Former Vice President Dick Cheney Slams Obama's Probe of CIA Interrogations

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Former Vice President Dick Cheney Slams Obama's Probe of CIA Interrogations
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FOXNews.com brings us the following report and it starts off like this... In blunt, unsparing language, former Vice President Dick Cheney accuses President Obama of setting a "terrible precedent" by launching an "intensely partisan, politicized look back at the prior administration," seeming to question Obama's fitness as commander-in-chief...
Read the full report at link below...
Cheney Slams Obama's 'Politicized' Probe of CIA Interrogations
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DICK CHENEY on ‘FNS’.

About this FOX NEW SUNDAY Video: This just under 30 minute video has former Vice President Dick Cheney's views on the CIA Investigation, President Obama’s Administration first seven month in office and his relationship with former President Bush.
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Another GREAT interview by Chris Wallace!
AubreyJ.........

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From Friday’s Fox News ‘Special Report with Bret Bair’... Syndicated Columnist Charles Krauthammer had the following to say and it goes in part like this... Even if he is nominally in power he is completely marginalized. Juan says it is a civil war. If it's a civil war, we already have seen that it is over. It's over, and Panetta handed over his sword.
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Everything he has fought over he has lost, and these aren't just marginal territorial turf disputes. These are core interests. Number one, he opposed the release of documents, and twice he lost on that. Secondly, he opposed the appointment of a prosecutor. Of course, a prosecutor has just been appointed.
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And lastly, and most importantly, the interrogation of high-level enemy terrorists has been removed from the CIA. It's now in the hands of the FBI and White House...
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Read what the rest had to say on topic,(Shannon Bream-Friday’s Guest Host - Juan Williams, News Analyst, Nation Public Radio - Fred Barnes, Executive Editor, The Weekly Standard and of course Charles Krauthammer, Syndicated Columnist,) at link below...
'Special Report' Panel on the Obama Administration's CIA Probe
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White House: ‘Same Song and Dance’
Monday afternoon, August 31, 2009

About above FOX NEWS Video: White House Press Secretary dismisses Dick Cheney’s concern on Homeland Security.
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Crew members focus on transfer of Logistics Module - Will move new life support and science research racks into Space Station

Crews Focusing on Logistics Module Transfer
Monday, August 31, 2009
1:40pm EDT
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Image above: Astronaut Jose Hernandez, STS-128 mission specialist, works on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery.
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Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra” was played for Space Shuttle Discovery Mission Specialist Jose Hernandez at 1:30pm EDT.
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Discovery and International Space Station crew members will focus on the transfer of the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module from Discovery’s payload bay to the station’s Harmony node. Later, the crew will open Leonardo’s hatch and move the new life support and science research racks into the space station.
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At 4:00pm, NASA television will air a post-Mission Management Team news briefing with Space Shuttle Program Deputy Manager and MMT Chairman LeRoy Cain.
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Crews Moving Cargo Module, Preparing for Spacewalk
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The combined crews of Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station are starting the first of eight days of joint operations. With the successful docking last night, the crews will focus on transfer work and spacewalks.
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Pilot Kevin Ford and Expedition 20 Flight Engineer Mike Barratt will use the station robotic arm to move the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from Discovery’s payload bay to the Earth-facing port on the station’s Harmony module. They’re expected to start the nearly three-hour maneuver just after 3:30pm EDT. Mission specialists Christer Fuglesang of the European Space Agency and Tim Kopra will assist with the attachment and activation activity. After leak checks and pressurization, the teams are expected to open the hatches to the cargo module at 1:34am Tuesday.
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The MPLM is carrying 15,000 pounds of supplies and equipment for use on the station, including more science facilities. The crew will spend the next several days unloading the hardware.
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Meanwhile, transfer of equipment from the shuttle’s middeck will get under way. Mission specialists Pat Forrester, Jose Hernandez and Danny Olivas will carry over items from the shuttle to the station, including the spacesuits to be used in the upcoming spacewalks. Shuttle Commander Rick Sturckow will assist with transfer as well as monitor shuttle systems.
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Flight Engineer Nicole Stott, whose rotation with Kopra on the station crew was made official yesterday, will conduct some transfer work and familiarization of her new home in space. She will join Olivas to set up their tools for tomorrow’s spacewalk. The two will be joined later by all of the U.S. crew members and station Commander Gennady Padalka for a procedures review for that spacewalk.
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Above info and image from the NASA.gov website

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 669-09 August 31, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died August 29th in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when they were shot by enemy forces August 28th while conducting combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke, 29, of Orlando, Fla
Pfc. Eric W. Hario, 19, of Monroe, Mich

For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005; after hours (910) 689-6187, or visit http://news.soc.mil .

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 667-09 August 31, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III, 22, of Columbia, S.C., died August 28th in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Space Shuttle Discovery Docks with International Space Station

Discovery Docks, Joint Operations Begin
Originally posted on NASA website:
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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About above image: The Expedition 20 crew welcomes the STS-128 crew aboard the station shortly after hatch opening.
Photo credit: NASA TV
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Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station at 8:54 p.m. EDT Saturday delivering more than seven tons of cargo and a new crew member to the International Space Station and its Expedition 20 crew.
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The shuttle and station crews opened hatches at 10:33 p.m. and greeted one another beginning a week’s worth of joint operations that includes three spacewalks and transfer of 15,000 pounds of supplies and logistics to sustain the six-person crew on the station.
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Astronauts Nicole Stott and Tom Kopra swapped Soyuz seat liners after hatch opening. Stott will handle flight engineer duties aboard the station until her return home aboard Atlantis following the STS-129 mission in November. Kopra is scheduled to return aboard Discovery Sept. 10 after 57 days in space.
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Before docking to the station, Commander Rick Sturckow and Pilot Kevin Ford performed a few final corrective jet firings to refine the orbiter’s path for a rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). While Sturckow performed the RPM, Expedition 20 Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Mike Barratt took photos from the station. Their photos will be reviewed by experts on the ground for evidence of damage to the shuttle tiles.

Info/Image taken from the NASA.gov website

Photo for the Day - August 29, 2009

* Photo for the Day *

Beautiful Sight!

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Riding a tower of flames, Space Shuttle Discovery punches through a fabric of clouds as it roars toward space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
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The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than seven tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the space station.

Info/Image credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann - August 28, 2009

On Ground Updates: Pakistan/Afghanistan - May 04, 2009

No. 664-09 August 29, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died August 28th in Rashid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an explosively formed penetrator. Both Soldiers were assigned to the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon Army National Guard in Portland.

Killed were:
Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, of Mondovi, Wis
Pvt. Taylor D. Marks, 19, of Monmouth, Ore

For more information on these Soldiers, media may contact the Oregon Army National Guard, 503-584-3886.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

3- Watch Launch and Mission Live Of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128

Note: This post moved on top from its original post date - Scroll below for latest updates on this post - Scroll below this post for latest news postings

Watch Launch and Mission Live

Of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128

On NASA TELEVISION

Post Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009
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Friday’s LATE Night Launch Now Set!

* Launch Time: 12:59pm EDT *

Photo credit: NASA TV
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Mission Managers to Meet Today at Noon
Thursday, August 27, 2009
8:13am EDT
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The testing of the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve in shuttle Discovery’s main propulsion system is complete. The valve and its position indicator both operated normally during yesterday’s testing. And all leak checks were within specification.
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The evaluation of the low-level hydrogen leak detected in a tail service mast on the mobile launcher platform on Launch Pad 39A following Tuesday's launch scrub is complete, and no leaks were detected.
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All the test data will be brought to the mission management team for review at the noon EDT meeting. Mission managers also are scheduled to meet at 2:15pm to give the “Go - No Go” for tanking.
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If Discovery gets the “Go”, tanking commentary on NASA TV will begin at 2:45pm and fueling operations will start at approximately 3:00pm Launch commentary will begin tonight at 7:00pm.
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Discovery's seven astronauts are sleeping and will wake up for their launch day preps at 1:30pm.
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Shuttle Managers Target Discovery's Liftoff for Friday Night
1:28pm EDT
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The Mission Management Team has concluded with the decision to target launch for Friday, August 28th at 11:59pm EDT instead of 12:22am Friday morning.
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The additional time will allow teams to plan in case they see the samereading that happened with the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve thatcaused Tuesday afternoon's launch scrub during tanking.
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The MMT will meet again on Friday at noon.
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A news conference will be held on NASA TV later this afternoon to discussthe decision.
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POST UPDATE:
Friday, August 28, 2009
9:03am EDT
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Countdown Resumes

The countdown for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission is under way again. The count resumed at 8:34am EDT at the T-11 hour point with no issues being reported that could affect launch.
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The Rotating Service Structure on Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A was rolled away from Discovery this morning at 6:11am.
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NASA's Mission Management Team plans to meet at noon to review launch preparations and determine whether teams will continue to march toward a targeted liftoff tonight at 11:59pm.
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Weather is forecasted to be 60 percent "go" for external tank loading and 60 percent "go" for launch.
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Discovery Gets "Go" for Launch
1:29pm EDT
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The mission management team has approved launch teams to continue with the countdown toward an 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff to start space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with propellants began at 2:45 p.m. after an initial "no-go" due to weather in the area violating constraints.
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The mission management team also reports that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working.
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The shuttle team has approved procedures in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.
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The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch.
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For launch time, forecasters are calling for a 60 percent chance of favorable weather.
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The earliest the filling of Discovery's external fuel tank with 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can begin is 2:34pm.
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NASA TV's tanking commentary will begin at 2:30pm and can be accessed at www.nasa.gov/ntv .
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3:23pm EDT
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Tanking Under Way For 11:59pm EDT Launch
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Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are flowing into the gigantic orange external tank of space shuttle Discovery this afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tanking operations began at 2:45pm EDT and it will take three hours to load the 500,000 gallons of propellants into the structure. The fuel will be consumed in 8 1/2 minutes as Discovery’s three main engines power the shuttle into orbit.
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Launch is scheduled for 11:59pm EDT tonight. Forecasters call for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.
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The mission management team reported that all the testing and analysis of Discovery's fill-and-drain valve during the last two days gives them a high degree of confidence the valve is working. Procedures have been approved in case there is a similar issue with the position sensor on the hydrogen fill-and-drain valve.
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The plan includes being able to open and close the valve, or cycle it, two times during the tanking process if the valve position indicator sensor doesn't work. Teams would use alternate means, including monitoring pressure in the system, to provide confidence the valve is closed for launch..
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4:38pm EDT
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Valve Working Well as Tanking Moves Ahead
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Tanking of Space Shuttle Discovery is continuing and going well at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The filling operations have transitioned to reduced fast fill on LH2 and have a good “closed” indication on the LH2 inboard fill and drain valve. Tanking operations are expected to conclude at about 5:45pm EDT.
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Liftoff of Discovery on the STS-128 mission remains on schedule for 11:59pm EDT tonight and the weather remains the primary concern. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions. Meteorologists are watching for signs of anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.
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5:51pm EDT
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Launch on Schedule, Tanking Complete
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Space Shuttle Discovery's external tank has been loaded with about 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the propellants that will power the shuttle's three main engines during launch.
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The fueling operation went smoothly and a fill-and-drain valve inside Discovery functioned properly throughout the process. Pumps at the launch pad will continue to trickle in a small amount of supercold chemicals to replace the amount that boils off during the countdown.
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The Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew will head out to the pad shortly for their specialized tasks. The inspection team will look for signs of debris or ice buildup, while the Closeout Crew will ready Discovery for its seven-astronaut crew.
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Liftoff remains on schedule for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight.
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8:33pm EDT
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Astronauts Strapped In for Flight
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Commander Rick "C.J" Sturckow, Pilot Kevin Ford and Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester and Jose Hernandez are seated on Discovery's flight deck this evening, while Danny Olivas, Christer Fuglesang and Nicole Stott are seated in their seats on the lower level or middeck.
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Radio checks are continuing for the crew while the countdown clicks down on schedule for a liftoff at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
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Technicians at the launch pad will soon close and latch the hatch on the side of Discovery. The crew can open the hatch from the inside during an emergency.
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While the preparations continue as planned, weather concerns remain, particularly for anvil clouds.
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Technicians Close Discovery's Hatch for Launch
10:03pm EDT
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The hatch on Space Shuttle Discovery has been closed and latched for flight in preparation for launch tonight at 11:59pm EDT.
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The countdown is proceeding as planned and while weather remains a top concern, the trend continues to be positive for the conditions around the launch site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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Countdown Enters Planned Hold
9:46pm CDT
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The launch of Discovery on the STS-128 mission remains on schedule as the countdown entered its planned 10-minute hold at the T-20 minute point.
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There are no technical issues impeding launch, but weather remains a concern. The forecast continues to call for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at liftoff.
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Launch is scheduled for 11:59pm EDT
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OK GANG -- Looks like this Bird is going FLY!
Launch Weather Forecast Improves
10:52pm EDT
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Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters has improved the launch forecast to an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. That reflects a continuing trend this evening of improving weather around the launch site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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Launch remains scheduled for 11:59pm EDT
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Fingers crossed on getting them up tonight!
AJF
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Liftoff!!!
12:01am EDT

Space Shuttle Discovery has cleared the tower and is now speeding into space for a Space Station rendezvous... 225 mile above the earth.
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Safe flight Discovery!!!
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* This post now closed *
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I’ll start a new post right before the First Spacewalk in a few days... so check back!
Have a GREAT weekend everyone!!!
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AubreyJ.........

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Read Latest News and Updates +

Countdown/Mission Elapsed Time Clock

at NASA.gov

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Watch Launch and Mission LIVE

At NASA TV

It Is On RIGHT NOW!!!

Click HERE to view
ENJOY!!!

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* View STS-128 Interactive Timeline - Here *

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SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-128 MISSION SUMMARY
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Discovery's flight will deliver supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. Inside the shuttle’s cargo bay is the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), a pressurized "moving van" that will be temporarily installed to the station. The module will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. The 13-day mission will include three spacewalks to replace experiments outside the European Space Agency’s Columbus laboratory, and install a new ammonia storage tank and return the used one. Ammonia is used to move excess heat from inside the station to the radiators located outside. Discovery also will deliver a new crew member and bring back another after almost two months aboard the Space Station.
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SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-128 is the 128th Space Shuttle Flight, the 30th to the International Space Station, the 37th for Discovery and the fourth Shuttle flight this year. Only SIX more flights to the International Space Station remain after the STS-128 mission. NASA will permanently retire the Space Shuttle Fleet in 2010.
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Above info and images from the NASA.gov website
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AubreyJ.........

Photo for the Day - August 28, 2009

* Photo for the Day * U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brandon Sills hands out candy to children in the Helmand province of Afghanistan Aug. 25, 2009. Sills is attached to the battalion aid station of 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment.
DoD photo by Sgt. Christopher R. Rye, U.S. Marine Corps

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 663-09 August 28, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Kurt R. Curtiss, 27, of Murray, Utah, died August 26th in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot while his unit was supporting Afghan security forces during an enemy attack. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For more information the media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.


No. 662-09 August 28, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La., died August 27th in Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-7525; after hours (719) 526-5500.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

On Ground Updates: Afghanistan/Pakistan - August 27, 2009

Afghanistan/Pakistan
US Missiles Strike & Kill Up to Eight in Pakistan
Thursday, August 27, 2009.

US Army file Photo

Reuters brings us the following report this early Thursday morning and their report starts off like this... Two missiles believed to have been fired by a U.S. drone aircraft struck a militant hideout killing six fighters in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region on Thursday, intelligence officials said... Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud was killed in a similar attack in the same region on August 5th...
Read this report in full HERE
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GEO.TV reports it this way...
Eight killed in US drone attack - No immediate report regarding killing of any important Taliban leader
(One of these days we will get lucky and take out the really BIG Cheeses!)
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AubreyJ………

DoD Identifies Marine, Army Casualties

No. 654-09 August 26, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, died August 22nd in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286


No. 656-09 August 27, 2009
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, 20, of San Clemente, Calif., died August 26th while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
For more information the media may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at (760) 725-8766.


No. 657-09 August 27, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died August 25th in southern Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:
Capt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of California
Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, 30, of Arizona
Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Trenton, Mo
Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Federal Way, Wash

For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152, (253) 967-0147, or after hours (253) 967-0015 (ask for the public affairs officer on call).

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Photo for the Day - August 27, 2009

* Photo for the Day *
U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Zieba, a staff judge advocate with Task Force Cyclone, and Abdul Manan Atazada, the chief judge of the Kapisa province of Afghanistan, discuss building plans for a jail in the Tagab Valley district center area of the province August 25, 2009. The task force’s mission is to assist the Afghan government with security, construction, economic and agricultural support as well as to facilitate the reception, training, housing and sustainment of U.S. troops entering the country.
DoD photo by Spc. William E. Henry, U.S. Army

Teddy Kennedy Dead at 77

Teddy Kennedy Dead at 77
1932-2009
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Family Statement
“Edward M. Kennedy--the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply--died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”
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Senator Kennedy died late Tuesday night at his home in Hyannis Port after battling a brain tumor. He was 77.
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In Memory of...
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AubreyJ.........

Image from the Kennedy.Senate.gov website

2- Watch Launch and Mission Live Of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128

Note: This post moved from its original post date - Scroll below for latest updates on this post - Scroll below this post for latest news postings

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Watch Launch and Mission Live

Of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128

On NASA TELEVISION

Post Date: Monday, August 24, 2009
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Tuesday’s Early Morning Launch looks like a GO!

* Launch Time: 1:36am EDT *
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About Photo: Space Shuttle Discovery is poised for liftoff

Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

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Space Shuttle Discovery Ready for Flight
Monday, August 24, 2009
8:54am CDT
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Space Shuttle Discovery is in the final stages of preparation before its flight to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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Fueling of Discovery's external tank with 500,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen is scheduled to begin at 4:11 p.m. EDT, depending on weather conditions at the time.
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The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until Discovery's liftoff. All systems aboard the shuttle are functioning normally and no issues are being reported.
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Weather continues to be 80 percent acceptable for a 1:36 a.m. Tuesday launch.
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Coverage of Discovery's liftoff on the STS-128 mission begins Monday at 8:30 p.m. Follow the countdown with NASA's launch blog and live commentary broadcast on NASA TV.
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POST UPDATE:
Poor Weather Scrubs Tuesday Launch Try
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
1:28am EDT
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The launch attempt for Space Shuttle Discovery was called off early Tuesday morning because of poor weather in the area.
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Next Launch attempt will be...
Wednesday morning at 1:10am EDT
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Poor Weather Delayed Tuesday's Launch Attempt
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
9:45am EDT

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The mission management team will meet at 3pm EDT today to give the “go- no go” for fueling Discovery. Weather for tanking and launch is currently at 70 percent acceptable for a 1:10 a.m. Wednesday morning launch.Tanking coverage of Discovery will begin at 3:30pm and launch commentary at 8:00pm on NASA TV.
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Discovery Gets the "Go" for Tanking
3:25pm EDT
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The "Go" was given to load space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank. Discovery’s launch was postponed early Tuesday morning due to lingering thunderstorms in the vicinity of the launch pad.
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The current weather forecast is 70 percent favorable conditions for launch. The primary concern is cumulus clouds and showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility at the time of launch.
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Tanking commentary on NASA TV will begin at 3:30pm and fueling operations will start at approximately 3:45pm EDT.
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Launch commentary will begin tonight at 8 p.m.
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Weather permitting... launch is scheduled for 1:10am EDT.
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SORRY GANG! Wednesday Morning Launch Has Been Scrubbed

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NASA Scrubs Wednesday Morning Launch Attempt Due To A Liquid Hydrogen Fill-And-Drain Valve Problem
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Shuttle Managers to Discuss Valve Problem
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
7:09pm EDT
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Shuttle managers will hold a standard post-scrub meeting at 7:15pm EDT regarding the launch attempt of Discovery that was called off earlier today after a problem developed with a liquid hydrogen fill-and-drain valve in the aft compartment of the shuttle. A news briefing will be held after that meeting concludes and will air on NASA TV.
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Regarding the valve, when launch controllers commanded it to close, they did not receive the "closed" indication. There is a concern that the valve is either open or partially open, but that needs to be evaluated for confirmation.
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A new launch date and time for Discovery's STS-128 mission has not been set at this time.
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(I’ll let you know just as soon as NASA posts this info up)
Also -- I’ll be keeping this post open and on TOP for the next few days so check back...
AJF

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POST UPDATE:
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Next Launch Attempt will be this Friday Morning
Launch Time: 12:22am
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Friday Morning Forecast: 70 Percent "Go"
11:47am EDT
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The weather outlook for Friday morning's targeted launch of Discovery calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff would be at 12:22 a.m. Meteorologists will watch the conditions carefully throughout the countdown, with the greatest expected concern being for anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The mission management team will evaluate analysis of a fill-and-drain valve problem before Discovery's massive external tank is loaded with propellant. The valve issue developed during Tuesday's countdown and forced a postponement of the launch of the STS-128 mission.

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* THIS POST NOW CLOSED *
I will start a new post Thursday Afternoon to get us up-to-date on Friday morning’s early morning launch. Be sure to check back then!

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But for now -- Keep up with the latest at links below...

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Read Latest News and Updates +

Countdown/Mission Elapsed Time Clock

at NASA.gov
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Watch Launch and Mission LIVE

At NASA TV
Click HERE to view

ENJOY!!!
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* View STS-128 Interactive Timeline - Here *
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SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-128 MISSION SUMMARY
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Discovery's flight will deliver supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. Inside the shuttle’s cargo bay is the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), a pressurized "moving van" that will be temporarily installed to the station. The module will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. The 13-day mission will include three spacewalks to replace experiments outside the European Space Agency’s Columbus laboratory, and install a new ammonia storage tank and return the used one. Ammonia is used to move excess heat from inside the station to the radiators located outside. Discovery also will deliver a new crew member and bring back another after almost two months aboard the Space Station.
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SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-128 is the 128th Space Shuttle Flight, the 30th to the International Space Station, the 37th for Discovery and the fourth Shuttle flight this year. Only SIX more flights to the International Space Station remain after the STS-128 mission. NASA will permanently retire the Space Shuttle Fleet in 2010.
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Above info and images from the NASA.gov website
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AubreyJ.........

Photo for the Day - August 25, 2009

* Photo for the Day *
Residents of Faddaqhryah carry food and supplies away from a humanitarian aid drop coordinated by the Iraqi Army, 17th Fires Brigade and the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, August 18th.
Read the story behind the photo at link below...
Supplies delivered to villages in need
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U.S. Army photo by Spc. Maurice A. Galloway

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 651-09 August 25, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2nd Lt. Joseph D. Fortin, 22, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died August 23rd in Muhallah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254)

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 647-09 August 24, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, of Somerville, N.J., died August 22nd in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Forces Command public affairs office at (910) 643-8438; after hours (910) 429-4165, or visit http://news.soc.mil .

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 644-09 August 23, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died August 18th in Arghandab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. The soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:
Spc. Troy O. Tom, 21, of Shiprock, N.M
Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney, 20, of Litchfield, Minn

For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152, (253) 967-0147 or after hours at (253) 967-0015 (ask for the Public Affairs Officer on call).

No. 643-09 August 23, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram, 25, of Pearl, Miss., died August 21st in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, and his unit came under small arms fire from enemy forces. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-4143; after hours (719) 526-5500.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

2- Afghanistan’s Historic Election - August, 2009

Note: This post moved from its original post date -

Scroll below for latest postings and updates

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Afghanistan’s Historic Election
Coordinated Effort Protects Afghan Voters
Zabul Province, Afghanistan
Friday, August 21, 2009
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As Afghans took to the streets yesterday to exercise their right to vote authorities here worked together to provide security for polling stations across the province.
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The Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers coordinated security for more than 40 polling stations.
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“The strong coordination of [Afghan and NATO] forces in Zabul to protect the people allowed them to vote for their favorite candidate,” Gov. Mohammad Ashraf Naseri said.
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Coordination for most of the election took place at the province’s Operations Coordination and Cooperation Center, which serves as the hub of information for the army, the police and National Department of Security’s provincial office. All the organizations worked together to draft and implement a security plan, officials said.
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During the elections, the center’s personnel tracked polling stations and supplies, as well as the movements of election officials, watching for events that might disrupt the election process. Despite incidents of small-arms fire and mortar and rocket attacks, officials said, the province saw little violence. The polls were scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but many sites extended hours to accommodate voters.
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“The international community should continue to support the security, development and the people of Afghanistan,” Naseri said. “Without the support of the international community, we will not be able to provide the proper security for the people.”
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ISAF troops fulfilled the quick-reaction-force role, responsible for being ready at a moment's notice to aid the Afghan army and police. ISAF troops also served as mentors, ensuring that the army and police executed their security plans.
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The people of Zabul were happy to go to the polling stations and vote, said Afghanistan National Army Col. Rahmuttula Spaloni, Zabul province commander.
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Naseri called the election a momentous event in Afghanistan history that allows the people to show their support for stability and peace.

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Taken from a DoD’s American Forces Press Service News Article - Written by Army Staff Sgt. Marcos Alices, Special to American Forces Press Service - Staff Sgt. Alices serves in the Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan public affairs office
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The Wall Street Journal brings us the following report... With votes being tallied, the two top contenders for Afghanistan's presidency -- incumbent Hamid Karzai and former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah -- each declared themselves well ahead in the count Friday, seeking to position themselves as the eventual victor... Both Mr. Karzai's and Dr. Abdullah's supporters said reports from their observers, who were monitoring the vote tally, indicated that they had won more than 50 percent of the vote and would not need to face each other in a runoff election...
Read this report in full at link below...
Karzai, Abdullah Claim Victory in Afghanistan
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Guardian.co.uk reports Afghan election this way...
Western diplomats laud Afghan election
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The Houston Chronicle has this report posted up on their website this Friday afternoon and it starts off like this... President Barack Obama congratulated the Afghan people Friday for pulling off a presidential election in the midst of violent intimidation by Taliban militants but cautioned that more difficult days lie ahead for the war-weary nation...
Read the full report at link below...
Obama lauds Afghan vote, warns of more violence

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Afghanistan, August 20, 2009: Both men and women alike came out on Election Day to cast their votes... saying they were not frightened to come out and choose their President...

This video posted on YouTube by AubreyJ818

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AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 642-09 August 22, 2009
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, of Boscawen, N.H., died August 20th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)