[sarex] STS-115 Crew Unfurls Station Arrays

[Arthur Rowe]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

The STS-115 crew successfully completed the full deployment of the 
International Space Station’s new set of solar arrays at 8:44 a.m. EDT.


The new arrays span a total of 240 feet and have a width of 38 feet. 
They are attached to the station’s newest component, the P3/P4 
integrated truss structure. The installation of the P3/P4, which 
occurred Tuesday, and the deployment of the arrays sets the stage for 
future expansion of the station.

Today’s deployment occurred in stages to allow the arrays to warm up, 
which prevents them from sticking while being deployed. The first stage 
began about 6:27 a.m. EDT.

The deployment activities started later than planned due to a software 
problem with the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint. The Mission Control Center 
team developed a workaround and proceeded with the checkout and 
deployment activities.

In other activities today, STS-115 crewmembers will command the 
International Space Station’s robot arm to move from the Mobile Base 
System to the Destiny Laboratory Module. The STS-115 and the Expedition 
13 crews will prepare for Friday’s spacewalk.

The STS-115 crew has conducted two spacewalks to prepare the truss and 
the arrays for operation. Friday’s spacewalk will continue those efforts.

Also, Space Shuttle Atlantis and station crewmembers will take time out 
of their busy schedules to talk with reporters and officials. Canadian 
Space Agency Astronaut Steve MacLean is scheduled to talk with Canadian 
Prime Minister Stephen Harper at 11:25 a.m. STS-115 Commander Brent 
Jett, Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Expedition 13 
Astronaut Thomas Reiter are scheduled to talk with National Public Radio 
and CNN at 11:50 a.m. These events will be aired on NASA TV.