STS-117
STS-117 was the 118th NASA Space Shuttle mission and the 28th flight for the orbiter Atlantis, launched on June 8, 2007, at 7:38 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A to deliver and install the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, including the P4 photovoltaic arrays and radiator, to the International Space Station (ISS).[1] The mission's primary objectives included enhancing the ISS's power generation capabilities by deploying the third set of solar arrays, retracting the original P6 solar array wing and radiator for relocation, conducting four extravehicular activities (EVAs) for assembly and maintenance, and performing a crew exchange with Clayton Anderson replacing Sunita Williams as a long-duration resident on the station.[1] Atlantis docked with the ISS on June 10, 2007, and undocked on June 19, landing at Edwards Air Force Base on June 22, 2007, after a duration of 13 days, 20 hours, 12 minutes, and 44 seconds, during which the crew traveled approximately 5.8 million miles.[1] The crew consisted of seven astronauts: Commander Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow, who led his second shuttle mission; Pilot Lee J. Archambault on his first flight; and Mission Specialists James F. Reilly II, Patrick G. Forrester, Steven R. Swanson, John D. "Danny" Olivas, and Clayton C. Anderson.[1] Sunita L. Williams, who had been on the ISS since December 2006, returned to Earth aboard Atlantis, completing a 195-day expedition stay.[2] The team transferred over 4,000 pounds of supplies and equipment to the station, including science experiments and spare parts, while unloading expended materials.[1] Notable aspects of the mission included its response to pre-launch challenges, such as a February 2007 hailstorm that damaged Atlantis's thermal tiles, necessitating repairs and delaying rollout until May. During the flight, the crew addressed a temporary issue with Russian computers on the ISS, restoring full functionality before undocking.[1] The four EVAs, totaling nearly 28 hours, featured key tasks like bolting the S3/S4 truss to the station's backbone, activating the solar alpha rotary joint, and repairing a thermal blanket on Atlantis's Orbital Maneuvering System pod to prevent potential debris risks.[1] This assembly mission marked a significant step in ISS construction, boosting its electrical power output by about 30 percent.[1]Crew
Command Crew
The command crew for STS-117 consisted of Commander Frederick W. (Rick) Sturckow and Pilot Lee J. Archambault, who were responsible for the overall piloting and navigation of Space Shuttle Atlantis during its mission to deliver the S3/S4 truss segment to the International Space Station.[3][4] Frederick W. Sturckow, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, served as the mission commander for his third spaceflight. Born on August 11, 1961, in La Mesa, California, and raised on a farm near Lakeside, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1984 and a Master of Science in the same field in 2000. Commissioned into the Marine Corps that year, Sturckow logged over 6,500 flight hours in more than 60 aircraft, including 41 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm as an F/A-18 pilot. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1994, his prior missions included serving as pilot on STS-88 (1998, Endeavour, 283 hours) and STS-105 (2001, Discovery, 285 hours), both of which involved International Space Station assembly tasks. As commander of STS-117, Sturckow oversaw the entire mission execution, including the delivery and installation of the starboard truss segments.[3] Lee J. Archambault, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, flew as the mission pilot on his first spaceflight. Born on August 25, 1960, in Oak Park, Illinois, and considering Bellwood his hometown, he graduated from Proviso West High School in 1978 and received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1982 and 1984, respectively. Commissioned into the Air Force in 1985, Archambault accumulated over 5,000 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft, including 22 combat missions in the Gulf War as an F-111D and F-117A pilot, and later served as a test pilot at Edwards and Eglin Air Force Bases. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, he was responsible during STS-117 for handling orbiter systems during ascent, entry, and rendezvous maneuvers with the space station.[4] Prior to launch, the command crew's combined spaceflight experience totaled 568 hours from Sturckow's previous missions, providing seasoned leadership for the 14-day flight that also facilitated a crew rotation with International Space Station Expedition 15 by delivering astronaut Clay Anderson to replace Sunita Williams.[3][4][1]Mission Specialists
The mission specialists for STS-117, Patrick G. Forrester, Steven R. Swanson, John D. Olivas, James F. Reilly, and Clayton C. Anderson, supported the delivery and installation of the S3/S4 integrated truss segment and associated solar arrays to the International Space Station, leveraging their engineering, scientific, and operational expertise.[1] Patrick G. Forrester, a retired U.S. Army colonel and test pilot, served as a mission specialist on his second spaceflight, having previously flown on STS-105 in 2001. Born in 1957 in El Paso, Texas, Forrester earned a B.S. in applied sciences and engineering from the U.S. Military Academy in 1979 and an M.S. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia in 1989. With over 5,300 flight hours in more than 50 aircraft types, he joined NASA in 1993 and was selected as an astronaut in 1996, accumulating expertise in robotics, spacewalk operations, and shuttle systems integration. During STS-117, Forrester led extravehicular activities (EVAs) for truss installation, performing EVA-2 (7 hours 16 minutes) and EVA-4 (6 hours 29 minutes) alongside Swanson to remove solar array locks, deploy mechanisms, and connect power and data cables to the new truss segment. His prior truss assembly experience from STS-105 enhanced the efficiency of these critical assembly tasks.[5] Steven R. Swanson, on his first spaceflight, brought engineering prowess as a mission specialist responsible for robotics operations and ISS power-up procedures. Born in 1960 in Syracuse, New York, and considering Steamboat Springs, Colorado, his hometown, Swanson held a B.S. in engineering physics from the University of Colorado, an M.S. in computer systems from Florida Atlantic University, and a Ph.D. in computer science from Texas A&M University. Prior to NASA, he worked as a software engineer at GTE, developing real-time systems, and joined the agency in 1989, contributing to Shuttle Training Aircraft enhancements and serving as a CAPCOM. Selected as an astronaut in 1998, Swanson's background in rendezvous procedures and robotics was pivotal; during STS-117, he operated the shuttle's robotic arm to berth the 35,000-pound truss payload and conducted EVAs 2 and 4 with Forrester, totaling 13 hours 45 minutes, to activate solar arrays and reconfigure power systems. His contributions ensured seamless integration of the new power modules, boosting the station's electrical capacity.[6] John D. Olivas, a materials scientist and engineer on his debut flight, provided EVA support and handled payload integration as a mission specialist. Born in 1966 in North Hollywood, California, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Olivas obtained a B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Houston, respectively, followed by a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University. His pre-NASA career included roles at Dow Chemical and NASA's Johnson Space Center, where he researched space suit materials and microelectronics reliability, earning six U.S. patents and multiple NASA awards. Selected in 1998, Olivas led the Robotics Branch and supported EVA development; on STS-117, he performed EVA-1 (6 hours 15 minutes) and EVA-3 (7 hours 58 minutes) with Reilly, repairing a thermal blanket on the shuttle, retracting the old P6 solar array truss, and installing fluid lines and connectors on the new S3/S4 segment. His materials expertise facilitated the first on-orbit repair of shuttle thermal protection, preventing potential mission risks.[7] James F. Reilly II, a geologist serving as backup EVA crew and science officer on his third flight, had prior missions on STS-89 in 1998 and STS-104 in 2001. Born in 1954 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and hailing from Mesquite, Texas, Reilly earned a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in geosciences from the University of Texas at Dallas. A U.S. Navy Reserve officer and exploration geologist with experience in Antarctic fieldwork and deep submergence vehicles, he joined NASA in 1995 after a career in oil and gas exploration, specializing in stable isotope geochronology and imaging technologies. During STS-117, Reilly conducted EVAs 1 and 3 with Olivas, totaling 14 hours 13 minutes, to bolt the S3/S4 truss to the station, deploy radiators, and connect oxygen recharge systems, while also overseeing scientific payload handling, including geological sample analysis for station artifacts. His expertise in sample handling supported post-mission evaluations of materials exposed to space environments. Reilly retired from NASA in 2008 after logging 853 hours in space across five EVAs.[8] Clayton C. Anderson, an aerospace engineer on his first spaceflight, served as a mission specialist responsible for payload operations and crew interface coordinator for the ISS. Born on February 23, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska, and considering Ashland his hometown, Anderson earned a B.S. in physics from Hastings College in 1981 and an M.S. in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University in 1983. Before joining NASA in 1985 as a mechanical engineer supporting the space station program, he worked at General Dynamics on structural analysis and thermal protection systems. Selected as an astronaut in 1998, Anderson trained in robotics, EVA, and rendezvous operations; during STS-117, he assisted with truss berthing using the shuttle's robotic arm, transferred supplies to the ISS, and prepared for his six-month residency as flight engineer for Expeditions 15 and 16, replacing Sunita Williams. His role included activating new power systems and conducting joint crew activities to ensure smooth handover.[9]Crew Notes
The STS-117 mission facilitated a key crew rotation for the International Space Station, with NASA astronaut Clayton C. Anderson launching aboard Atlantis to become a flight engineer for Expedition 15, while Expedition 14/15 flight engineer Sunita L. Williams returned to Earth with the shuttle crew after completing a 195-day stay on the station.[1][10] Seat assignments for the Atlantis launch positioned Commander Frederick W. Sturckow in the flight deck commander seat (Seat 1), Pilot Lee J. Archambault in the pilot seat (Seat 2), and Mission Specialist Patrick G. Forrester in the flight engineer seat (Seat 3), with the remaining mission specialists—Steven R. Swanson (Seat 4), John D. Olivas (Seat 5), James F. Reilly II (Seat 6), and Clayton C. Anderson (Seat 7)—occupying mid-deck positions.[10] In preparation for the mission, the STS-117 crew underwent standard pre-flight quarantine protocols approximately one week prior to launch to minimize the risk of infectious illnesses, a routine measure for shuttle missions to ensure crew health during the high-stress ascent phase. EVA crew members Forrester, Swanson, Olivas, and Reilly participated in extensive cross-training at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, enabling them to support each other's primary tasks during the four planned spacewalks, such as truss installation and solar array retraction. The seven launch crew members collectively brought substantial experience, including over 1,500 hours of prior spaceflight time from five previous shuttle missions among Sturckow, Forrester, and Reilly.[11][12] The inclusion of Williams in the returning crew marked a notable aspect of gender diversity for STS-117, as she became the first woman to complete an extended ISS residency exceeding six months, highlighting NASA's ongoing integration of mixed-gender teams in long-duration spaceflight operations.[1]Mission Overview
Background
STS-117 marked the 28th spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the 117th mission in NASA's Space Shuttle program. It launched on June 8, 2007, at 7:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, initiating an 11-day mission designated as assembly flight 13A to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission followed the successful resumption of shuttle operations after the 2003 Columbia disaster, with STS-117 representing a key step in restoring the cadence of ISS construction flights.[11] In the context of ISS assembly, STS-117 delivered and installed the S3/S4 integrated truss segment, a 17.5-ton structure that extended the starboard side of the station's integrated truss structure (ITS), completing the primary starboard power arm. This installation built directly on the prior addition of the P5 spacer during STS-116 in December 2006, advancing the backbone of the ISS power and thermal control systems. The truss included photovoltaic arrays and mechanisms essential for enhancing the station's structural integrity and energy generation capabilities.[11][13] The mission occurred amid NASA's post-Return to Flight efforts, following the successful test flights of STS-114 in 2005 and STS-121 in 2006, which incorporated extensive safety modifications and lessons from the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. With the Space Shuttle program slated for retirement by 2010 to shift resources toward the Constellation program, STS-117 aimed to accelerate ISS assembly to meet international commitments before the shuttle's phase-out. A core objective was to add approximately 66 kilowatts of power generation capacity through the new solar arrays on the S3/S4 truss, thereby enabling the integration of future laboratory modules and supporting sustained human presence and research operations aboard the ISS.[11][14]Objectives
The primary objective of STS-117 was to deliver and install the integrated truss segments S3 and S4, weighing 17.5 tons, on the starboard side of the International Space Station's main truss structure. This installation was planned to be achieved using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS, or Canadarm2) for positioning the truss segment and three extravehicular activities (EVAs), each lasting approximately 6.5 hours, to secure electrical power, data, and thermal control connections.[11] The S3/S4 addition formed a key milestone in the ISS assembly sequence by extending the station's integrated truss and enhancing its overall power distribution capabilities.[1] Secondary objectives focused on operational enhancements to the station's power systems, including the deployment of the solar arrays attached to the S3/S4 truss—measuring 240 feet in length and capable of generating up to 66 kilowatts—to increase electrical output for ISS operations. The crew was also tasked with retracting the existing P6 starboard solar array (designated 2B) and one photovoltaic radiator to prepare for their relocation during a subsequent mission. Additionally, the mission included a standard crew rotation, with NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson transferring to the ISS as a flight engineer for Expedition 15, replacing Sunita Williams who returned aboard Atlantis.[11] Among the supporting science and maintenance tasks, the crew planned to perform ammonia tank sampling as part of servicing the active thermal control system on the newly installed truss, conduct detailed inspections of ISS hardware to verify structural and systems integrity, and facilitate educational outreach through an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with students on Earth. These activities aimed to support ongoing station maintenance and public engagement with space exploration. Success metrics for the mission centered on the complete activation of the S3/S4 truss, including successful power channel handovers and integration into the station's electrical system, all without procedural delays or anomalies.[11]Payload
Truss Segments
The S3 and S4 truss segments formed the primary structural payload of the STS-117 mission, delivered as an integrated unit to expand the International Space Station's (ISS) starboard truss backbone.[11] This combined assembly, known as S3/S4, measured approximately 13.7 meters (45 feet) in length, 4.96 meters (16 feet 3.4 inches) in width, and 4.63 meters (15 feet 2.3 inches) in height, with a total mass of 16,183 kilograms (35,678 pounds).[11][15] Constructed primarily from aluminum in a hexagonal framework, the segments were designed by The Boeing Company to provide structural support for future solar array installations and thermal management systems, ensuring compatibility with the Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) carts for ongoing maintenance and mobility along the truss.[11] The integrated S3/S4 assembly incorporated a Photovoltaic Radiator (PVR) for heat dissipation on the S4 segment, weighing 741 kilograms (1,633 pounds) and spanning 13.4 meters by 3.7 meters (44 feet by 12 feet) when deployed, capable of rejecting up to 14 kilowatts of thermal energy from the station's electrical systems.[11] The Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ), located between the S3 and S4 segments, is a 3.2-meter (10.5-foot) diameter mechanism weighing 1,134 kilograms (2,500 pounds) that enabled 360-degree rotation of attached solar arrays to track the Sun.[11] Both segments included Beta Gimbal Assemblies (BGAs), compact units measuring about 3 cubic feet (0.085 cubic meters) each, which allowed precise orientation of the solar arrays relative to the SARJ for optimal power generation.[11] The S3/S4 assembly was transported vertically in the Space Shuttle Atlantis's payload bay, secured for launch and protected during ascent.[11] Once in orbit, it was unberthed using the shuttle's Remote Manipulator System (robotic arm) and handed off to the ISS's Canadarm2 for attachment to the existing S1 truss segment on the starboard side, completing the integrated truss structure's expansion without altering the station's overall mass distribution significantly.[11] This design emphasized modularity, with integrated electronics and wiring harnesses pre-installed to minimize on-orbit assembly complexity.[11]Solar Arrays and Mechanisms
The S3/S4 truss segments delivered by STS-117 included a pair of solar array wings (SAWs) mounted on the S4 photovoltaic module, consisting of four photovoltaic blankets each measuring approximately 34 meters in length. These arrays utilized silicon-based solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, with each SAW generating about 32 kilowatts at the beginning of life, for a combined output of roughly 64 kilowatts from the pair. The design incorporated lightweight, flexible blankets folded into mast canisters for launch and equipped with motorized deployment mechanisms that extended the arrays sequentially via interlocking battens, ensuring controlled unfolding in orbit.[11][16] A key aspect of the mission involved the partial retraction of the existing P6 solar array, originally installed in 2000, to prepare it for relocation to an outboard position on the S4 truss. This process reduced the P6 array from its full extension of 31.5 bays to 19 bays, using automated motorized systems to fold the blankets one bay at a time, with contingency spacewalk support available if snags occurred. The retraction enhanced station power management by allowing the new S3/S4 arrays to track the sun more efficiently without interference.[11] The S3/S4 assembly featured a Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ), a 3.2-meter-diameter bearing assembly located between the S3 and S4 segments that enabled 360-degree continuous rotation of the solar arrays at approximately 0.04 degrees per second to maintain optimal sun orientation as the ISS orbited Earth. Complementing the SARJ were Beta Gimbal Assemblies (BGAs), dual motorized joints—one at the inboard and one at the outboard end of each SAW—that provided pitch adjustments up to 180 degrees for fine-tuning array tilt relative to the orbital plane. Launch restraints on the SARJ and BGAs were removed during extravehicular activities, with torque multipliers used to unlock mechanisms safely.[11][16] Activation of the solar arrays began shortly after S3/S4 installation, with power cables connected during the first spacewalk on flight day 4. The arrays achieved full extension through a multi-step deployment on flight day 5, starting with the release of the SARJ locks, followed by mast extension and blanket unfolding over several hours, culminating in operational sun-tracking by the end of that day. This process increased the ISS's total power capacity by over 60 kilowatts, supporting expanded laboratory operations and future truss additions.[11]Additional Components
The STS-117 mission transported and facilitated the installation of several secondary components to support International Space Station (ISS) operations and scientific research. A primary additional item was the Hydrogen Vent Valve, carried in Atlantis's middeck and installed by mission specialist James F. Reilly II during Extravehicular Activity 3 on flight day 8 in the Destiny laboratory module. This valve, part of the upgraded Oxygen Generation System, enables efficient venting of excess hydrogen byproduct overboard through the Quest Joint Airlock, reducing the need for crew intervention and enhancing overall system reliability.[11][1] Historical artifacts carried aboard Atlantis included a U.S. flag, mission medallion, and a special medal honoring a World War II pilot who perished in service, symbolizing connections between space exploration and national history. These items were transported to the ISS for display and later return, underscoring the mission's role in preserving commemorative elements.[17] Educational payloads featured the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert-01 (CSI-01), which included two microgravity experiments—one on wheat seed germination and another on nematode worm development—designed for hands-on analysis by middle school students in the United States and Malaysia upon return. This initiative promoted STEM engagement by demonstrating biological responses in space.[11] Crew-related equipment encompassed customized seat liners for installation in the Soyuz emergency return vehicle to accommodate incoming station resident Clayton C. Anderson, along with personal hygiene items, clothing, and tools for the astronauts. The total mass of these secondary middeck payloads, including the vent valve and experiments, approximated 500 kg, secured within the shuttle's forward compartments alongside the primary cargo.[11]Pre-Launch Preparation
Atlantis Processing
Following the completion of STS-115 on September 21, 2006, Space Shuttle Atlantis was towed to Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to begin post-flight turnaround and refurbishment for the STS-117 mission.[11] Technicians conducted routine disassembly of flight hardware, including removal of the three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) for detailed inspections and performance testing at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.[11] The thermal protection system underwent comprehensive tile inspections to verify structural integrity and adhesion, ensuring readiness for orbital re-entry.[11] Avionics systems were upgraded with post-Columbia safety enhancements, including advanced sensors for real-time monitoring of the wing leading edges and reinforced carbon-carbon components during ascent and descent.[18] The refurbished SSMEs were reinstalled after certification, completing the propulsion turnaround.[11] Processing in the OPF, which commenced in October 2006, focused on these maintenance tasks to restore Atlantis to flight configuration.[11] Payload integration occurred in High Bay 2 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the S3 and S4 integrated truss segments—comprising structural elements, photovoltaic arrays, and radiator components—were securely loaded into Atlantis's payload bay for delivery to the International Space Station.[11] On February 7, 2007, Atlantis rolled out of the OPF to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where it was lifted and mated to its External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters on the mobile launcher platform.[19] Overall processing, spanning from October 2006 to June 2007 and including post-hail repairs, prepared Atlantis for its role in ISS assembly.[11]Damage and Repairs
On February 26, 2007, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by hail and high winds of up to 62 knots struck Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, where Space Shuttle Atlantis and its External Tank ET-124 were stacked for STS-117 preparations. The hail, ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 inches in diameter, caused minor surface damage to approximately 26 thermal protection tiles on Atlantis's left wing, primarily from ricocheting impacts through the rotating service structure. No significant damage was found to the reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) panels on the wing leading edges following thermographic inspections.[20][21][22] Engineers conducted detailed assessments of the orbiter and tank to evaluate the extent of the impacts. Visual and tactile inspections identified the tile dings, while thermography confirmed no subsurface damage to the RCC panels. For the external tank, thousands of foam divots were documented, with ultrasonic scans applied to components like the GH2 pressurization line fairing and intertank access door revealing no critical structural compromises to the foam insulation; the assessments deemed all sites acceptable for flight after repair. No hail penetration reached vital areas that could lead to debris shedding during ascent.[21][23] Repairs to Atlantis focused on the affected thermal protection system tiles, involving cleaning, filling, and replacement with high-temperature reusable surface insulation (HRSI) material where surface integrity was compromised, ensuring re-entry heat resistance. The external tank repairs addressed over 2,000 impact sites through methods including sanding and blending at 888 locations, protuberance-induced debris limiter (PDL) filler applications at more than 1,000 sites, and BX-265 foam spraying at 450 areas, all completed without altering the mission timeline. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center reviewed and approved the ET-124 configuration for flight, with orbiter tile work and tank modifications finalized by late May 2007, allowing the stack to return to the pad on May 15.[23][20] This event highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities in the Space Shuttle program's thermal protection systems to environmental hazards, reinforcing post-Columbia disaster emphases on rigorous inspections and repairs to prevent foam or tile debris risks during launch. The successful resolution without launch delays demonstrated improvements in damage assessment protocols but underscored the fleet's sensitivity as it approached retirement.[22]Launch Delays
The countdown for STS-117 began at T-minus 43 hours on June 5, 2007, coinciding with the start of external tank loading operations at Launch Pad 39A.[11] This hold allowed teams to fill the tank with approximately 1.6 million pounds of super-cooled liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellant under strict safety protocols.[11] The mission experienced a final scrub on June 7 due to unfavorable weather conditions, including concerns over upper-level winds and cloud cover that violated launch commit criteria.[11] These factors posed risks to the vehicle's structural integrity during ascent and visibility for transatlantic abort landing sites, prompting NASA to postpone the liftoff by one day.[11] A contingency launch opportunity was prepared for June 10 if issues persisted.[11] Final systems checks included a successful SSME static fire test on June 3, 2007, during which the engines ignited for approximately two seconds on the launch pad to confirm operational reliability.[11] Following the resolution of weather concerns, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off successfully on June 8, 2007, at 23:38 UTC (7:38 p.m. EDT) from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A.[1] The ascent was nominal, with no anomalies reported during the solid rocket booster burn or main engine cutoff.[1] Approximately 10 minutes after liftoff, the Orbital Maneuvering System-2 (OMS-2) burn was performed, circularizing the orbit at an inclination of 51.6 degrees to match the International Space Station's trajectory.[11]Mission Timeline
Launch
The Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT (23:38:04 UTC) on June 8, 2007, initiating the STS-117 mission to the International Space Station. The ascent proceeded nominally, with the two solid rocket boosters igniting simultaneously with the three space shuttle main engines at T+0 to generate liftoff thrust exceeding 7 million pounds. The boosters separated at approximately T+2 minutes 6 seconds after burnout, while the main engines continued firing, drawing propellants from the external tank. External tank separation occurred at T+8 minutes 15 seconds, followed immediately by main engine cutoff at T+8 minutes 30 seconds, marking successful orbital insertion after a velocity of about 17,500 mph (28,200 km/h) was achieved.[11] Approximately two hours after main engine cutoff, the crew opened Atlantis's payload bay doors to expose radiators for active thermal control, a standard procedure to regulate the orbiter's temperature in the vacuum of space. Initial post-ascent systems checks confirmed the health of critical flight hardware, including the orbital maneuvering system engines used for fine-tuning the trajectory.[24] Preliminary scans of the wing leading edges and nose cap using onboard cameras and sensors showed no evidence of debris impacts or damage to the thermal protection system, indicating a clean ascent free of significant foam shedding or other anomalies from the external tank. These early assessments were part of enhanced inspection protocols implemented since the STS-107 accident. Atlantis achieved an initial low Earth orbit with an altitude of approximately 346 km, an inclination of 51.6 degrees, and an orbital period of 91 minutes, setting the stage for rendezvous operations with the station.[1][11]Docking and Early Orbit
Following its launch on June 8, 2007, Space Shuttle Atlantis achieved orbit insertion and began the rendezvous sequence with the International Space Station (ISS). On flight day 3, June 10, 2007, the crew performed a series of rendezvous burns, culminating in the Terminal Initiation burn approximately 2.5 hours prior to docking. Atlantis approached the ISS from below and to the rear, executing the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver at about 600 feet to allow station crew members to photograph the orbiter's thermal protection system. Docking occurred successfully at 19:36 UTC to the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) on the Harmony node, with Commander Rick Sturckow manually guiding the final approach at a closure rate of roughly 0.1 feet per second.[10][25] After docking, the crews conducted leak checks to verify the integrity of the connection between the two spacecraft. Pressurization of the docking tunnel was completed without anomalies, and the hatch between Atlantis and the ISS was opened at approximately 21:04 UTC, enabling the STS-117 crew to enter the station. Expedition 15 Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov and Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin welcomed the shuttle crew with handshakes and hugs, marking the start of joint operations. Shortly thereafter, STS-117 Mission Specialist Clayton Anderson transferred to the ISS crew, officially beginning his six-month stay as part of Expedition 15; in exchange, Sunita Williams prepared to return to Earth after 195 days aboard the station. Anderson's Soyuz seat liner was installed by 00:55 UTC on June 11 to facilitate the crew swap.[25][11] Early orbit activities included a late inspection of Atlantis's thermal protection system (TPS) on flight day 2, June 9, 2007, using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System to scan the wings, nose cap, and underbelly for any launch-related damage. The inspection, which employed updated procedures for efficiency, revealed no significant issues or debris impacts requiring repair. Joint operations commenced with safety briefings for the combined crews, covering emergency procedures and station protocols during the handover period. Additionally, initial power checks were performed on ISS systems in preparation for the upcoming transfer of the S3/S4 truss segment, ensuring compatibility between shuttle and station electrical channels before the handover via the Canadarm2, completed at 00:28 UTC on June 11.[26][25][11]Flight Days 4-10
On flight day 4, June 11, 2007, the crew of Space Shuttle Atlantis, in coordination with the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 14 team, transferred the S3/S4 integrated truss segment from the shuttle's payload bay to the station's Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). The shuttle's Canadarm2 grappled the truss and handed it off to the SSRMS for precise positioning and attachment to the existing S1 truss segment, marking a key step in expanding the ISS's starboard power truss structure.[11] The following day, on June 12, ground controllers commanded the deployment of the solar array wings attached to the newly installed S3/S4 truss, unfurling the four panels to their full 115-foot span to generate additional electrical power for the station. This activation included unlocking the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) to allow the arrays to track the sun, boosting the ISS's power capacity by approximately 15 kilowatts per channel. Concurrently, preparations began for retracting the older P6 starboard solar array wing, with partial folding initiated from inside Atlantis on June 13 and continuing through June 15, reducing its length in stages to facilitate its future relocation during subsequent missions.[1][11] Throughout flight days 4 through 10, the combined crews conducted extensive internal operations, including the transfer of approximately 2,500 kilograms of supplies, equipment, and scientific payloads from Atlantis to the ISS, while returning about 1,800 kilograms of items, such as used hardware and experiment samples, to the shuttle. Key tasks encompassed sampling the ISS's ammonia coolant system to verify the integrity of the thermal control loops and retrieving the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) passive exposure samples from the Quest airlock, which had been exposed to the space environment for analysis of material degradation. These activities supported ongoing station maintenance and research objectives without interrupting the primary construction efforts.[11][27] Crew off-duty periods were scheduled periodically, including a full rest day on flight day 7, June 14, to allow recovery amid the demanding timeline. Additionally, during focused inspections on flight day 5, a 4-inch by 6-inch section of thermal blanket on Atlantis's port Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod was observed to be protruding; this issue was noted for resolution via spacewalk procedures later in the mission, ensuring the shuttle's thermal protection for re-entry.[1][11]Undocking and Re-entry
Atlantis undocked from the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 on the International Space Station at 14:42 UTC on June 19, 2007, after completing all joint operations and cargo transfers. The separation was initiated by opening hooks and latches, with springs providing the initial push away from the station, followed by activation of the shuttle's reaction control system jets once a safe distance was achieved. Following undocking, the crew executed a flyaround maneuver at approximately 450 feet (140 meters) to photograph the station's updated configuration, including the newly installed S3/S4 truss segment and solar arrays, providing valuable documentation for ground teams.[28][10] On flight day 13, June 20, the Atlantis crew focused on re-entry preparations, conducting detailed inspections of the orbiter's thermal protection system using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System to scan the wings and nose cap for any potential damage. These late-mission checks, performed at a distance of about 46 miles (74 kilometers) from the station, confirmed the heat shield's integrity following the mission's activities. The crew also began payload bay reconfiguration, stowing equipment, securing loose items, and testing flight control surfaces and steering jets to ensure readiness for atmospheric re-entry.[28][11] The planned landing on June 21 was scrubbed due to marginal weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center, including low cloud cover and showers within 30 nautical miles (56 kilometers) of the runway, violating NASA's weather constraints. This one-day extension allowed additional systems checks and preparation time. On June 22, Atlantis performed its deorbit burn at 18:43 UTC, which lowered the orbit from approximately 333 by 354 kilometers to set up the re-entry trajectory. The shuttle touched down at Edwards Air Force Base's Runway 22 at 19:49 UTC, concluding the 13-day mission after covering 5.8 million miles (9.3 million kilometers).[29][28][30]Landing
Atlantis began its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere following a deorbit burn executed approximately 58 minutes prior to touchdown, with entry interface occurring at an altitude of 122 kilometers (400,000 feet). During the plasma sheath phase, the orbiter experienced peak aerodynamic heating and deceleration forces reaching up to 3 g, while the thermal protection system functioned without any detected anomalies.[31][1] The orbiter touched down on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base, California, at 19:49:38 UTC (12:49 p.m. PDT) on June 22, 2007, concluding a mission duration of 13 days, 20 hours, 12 minutes, and 44 seconds. Main landing gear contact was followed by nose gear touchdown at 19:49:49 UTC and wheel stop at 19:50:48 UTC, with the diversion from Kennedy Space Center necessitated by marginal weather there.[1][28] Deceleration during rollout relied on aerodynamic drag, wheel braking, and deployment of the 40-foot drag chute, achieving a nominal stopping distance of approximately 3,000 meters. Post-landing, the seven-member crew exited the vehicle and received routine medical evaluations to monitor their health after extended microgravity exposure. Atlantis underwent safing procedures, including system power-down and removal of residual propellants, before being prepared for ferry operations. The orbiter was subsequently mated to NASA 905, a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and departed Edwards on July 1, 2007, arriving at Kennedy Space Center on July 3, 2007, following refueling stops and weather-related delays.[32][33][28]Extravehicular Activities
EVA Objectives
The STS-117 mission featured four extravehicular activities (EVAs), totaling 27 hours and 58 minutes, which were essential for advancing the International Space Station's (ISS) structural and power systems.[1] These spacewalks primarily focused on installing the S3/S4 integrated truss segment, preparing new solar arrays for deployment, and addressing repair tasks to enhance station functionality.[11] The EVAs represented a critical phase in the ISS assembly sequence, building on prior missions by completing the starboard truss backbone and optimizing power generation capabilities.[1] Crew pairings for the EVAs were strategically assigned based on expertise in spacewalking and engineering tasks: EVA-1 and EVA-3 by Mission Specialists James F. Reilly II and John D. "Danny" Olivas, EVA-2 by Mission Specialists Patrick G. Forrester and Steven R. Swanson, and EVA-4 by Forrester and Swanson.[1] This distribution allowed for efficient task rotation while leveraging the four mission specialists' combined experience of over a dozen prior EVAs.[11] All spacewalks were staged from the Quest Joint Airlock, using two Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) equipped with the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) jet backpack for mobility and safety, along with specialized tool caddies containing items like pistol grip tools, torque multipliers, and cable connectors.[1][11] The objectives followed a clear hierarchy to prioritize mission-critical progress: first, structural attachment of the 17.5-ton S3/S4 truss to the existing S1 truss using robotic arm support and manual bolt securing; second, power system activation through electrical cable connections and release of the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) launch locks; and third, contingency repairs such as retracting segments of the P6 solar array, installing a new oxygen vent valve, and repairing thermal protection blankets.[11][1] This sequenced approach ensured the truss hardware—comprising radiator panels and photovoltaic arrays—was securely integrated before activating the station's enhanced power grid, which increased the station's power generation capacity by approximately 66 kilowatts upon completion.[11] The fourth EVA, added via a two-day mission extension, addressed get-ahead tasks like verifying SARJ lubrication and installing additional cameras, underscoring the flexibility in EVA planning to mitigate risks and maximize contributions to ISS operations.[1]EVA Summaries
The first extravehicular activity (EVA-1) of the STS-117 mission occurred on June 11, 2007, lasting 6 hours and 15 minutes, with mission specialists James F. Reilly II and John D. Olivas serving as the spacewalkers. The primary tasks involved the final attachment of the S3/S4 truss segment to the S1 truss, including bolting the structures together and connecting electrical umbilicals and power/data cables to activate the new solar arrays. Reilly and Olivas successfully removed six launch locks from the solar alpha rotary joint (SARJ) and prepared the truss for deployment, enhancing the International Space Station's power generation capacity. The EVA was delayed by approximately one hour due to a temporary loss of station attitude control caused by control moment gyroscopes going offline during the truss attachment process.[28][34] EVA-2 took place on June 13, 2007, for 7 hours and 16 minutes, conducted by mission specialists Patrick G. Forrester and Steven R. Swanson. The crew removed the remaining launch locks on the starboard SARJ to enable its rotation for optimal solar array positioning and assisted in the initial retraction of the P6 truss solar array, successfully folding 13 of its 31.5 bays to prepare for relocation. They also attempted to install a drive-lock assembly but aborted the task due to a command conflict, confirming the joint's safe configuration instead. Minor issues with tool tethers were encountered but did not significantly impact progress. These efforts advanced the reconfiguration of the station's power systems.[28][34] On June 15, 2007, EVA-3 lasted 7 hours and 58 minutes, with Olivas and Reilly returning to space. In addition to installing a hydrogen vent valve on the Destiny laboratory, the spacewalkers performed an impromptu repair on a torn thermal blanket over the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod on the shuttle Atlantis, securing a 4-by-6-inch section with a custom stitch to prevent debris risks during re-entry. This repair extended the EVA duration but was completed successfully. They also contributed to completing the P6 solar array retraction by entering 45 commands, fully folding the structure for its upcoming repositioning. The tasks ensured the station's structural integrity and shuttle safety.[28][34] The final EVA-4 on June 17, 2007, ran for 6 hours and 29 minutes, again with Forrester and Swanson outside. The crew retrieved and installed a television camera on the S3 truss for better monitoring of solar array operations, removed the last restraints on the SARJ, and verified the drive-lock mechanism. Additional get-ahead work included installing a local area network cable and using tethered hooks to prepare debris shields. Minor fastener issues arose during restraint removal but were resolved without major delays. This spacewalk finalized preparations for the SARJ's operational testing and truss reconfiguration.[28][34]Mission Elements
Wake-up Calls
The wake-up call tradition, a longstanding NASA practice to boost astronaut morale and foster a sense of connection with Earth, originated during the Gemini program with the uplink of "Hello, Dolly!" by Jack Jones to Gemini 6A in 1965 and continued through the Apollo era before becoming a staple of Space Shuttle missions starting with STS-2 in 1981.[35] These musical selections, typically played each morning by Mission Control in Houston, are chosen by the crew members' families, friends, or the astronauts themselves to provide motivation and personalization during the rigors of spaceflight.[35] For STS-117, which launched on June 8, 2007, aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis, the 14 wake-up calls spanned from Flight Day 2 through landing day, each dedicated to a specific crew member to celebrate personal milestones, alma maters, or shared inspirations. The selections drew from a diverse range of genres, including country, rock, classical themes, and fight songs, reflecting the crew's varied backgrounds. For instance, Pilot Lee Archambault, on his first spaceflight, received "Questions 67 and 68" by Chicago early in the mission and "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" by Chicago later, both evoking themes of aspiration and resilience.[35] The full list of wake-up calls for STS-117 is as follows:| Date | Flight Day | Song Title | Artist/Performer | Dedication To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2007 | 2 | "Big Boy Toys" | Aaron Tippin | Commander Rick Sturckow |
| June 10, 2007 | 3 | "Riding the Sky" | David Kelldorf and Brad Loveall (JSC employees) | Mission Specialist Clayton Anderson |
| June 11, 2007 | 4 | "It Probably Always Will" | Ozark Mountain Daredevils | Mission Specialist Steven Swanson |
| June 12, 2007 | 5 | "What a Wonderful World" | Louis Armstrong | Mission Specialist Danny Olivas |
| June 13, 2007 | 6 | "Questions 67 and 68" | Chicago | Pilot Lee Archambault |
| June 14, 2007 | 7 | "Indescribable" | Chris Tomlin | Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester |
| June 15, 2007 | 8 | "Radar Love" | Golden Earring | Mission Specialist Steven Swanson |
| June 16, 2007 | 9 | University of Texas at El Paso Fight Song | UTEP Pep Band | Mission Specialist Danny Olivas |
| June 17, 2007 | 10 | Theme from "Band of Brothers" | (Instrumental) | Mission Specialist Jim Reilly |
| June 18, 2007 | 11 | "Redeemer" | Nicole C. Mullen | Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester |
| June 19, 2007 | 12 | "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" | Chicago | Pilot Lee Archambault |
| June 20, 2007 | 13 | "If I Had $1,000,000" | Barenaked Ladies | Mission Specialist Suni Williams |
| June 21, 2007 | 14 | "Makin' Good Time Coming Home" | John Arthur Martinez | Commander Rick Sturckow and Mission Specialist Jim Reilly |
| June 22, 2007 | Landing | "The Marines' Hymn" | (Traditional) | Commander Rick Sturckow |