Launch Countdown Simulation

Today we performed S0044 -- "Launch Countdown Simulation" for STS-122. During S0044 the launch team for each group sits on console and the countdown clock is started at T-20 minutes. The teams watch their simulated status and report any problems which occur and have to give a recommendation on holding the clock at the next milestone (usually T-9 minutes), scrub the launch if the problem cannot be resolved, or to decide if the problem will not inhibit launch or countdown.

For the APU team, there was a fuel pressure sensor which failed but a troubleshooting plan corrected the problem and there was no need to hold the countdown. For the SRB Hydraulics team, something similar happened but they would have had to scrub the launch because a technician would have had to enter the aft skirt of the SRB to assess the problem.

There are two sessions of S0044, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The prime launch team comes in for the morning run where there is also a bonus round where they just dish out issues with your group but there is no troubleshooting. Just a decision on whether you would still be good for launch or not. The afternoon is used more for training for those that are not on the prime launch team (like myself!).