#Project Constellation

[lonestarflight]

The complete Shuttle Fleet AU

This is just my thoughts about how things might align for Enterprise to be refitted into an operational shuttle. This comes after reading a lot of the behind the scenes decisions and abandoned plans NASA had over the last 40 years. I only listed major events.

It wasn't meant to be this long but I hyperfocused too much on it one morning. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it.

• 1972: NASA started the Space Shuttle Program.

• OV-101 Enterprise: same rollout and testing as our timeline in 1976-77

•STA-099: delivered to Lockheed for structural load tests to simulate the launch and re-entry of an operational orbiter in February 1978.

• Point of divergent: The decision to use STA-099 instead of OV-101 as the second operational orbiter came too late as the frame was already tested to 90% stress load. At this point, it would be too costly to repair and bring it back inline. It was decided to continue testing to destruction (as was originally planned in our timeline), although some parts are removed to be refurbished for OV-103.

• OV-102 Columbia completed and rolled out in March 1980. (NASA doesn't relocate Columbia to KSC in March 1979 in an attempt to speed up her tile installation, which only delayed her completion).

•STS-1 is launched in December 1980 (instead of April 1981)

• NASA gives the go ahead to add Enterprise to the fleet and have her rebuilt after Congress increases their budget, but the work would start once OV-104 is completed.

• 1981: long led items for Enterprise's rebuild are started. This includes a new crew pressure vessel and a new aft-fuselage.

• OV-103, starts earlier and it's production is accelerated with parts salvaged from STA-099 (such as the forward fuselage upper section, elevons and vertical stabilizer). Construction completed in 1982 and christened Challenger.

source

• 1983: STS-7 is Challenger's maiden mission. Onboard is Sally Ride.

• 1983: OV-104 is competed and christened Discovery.

source

• STS-12 is Discovery's first mission.

Note: NASA never uses the STS-41-D format. Where the first digit indicating the federal fiscal year, second digit indicating the launch site (1 was Kennedy Space Center and 2 was Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base), and the letter indicating scheduling sequence. This was due NASA Administrator James M. Beggs's triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). In this timeline, the assistant admins were able to talk him out of it and simply skip STS-13.

• 1983: Enterprise is returned to Palmdale for her disassembled and rebuild. As a weight saving measure her mid-fuselage is returned to Convair for a complete rebuild to bring it inline with OV-103 and OV-104.

source

• 1985: at long last, Enterprise is rolled out and joins the fleet. She weighs about the same as Columbia despite weight saving implemented during her rebuild.

• 1985: Columbia is returned to Palmdale for refurbishment and to remove testing equipment (most notable is the ejection seats). This sees her thermal protection system revised and her 32,000 tiles reduced to 24,300. Most are replaced by Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation blankets which was used on the other three orbiters.

• September 1985: STS-21 is Enterprise's first mission

• STS-25 (STS-51-L in our timeline) launches at a later date due to NASA management listening to the Engineers about icy conditions on January 26, 1986. NASA quietly orders the complete redesign of the Solid Rocket Boosters.

• May 1986: tragedy strikes OV-103 Challenger during STS-27, when the attempted launch of the Centaur carrying the Ulysses probe explodes killing all those onboard. (A real fear in our timeline.)

source

• The Shuttle fleet is grounded for a year, during the investigation. Ultimately the Investigation board concluds NASA was trying to do too much with too limited a system/funding and is used by the administration to demand a bigger budget. (It has less of an impact on the American psyche since it wasn't televised).

• The USAF cancels all Shuttle missions from Vandeberg Air Force Base. (Same as our timeline)

• With an increased budget, NASA agrees to Rockwell's offer to build two new orbiters for the price of one offer.

• 1986: Columbia is returned to NASA after her refurbishment. However, he is placed into storage with the rest of the fleet.

• 1987: return to flight with STS-28 with Discovery. Also first launch with the redesigned SRBs.

• 1988: NASA launches the Shuttle-C program (or Cargo Transportation System), an expendable unmanned cargo pod, using the existing shuttle hardware. The goal is to increase the number of launches by augmenting the Orbiters and reduce the risks to human lives.

•1988: STS-29 Atlantis suffers a foam strike during launch. Post flight analysis determines the foam came from the bipod connected the ET near the top to the front underside of the orbiter. The orbiter was nearly lost during re-entry if it weren't for the fact the strike happened to a tile that was over less critical areas and the missing tile was over a steel patch for an antenna, which gave extra protection to the spacecraft structure. NASA removes the foam from the bipod connection on all missions going forward.

• OV-105 is built from spares from Challenger and Discovery. Completed in 1990 and christened Atlantis. Her design is the first to include a glass cockpit and other improvements.

• 1991: STS-45 is Atlantis's first mission

• OV-106 is a complete to an slightly improved design, making her lighter and stronger than her sisters. Externally she looks the same. Completed in 1992 and is christened Endeavour.

source

- Structural spares are built to replace the ones used in Atlantis's construction and are designated OV-107.

• 1992: first launch of the Shuttle-C (CTS-1). Mission was a success, carrying a DoD payload.

Shuttle-C render by Nathan Koga for Space Flight Insider: link, link

• CTS-3: launches the Ulysses II probe

NASA image: link

• 1993: STS-59 is Endeavour's first mission

• Rockwell International merges with Lockheed to become Lockheed-Rockwell.

• December 1993: OV-101 Enterprise is retired due to being the oldest in the fleet. Endeavour takes her place in the fleet. Enterprise is given to the Smithsonian with the option of being recalled by NASA if needed.

• 1994: NASA launches the X-33 program to compliment the shuttle as an unmanned reusable launch vehicle (RLV) and replace the Shuttle-C.

• 1996: CTS-5 carries the first component of the International Space Station.

Artwork by okan170: link

•1996: the Shuttle-C program is cancelled to divert funds to the X-33 program.

• 1998: Lockheed-Rockwell design is selected over proposals from McDonnell-Douglas and Northrop-Grumman/Boeing

SDASM Archives: 08_00991

• 1998: NASA begins the X-38 CRV (Crew Return Vehicle) program. The CRV is designed to be a lifeboat for the ISS.

• 2001: X-33 RLV program is shelved due to technical challenges and budget cuts.

• 2003: STS-118, Columbia conducts her first (and only) mission to the International Space Station. While docked, it was discovered an ice strike damaged her reinforced carbon–carbon leading wing edge panel. The crew stays in the ISS a week while waiting for rescue from STS-119 Atlantis. NASA jerry-riggs an autopilot system to have Columbia re-enter the atmosphere unmanned after her leading edge was temporarily repaired. It was expected for her to burn up in the atmosphere and what remained to land in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. However, against all odds Columbia survives and lands at Edwards Air Force Base. Although her port land gear collapsed during breaking after tough down and caused additional damage to the batter shuttle.

• The crew of STS-118 ride back on STS-119 Atlantis and land in Kennedy Space Center.

• Unfortunately, the damage to Columbia is too extensive and she is retired. She is placed in storage at Palmdale, California.

• In the wake, NASA begins Project Constellation, with the goal being to complete the original space transportation system (STS) mission. Which was a reusable system to carry astronauts to the moon and beyond. NASA and the US calls on the international community to fund and build the components.

NASA ID: MSFC-70-PD-4085 B

• The ET is modified with a half shell to remove the risks of form/ice strikes and the Shuttle TPS is upgraded with the materials from the shelved X-33 program.

• OV-101 Enterprise is recalled by NASA to be the prototype of an unmanned shuttle and is given a thorough rebuild with newer and lighter wings and other components but entirely unmanned. Some joking refer to her as Enterprise-A, as a reference to Star Trek.

• NASA funds Lockheed-Rockwell to build OV-107, another uncrewed version, to augment Enterprise.

• The ISS construction continues but becomes a research/launching platform for missions to the moon and ultimately beyond

• 2004: the X-38 is launched on a liftover Shuttle-C, modified for lifting body, to the ISS (CTS-10).

source

Artwork by SpacePozzolo: link

• 2005: return to flight with STS-121 Discovery.

• 2008: first flight of Enterprise-A (CTS-11).

• 2008: the ISS is completed

Artwork by NanoRacks: link

• 2009: OV-107 construction is completed and christened Constitution. Her first flight happens later that year (CTS-16).

• 2009: NASA announces the rocket that will carry the components of the Constellation programs beyond Earth orbit will be called the SLS (Space Launch System). Boeing was selected to build the core stage. The SLS will used SSME at the end of their life's and newly constructed expendable versions. A third launch, pad 39C, will be constructed for the SLS.

• 2009: Lunar Transfer Vehicle (LTV, later renamed Orion) is used to transfer crews from LEO to Lunar orbit. Two components make up the vehicle. The crew section is to be built by NASA/CSA and the fuel/propulsion section built by the ESA. The SLS will be used to launch the fuel/propulsion section of the LTV.

- OV-101 and OV-107 are used to launch the crew section of the LTV. Which will rendezvous with the ISS.

- SLS Block II, an upgraded version, is use to launch the Gateway components. Gateway components will be built in the ESA and Japan.

- A Lunar space station, Gateway, launched and constructed in lunar orbit for Orion to rendezvous and house the Altair lunar lander. Three Orions are kept in orbit, one at each station in case of an emergency and a third in use.

• The first is find locations with abundant raw materials for fuel the future moonbase.

• 2010: NASA announces the X-50 SSTO Program and the Commercial Crew Program, with the goal of replacing the Shuttle (including the Enterprise and Constitution). The X-50 is the successor to the X-33.

• 2012: Lockheed-Rockwell is selected to build the X-50

• 2014: SpaceX Dragon and Sierra Space Dreamchaser are selected as part of the Commercial Crew Program.

• 2017: OV-104, OV-105 & OV-106 are retired when th Dreamchaser and SpaceX Dragon are brought online. List of each shuttle's last mission:

- STS-203 Discovery

- STS-204 Endeavour

- STS-205 Atlantis

• 2018: the maiden flight (CTS-70) of the X-50 Starlight (OV-201 Constellation)

• 2019: OV-101 is retired for the final time when the X-50 Starlight shuttles are brought online. OV-107 is kept in standby but eventually is turned over to a museum. List of their missions:

- CTS-74 Enterprise

- CTS-75 Constitution

• NASA has three operational Starlights. Spares are construction, OV-204.

-OV-201 Constellation

-OV-202 Columbia II

-OV-203 Adventure

• 2019: the first launch of the SLS was a success

Artwork by okan170: link

• 2020: the Space Shuttles are displayed in the following cities:

- OV-101 Enterprise: Space Center Houston

- OV-102 Columbia: California Science Center in Los Angeles, California (volunteers at Lockheed-Rockwell repair her enough to be put on display)

- OV-104 Discovery: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Smithsonian, in Washington DC

- OV-105 Atlantis: Kennedy Space Center, Florida

- OV-106 Endeavour: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, New York

- OV-107 Constitution: National Museum of the US Air Force in Riverside, Ohio

• 2022: the first Orion (LTV-101: Pathfinder) is launched into orbital aboard SLS-2. It conducts tests over several orbits and docks with the ISS.

• 2023: OV-202 Columbia II launches and fuels up the Pathfinder. Four crewmen board the spacecraft and depart for the moon...

Artwork by Seth Pritchard: link

[starscream-is-my-wife]

Ok I understand why sparkling ocs are so popular designing one is addicting

Alt forms/ adult designs under the cut

So when he's littler he can be a Nissan atla, they're pretty cute, but reaching adulthood he'd be a Nissan big thumb, and getting a mod to have a trailer too.

Optimus only has a flat bed so Im doing the old reliable transformer design of putting stuff u don't know how to fit into the back. If he diddnt have a trailer, the bed sides could just be a part of his legs but he modded to have wings so he can get used to the weight distribution easier.

Big thumbs are 12 feet tall, G1 Optimus is a Freightliner making him also 12 feet, and G1 Ratchet is a Nissan cherry vanette, which are almost 6 feet (5"10 to be exact)

I thought that the big thumb would be a bit smaller then Optimus but damn, Ratchet is gonna have to deal with 2 giant trucks.

[starlitschism]

tentatively working on a loose scribble animatic and i think. i planned too many frames. WHOOPSIESSS <33 here's some of the stuff that had to be cut for clarity!!

[donutdrawsthings]

☆Stray of Lyra☆ In Ike's world it is said that one of the 88 constellations sometimes takes a liking to someone, and wishes to feed them one of their stars when in need of help. If this offer is taken, they'll be filled with an undying hunger forever and transform into a beast under moonlight, always craving another star.

[toyalove]

watch him play with the celestial globe 🥺🥺

the way he's so cute and calls those who creates these globes "amazing"... admiring all the efforts they take to study the stars

also toya's interest towards stars and constellations and their meanings, do you think his favourite star is the north star because of his memories during sdsc? he must have felt so proud of his knowledge 🥺

[punny-buddy-barnaby]

I know this...was supposed to be a funny joke blog but I just...sorry, haven't been able to keep up...

But have these doodles I made! I don't draw everyone often but I just...lots been going on so I thought it's be nice to draw my neighbors and a few constellations!

Some of my favorites actually....

Felt proud of this so...yeah...

[the-sol-eater]

Actually on the topic of Mahiru's wonderful woman wrongs, I cannot get over her Trial 1 VD. It is such a perfect example of how she crosses other people's boundaries, especially Es' Like, she flirts with them. Just straight up flirts with them, even after knowing their age, even after knowing that Es themself is not interested in romance

(x) Mahiru: What's your name? Your age? Es: It's Es. As for my age, I'm...15, I think.

11 Minutes Later...

(x) Mahiru: Eh? Does that mean you'll always keep your eyes on me? Es: What? Well, it's my duty after all. Mahru: [Gets Excited] Es: What is it? Mahiru: My heart skipped a beat.

(x) Es: In order for me to understand all of you, I have to acquire knowledge from various fields, and that's not exactly a bad thing in my book. Mahiru: Really? I...I love studious people as well~! Es: Shut it. < clearly uncomfortable Mahiru: You're so mean. < ignoring the fuck out of that fact

Like... excuse me ma'am? Even amongst those who criticize Mahiru's actions, or just straightup do not like her, I rarely ever see this brought up, presumably because it's an uncomfortable thing to acknowledge. And like...I get that, but I also don't think it's fair to Mahiru's character to ignore that she did in fact do this, because it's such a great show of how she, to put it bluntly, does not give a shit about other people's boundaries and will push and push and push even though they are uncomfortable. Just like she did with her boyfriend.

(x) "What do you think? I know it's not the type of question you want to be asked" "I can't help myself because I want to see your cute confused face, I'm sorry"

[miniagula]

movie sonadow would be so l umity-coded…and i say this bc their dynamic is similar to the games but with a different and tender perspective: they both empathize deeply with each other now, and this shadow is not as reticent or closed off bc of that. that being said: movie!sonic would ABSOLUTELY 'YOU'RE the sweet potato!' the hell out of shadow

[stephofromcabin12]

SAILOR MOON JUST MENTIONED CASTOR AND POLLUX CAN I LIVE FOR ONE GODDAMN MINUTE IN PEACE OR WHAT

[shuruzy]

I wanna do a concept sketch lineup of the playable characters in Sea Omen, so here's the Prologue Trio to start :]

[not-poignant]

Constellations 17 on AO3!

Rating: Mature

Tags: Contemporary, trauma recovery, men in therapy, references to BDSM relationships, past trauma recovery, complex family relationships, hurt/comfort, angst, historical child abuse, historical familial abuse, reconciliation, Gwyn’s a stalker for five seconds

Summary: (Will make little sense if you haven’t read Falling Falling Stars) It’s been around ten years since the events of Falling Falling Stars, and Efnisien and Gwyn are living their respective lives, and haven’t really been in touch since. Over time, Gwyn becomes more curious about his cousin, especially after learning something he hopes isn’t true, and after seeing him by chance in a park, kicks off a series of events that helps create new opportunities for reconciliation, and discovering what it really means to be family. 

–

Constellations - 17 - Stellar Evolution on AO3

In which Efnisien meets Gwyn several times and they don’t talk about family or painful things, and Efnisien worries if something is wrong. Arden, Han Yuen and Leo all reassure him, but remind him that the one person he should really talk to about this is Gwyn.

–

EARLY ACCESS: Second Star to the Right - 02 - Instructions on Patreon and Ream:

Second Star to the Right 02 on Patreon

Second Star to the Right 02 on Ream

In this chapter, Efnisien and Kadek begin their first scene, in a way new to Efnisien, and he learns Kadek means it when he says he’s going to challenge Efnisien and demand a lot from him.

– Thanks to all the Patreon and Ream supporters for making this (and my other writing) possible!

[lonestarflight]

"Illustration of Ares I Launch Vehicle With Call Outs" by NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center

"Named for the Greek god associated with Mars, the NASA developed Ares launch vehicles will return humans to the moon and later take them to Mars and other destinations. This is an illustration of the Ares I with call outs. Ares I is an inline, two-stage rocket configuration topped by the Orion crew vehicle and its launch abort system. In addition to the primary mission of carrying crews of four to six astronauts to Earth orbit, Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations. Ares I employs a single five-segment solid rocket booster, a derivative of the space shuttle solid rocket booster, for the first stage. A liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen J-2X engine derived from the J-2 engine used on the Apollo second stage will power the Ares I second stage. The Ares I can lift more than 55,000 pounds to low Earth orbit. Ares I is subject to configuration changes before it is actually launched. This illustration reflects the latest configuration as of January 2007."

Date: December 5, 2006

NASA ID: MSFC-0700062

[grimalditeuthis]

having a #normalone

[binah-beloved]

in Lobotomy Corporation, Binah's kisses are fleeting.

mere brushes against the top of your head, over your cheeks. appearing briefly before pulling away, quiet as a whisper. she fears breaking you, see. thinks she could damage you as she's damaged all others who crossed her path before. Arbiters do not know softness, gentle touches. it's you who cups her cheeks, peppering tiny pecks across her face and over each of her scars until she's sitting silently, her head leaning into your hands and tears dripping from closed eyes. never does anyone see Binah cry. rarely do you- rarely. not never. Binah allows herself to cry around and with you, always quiet and always steady.

Binah finally can return the favor in the Library, now as the Patron of Philosophy. when she awakens she immediately moves to find you, flipping through the various books until her fingers glide over your name, embossed in silver. her arms pull you into an embrace while you're still blinking away the heavy sleep. but you're wide awake the moment she begins pressing gentle kisses against your skin, just as you would for her, covering your cheeks and forehead and the very tip of your nose. the final one lands tenderly on your lips as she gazes at you. here, real, with her. right now, she doesn't care if her other subordinates see her. let them see. she's spent so long in silence. so Binah presses her forehead with yours and welcomes you to the Library, the Floor of Philosophy, home.

[scarefox]

I really hope they pull through and give Topten 2 ship partners at the same time (Michael and Pop). They all should be allowed to go by Nuts example:

I mean if Nut is allowed to say that at a fan meeting, Change2561 must be fine with that and it should go for all of their actors (if they want to). It would be the most perfect way to make dumdum fans finally aware of what acting means. It would be Thai QL company history actually.

Also Topten is Nuts mini-me, so of course this should count for him too 😌

[starcentrics]

⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ .𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪𖤐⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔

The sky was super clear this night, thankfully! I could see Jupiter and even Mars tonight, but I really wish I had binoculars or a telescope to see them better. It’s alright though, since they’re pretty bright in the sky, especially around this time of the year. I spotted some constellations as well, including gemini and bootes! :)

⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ .𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪𖤐⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔

photos taken by me at around 8 to 9 PM EST.