STS-127: 29th Mission to the International Space Station

STS-127 will be the 29th mission to the ISS and the 23rd mission for Endeavour. This mission’s objectives will be primarily to continue the building of JAXA’s JEM (Kibo) as well as bringing up regular equipment to perform regular maintenance to the station.

Launch: July 15 6:03:10 EDT (22:03:10 UTC)

Landing: July 31

Mission Priorities:

(As listed in the Press Kit P.18)

• Crew Rotation: NASA astronaut Tim Kopra to exchange places with JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata
• Transfer of water from shuttle to ISS
• Transfer of stow critical items
• Installation of JEM-EF(External Facility) to JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module)
• Install ICC (Integrated Cargo Carrier) to POA (Payload Orbital Replacement Unit Accommodation)
• Install ELM-ES (Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section) onto JEM-EF
• Replacement of six P6 batteries
• Install Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s ICS (Inter-satellite Communications System) to POA
• Install ELM-ES (Exposed Section) onto JEM-EF(Exposed Facility)
• Install All-Sky X-Ray Images (MAXI)  and Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment -Attached Payload (SEDA-AP) on JEM-EF using the JEM’s robotic arm [Worded strangely, no clue what it means. I shall find out.]
• Return ELM-ES to shuttle’s payload bay.
• Perform crew handover of 12 hours.
• Transfer of remaining cargo items.
• Install/Activate/Checkout JEM-EF forward camera
• Deploy ANDE an DRAGONSAT payloads (Post undocking)
• Perform ISS payload research operations tasks
• Transfer of nitrogen and oxygen from Shuttle to ISS airlock high-pressure gas tanks. [In order to fulfill requirements to have them full for Shuttle retirement]
• Perform Detailed Test Objective (DTO) 701, DragonEye
• Perform DTO 695, Thrust Oscillation Seat
• Perform program-approved spacewalk get-ahead tasks:
  • Deploy S3 Upper Inboard PAS [STS-133]
  • Install Wireless Video System External Transceiver Assembly (WETA) No. 3
• Opening of Node 1 Port Centerline Berthing Camera System (CBCS) center disk cover flap.
• Perform HTV readiness tasks:
  • Install/Activate JEM-EF aft camera
  • Open Node 2 Zenith CBCS center disk cover
• Daily ISS payload status checks (as required)

Tasks scheduled but may be deferred if EVA(s) are behind Schedule:

• Removal of grounding tabs on JEM’s robotic arm end effector.
• Deployment of Port 3 Nadir Unpressurized Cargo Carrier Attach System (UCCAS) [for STS-129]
• Deployment Starboard 3 Upper Outboard PAS [for STS-129]
• Zenith 1 Patch Panel reconfiguration
• Installation of 6 Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS) floating power connector grounding sleeves.
• Deployment of Lower Inboard PAS and open target cover [for STS-133]
• Tuck down Lab/Node 2 cables
• Install JPM spacewalk handrails and worksite interfaces.
• Install gap spanner to replace Harmony handrail
• Reboost station (if needed)
• Perform imagery survey during fly around
• Perform an additional four hours handover per rotating crew member
• Perform Maui Analysis of Upper Atmosphere (MAUI), Shuttle Exhauster Ion Turbulence Experiments (SEITE), and SIMPLEX (payloads of opportunity – not during docked operations)
• Perform Station Detailed Test Objective 1300-U, ISS Structural Life Validation and Extension during Shuttle Mated Reboost and undocking.