us what decision you are gonna make?!?!

Well, FINALLY, a decision has been made. We have decided to go down route A, therefore we are planning for X. This turns out to be the option that requires the least amount of work for us. Right now, my planning team is getting the plan together and should have things in pretty good working order by the time i get in. We are not going to repair Endeavour...it is not required.

That means Endeavour will undock from the ISS on Monday with a landing sometime on wednesday--i think?

Here's a pic of me at work. Yeah, this is how i roll...i'm puttin' my foot, er finger, down!



There was a bit of excitement in FCR-1 this morning...a power outage. We lost power to the overhead lights, PCs, phones, air handlers, etc. Luckily all of our flight computers were on a different circuit and they remained functional. Exciting, but short lived...

Tomorrow is team photo day. And tomorrow is red, white, and blue day.

FD8 -- Holey Gloves

Flight Day 8 has come and gone. There wasn't too much for me to do today. I did watch my system today as the robotic arm was swinging at high rates. The good news is that my system handled those rates very well. The better news: if we don't have to do any tile repair, all the robotic activities are complete for the mission.

Today's EVA was cut a little short as one of the EVA crew members reported that he had a hole in his glove. The hole only penetrated the outer layer of his glove...there was no compromise of his suit. Per flight rules, he was instructed to return to the airlock while the other EVA crew member finished his tasks. The EVA crew members are instructed to check their gloves for damage every so often. Damage was found on a glove after an EVA several flights ago.

Luckily the crew had worked so efficiently that they were about an hour ahead of the timeline. Nearly all the tasks were completed. The task not completed will be picked up on the next EVA which is scheduled for Saturday.

Tomorrow is a crew day off. That means there won't be much for us on the ground to do. But i'm sure we'll all be busy replanning the last few days of the mission. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made and each decision has within it decisions that need to be made...ahhh...the joys of planning.

Tomorrow's color is black. I'll be doing it Johnny Cash style...

FD7 -- Success!!

What a day!! Of the entire mission, today was the day i was worried about the most. We had a ton of activities on the timeline today. Today was the day that the ISS had the best chance of losing attitude control. We call that LoAC (lo-ack) or Loss of Attitude Control. LoAC is generally not a good thing. That means something happened unexpectedly. It also means that we are not able to point the ISS in the proper orientation and this affects several other disciplines. Power generation could be compromised or temperature sensitive items could freeze or overheat. No one is happy when we LoAC.

There were two events in which the potential for LoACing was fairly high. The first being the external stowage platform installation. This 7000 lb platform was removed from the shuttle's payload bay and "swung" out to an external truss. This "swinging" of the robotic arm (if moved fast enough) could cause us to LoAC. But we made it through.

The second opportunity was when we were attempting something we only tried once before. And that once before ended in a LoAC. After some analysis and additional brainstorming, some flight controllers/engineers came up with a way to make it work. We tried out that plan and things worked. It was exciting.

We also incorporated the new CMG into the control law today. This was the first time that we used the new CMG for what it was intended. The new CMG was a tremendous help. I'm sure there were some excited people all around...i know i was excited.

So...today was a great day.

After my shift i had time to make it to the football field to join the rest of the MudDogs for a great game. We were worried that there weren't going to be enough people tonight with the mission going on so we recruited some help. We had the most substitutions that i've ever seen. I was moved from my normal position of rusher to corner. I ended up with two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and nearly a third. I have a little secret...i used to play corner in junior high and highschool. It was fun.

Well, i'm off to bed...i'm tired.
Tomorrow's color is yellow. I don't have any yellow...dunno what i'm gonna do...

FD6 -- EVA 2 ... That Makes Four

Today was a big day for the Motion Control Systems group -- my group. Today's EVA was dedicated to our new equipment. One of our CMGs was experiencing some abnormal vibrations. This caused us to shut down the CMG before it failed. Because CMGs provide non-propulsive attitude control (ie. doesn't use the limited propellant supply), it is imperative that we have a complete set of CMGs operating. While we need at least two CMGs to maintain attitude control (sometimes we need more), having two additional to distribute the load is always a good thing. Here's what a CMG looks like.

After the EVA crewmembers installed the new CMG and made the proper connections, i was able to turn the CMG on and perform a few functional checks to ensure that all the proper connections were made. Indeed they were...the CMG came alive upon the power on command. We also did a short spin up test on my shift. When i left this evening, the CMG wheel speed was coasting back to 0 RPM (we intended to do this). Once the CMG wheel speed comes to a stop, we will spin it up to it's normal operating speed of 6600 RPM.

Tomorrow on my shift, we will use the new CMG for attitude control for the first time.

Also, tomorrow, the ISS will travel its 50000th orbit. Alas, tomorrow is a very busy and important day.

The color tomorrow is white. A white shirt with a black tie.

FD5 -- Focused Inspection

Today was the inspection of the orbiter belly to determine the extent of the damage caused by shedding foam upon launch. I don't know what the results of that inspection are yet. Today was a pretty nominal day and we got caught up...as much as we are going to at this time. Tomorrow will be an exciting day for my group. We are getting a new CMG. EVA 2 will be the remove and replace of the control moment gyroscope. I get to turn it on for the first time and i also get to spin it up for the first time. I'm quite excited about that. I started working with the CMGs before they were even in orbit...so i'm honored to get to turn on and spin up this new CMG.

Today we learned that we are officially extending the mission to 14 days. So there will be at least another 3 days of console work for us. Working a mission can beat you down...it's tough...but rewarding...

Tomorrow's color is red or purple.

FD4 -- EVA 1

Today was a busy day for the Endeavour crew. Today was the first of four planned spacewalks. This first EVA install the S5 truss segment which will support another set of solar arrays to be flown on a later flight. Today was also the first real test of the attitude control system -- the system that i manage. I'm happy to report that things went well. The control system did fairly well...there were a few tense moments but everything turned out okay.

We did have an unexpected failure today of the primary computer responsible for the command and control of the stations systems. But per design, the backup computer took control immediately following the failure of the primary. There was a small setback, but everything turned out okay.

Tomorrow, the Endeavour crew will inspect the belly of the orbiter to determine the extent of the damage. Early indications are that the gouge that was discovered will not need to be repaired, but the focused inspection that we'll do tomorrow will definitively tell us if we need to repair it.

The night ended with a Bldg M ops. Some of the flight controllers (the cool ones) and a flight director did a little socializing following our shift.

Also, tomorrow, we find out officially that we are extending the mission by at least an extra 3 days.
Tomorrow's color is blue.

FD3 -- Docking and Beyond

Today was a very busy, busy day for the entire team. Seth and Cory did an outstanding job getting Endeavour docked to the ISS today. Wow...it's almost unreal how busy the docked mission can be. Somehow we all get it done.

So far so good...The mission is going well so far. There have been minor complications throughout my shift...but nothing to write home about. So far, the motion control system is doing well with a 90+ ton orbiter attached. Tonight, following docking, the crew maneuvered the S5 truss segment from the orbiter payload bay and moved it to an over night park position. It will remain in this configuration over night and will be ready for its move to the very end of the starboard truss segment where the crew will install it during EVA1 tomorrow morning.

Again, tomorrow will be a busy day...and another very long day. Flight days 6 and 7 will be exciting for ADCO, for we have a lot of activities associated with our system.

There have been a few aggravating times on this mission so far...but if those are our only issues, then i am just complaining. But i knew this packet swapping thing was going to be a pain...i know i'm not the only one that could see that...

Well, tomorrow starts early for me...
Tomorrow's color is green.

FD 2 -- The Day Before

As promised here is the first update on the STS 118/13A.1 mission. Tonight is the day before docking, which means that today was the slowest it's going to be all mission. My backroom (Matt), my OJT(Erin), and i worked hard to make sure that docking day events were ready to go. Docking is perhaps the most exciting day for an ADCO on most missions. This mission has a few other ADCO related items that will make it exciting. Despite it being a slow day, it was extremely busy...there was very little time to sit back and relax. Tomorrow will be a very busy day with a very packed time line for us and for the crews. I was so preoccupied with worrying about tomorrow's activities, that i'm not even sure what is happening on the shuttle side. As far as i know things are going well...despite some sort of O2 leak.
Tomorrow's color is pink. Joel, our lead Flight Director, is notorious for selecting a color for the next day's attire. I'm sure there will be some days i can't participate, for i don't have every color...

Tonight was also a Finding Reason practice session, with a drummer. Unfortunately i wasn't able to be there since i'm working the mission. I was told that i was missed...I was sad to have missed that practice...but there will be more...

And So It Begins...

By now, i'm sure you've heard, Endeavour is safely in orbit. This evening's launch from the Kennedy Space Port was a spectacular launch. We'll have to wait until all the launch footage has been reviewed to see how clean of a launch it really was. From where i viewed the launch in the FCR-1 viewing room, it sure was a spectacular launch.

This was one of those surreal moments...this is for real. I watched as the crew took their seats on Endeavour. It was less than two weeks ago that i had a meeting with Kelly(the commander) and Hobaugh (the pilot). This is not a simulation...all actions have real consequences.

And so it begins...well it began probably 9 or 10 months ago when i learned i was the lead for this flight. A lot of work has been put into this flight and i hope things turn out the way we planned it. I hope this flight is less "exciting" than the last one.

I'll try to keep a day by day mission log here. But for full coverage, you can get the latest information here on spaceflightnow.com.
My first day on console starts tomorrow...11 to 14 days from now, Endeavour will be safely back on the ground and i can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

See ya on the flip side...

Sloganize...

While checking my myspace account, i ran across one those fun little websites: http://www.thesurrealist.co.uk/slogan.cgi

This website will "sloganize" your name or any word for that matter. My first attempt at the sloganizer produced "Have a Break. Have a Todd." I like it.

Here are a few other attempts:
"Todd Not Included"
"Discover The Todd Difference"
"Todd -- Australian for Beer"
"Todd Unscripted"
"You Deserve a Todd Today"

Ok, that's enough.

What is your slogan?

MudDogs downed.

Today was the first game of the new season of Gilruth flag football. Yes, we played in the horrible houston heat. The MudDogs didn't win. The other team didn't beat us, we beat ourselves. We played a really good game up until the last two minutes of the game. I think we did okay for not playing for several months. I must say that my muscles ache. i'm glad we're starting up again, i was beginning to feel like a fat slob...and i'm sure the docs will tell me i'm fat at my physical later this month. The docs on site are on a different scale than the rest of civilization. I think they are still using charts from the 60s.

Tomorrow evening, Endeavour should be on an 8 minute ride into orbit for an 11-14 day mission. All systems are go and the weather looks promising.

For those of you that have NASA TV, you might catch a glimpse of me on TV...anywhere from 9:30am to midnight.

Try to stay cool! What did the doc tell you?

As Expected...

...it was a hectic day. With the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour later this week, much work needed to be done today to get prepared. Luckily i had some help. Thanks Lisa. Thanks Jeff. I still have a lot of work to do tomorrow too. Not all of the information that i need was ready for me. Hopefully tomorrow everything will be at my disposal and i can get everything done.

So far there are no show stoppers for wednesday's launch attempt. The Phoenix mission is no longer in the way and the vehicle seems to be doing well. The only thing to be worried about is weather. Forecasters predict a 70% chance that the weather will be go for launch. I sure hope so. I'm not a fan of planning and re-planning and then re-planning again.

Today was the hottest day of the year here in the Houston area. The thermometer reached 97 degrees. Luckily i was indoors for most of today. Tomorrow i won't be so lucky, as another season of Gilruth Flag Football starts. But i'm glad to be getting some exercise again...

Bourne-tastic

Josh and Lisa and I went to see Bourne Ultimatum today. It was a great movie. Most sequel movies lack from what the original had to offer. The third sequels usually suck even more. Not this sequel. It is perhaps the best of the Bourne movies. But don't take my word for it...i like nearly every movie that i watch. But go watch it...it's a good one.

Good News

The Phoenix mission did successfully launch early this morning. So, that potential road block is no longer a threat. Now we wait on processing and with luck, good weather, to get Endeavour off the ground on Wednesday. As of about 10 minutes ago, i have not received the information that i need to continue with my work. I will check periodically throughout the day to see if that information is there for me.

Awwww Crap!

I knew it! Endeavour will not leave the surly bonds of earth until at least Wednesday. That's right, there is a launch delay. Engineers do not have enough time to prep the vehicle for launch due to severe weather that plagued the Cape and due to an unexpected faulty valve. Therefore a one day launch slip was implemented. What does this mean for me...well, it means i get to replan the entire mission. It's not as easy as just sliding all the activities to the left by 26 minutes. There is quite a bit of work to be done. Definitely not something that i wanted to deal with...but it seems inevitable in this business. Before i can begin my replanning activities i need information from another group. As of 6:30pm tonight, that information was not available. I'll check again in the morning and periodically throughout the weekend. Once i get that information i can start updating my products (which will probably take me a day to a day and a half to complete). There are other people that need information from me so i'll try to expedite that once i get it.

Anyway...launch is now scheduled for wednesday and we still have that Phoenix mission to contend with. hopefully that will launch tomorrow morning. I think i'm going to watch "Bourne Supremacy" to get ready for "Bourne Ultimatum".

Glad Today's Over

Today was one of those days that was full of little "brush fires". I was stamping out fires all day...trying to keep them from getting out of control. It was a rather stressful day. I'm glad it's over. By the end of the day i felt i had done a decent job cleaning up all that was amiss. I hope that tomorrow is a little less stressful. I hope to have a relaxing weekend, before the excitement starts.

Potential show stoppers do lurk in the shadows. There is/was a cabin leak in Endeavour. Last i heard, engineers were repairing a faulty valve that is the suspected cause of the leak. Hopefully this will get fixed. Perhaps i'll know more tomorrow. Another potential issue is the Phoenix mission. The Phoenix mission will take priority over STS118/13A.1 mission because the launch window only comes around every 2 years. The Pheonix mission will send a lander to Mars and is expected to launch saturday morning. If for some reason the Phoenix mission doesn't get off the ground, it will take over the range if necessary, which means my mission will be delayed. The STS118/13A.1 teams are hoping that the weather cooperates and allows the Phoenix launch as well as Endeavour's launch. We're ready for this mission to be over with. Everyone has been putting in a ton of hours over the last few weeks/months to get ready for this thing. Finishing this mission also means that i'm a bit closer to some sort of vacation.

I did get into the studio tonight. Man, i really need to finish that thing up. It's functional, but needs to be cleaned up. I worked through Finding Reason's 3 songs and started learn another song (not written by us). We need some filler material to lengthen our set. I'm not ready to reveal the song we are working on, but the particular band has made it to an edition of Horelica House of Music. I also have some new Finding Reason news, but again, i'm not ready to reveal that just yet. I know, i tease...

Google Earth

Such an amazing site Google Earth is. If you'd like to travel the world, but never have the time or money to do it, check out Google Earth. It's quite an amazing tool...

Six days to go and i'm feelin' fine...