STS-121: Discovery Post Flight Readiness Review Briefing
This post Flight Readiness Review (FRR) briefing begins with NASA Press Secretary Dean Acosta, introducing the panel who consist of: NASA Administrator, Dr. Michael Griffin; Associate Administrator for Space Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier; Space Shuttle Program Manager, Wayne Hale; and NASA Launch director, Mike Leinbach. The discussion begins with Dr. Michael Griffin, who expresses his gladness to be a part of the FRR. Bill Gerstenmaier talks about how they were very thorough about the subjects reviewed and that they wanted to make sure that they were ready to fly. He discusses and presents two slides. The first slide is a description of the LO2 intertank and LH2 ice/frost ramps staging location and the second are the top ten LH2 Ice/Frost Ramp Foam Loss events. Wayne Hale gives his thoughts on the human element that came into play during the FRRs. He talks about the willingness of everyone to speak their mind, instead of giving short comments. He expressed that this element is a huge step forward for NASA. Mike Leinbach reports on the processing of the vehicle and expresses that everything is going well and there is nothing to prohibit the launch. He also gives a good report on Atlantis, in case there is a need to use the vehicle. This FRR briefing ends with a short question and answer period from the press on topics such as debris, foam loss, ice/frost ramp redesign, crew risks, and launch date.