STS-115

The Canadian Space Agency's involvement in NASA's Space Shuttle program began in the 1980s, when Canada contributed the Canadarm robotic arm to the Space Shuttle fleet. The Canadarm proved to be an invaluable tool for performing tasks such as deploying and retrieving satellites, repairing spacecraft, and conducting scientific experiments.

In 2006, the Canadian Space Agency continued its collaboration with NASA by participating in the STS-115 mission, which was the 116th Space Shuttle flight and the 28th flight of the orbiter Atlantis. The mission was a resupply and construction mission to the International Space Station (ISS), and it marked the first time that the Canadian Space Agency contributed a major component to the ISS.

Launch Date and Objectives

The STS-115 mission was originally scheduled to launch on August 27, 2006, but it was postponed due to a problem with a fuel sensor in the External Tank. The mission was eventually launched on September 9, 2006, from Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The objectives of the mission were to:

Deliver and install the P3/P4 integrated truss segment, which contained solar arrays and batteries for the ISS.

Conduct three spacewalks to perform assembly and maintenance tasks on the ISS.

Deliver supplies and equipment to the ISS, including food, water, and scientific experiments.

Test new technologies for future space missions.

How the Mission Was Carried Out

The STS-115 mission was carried out using the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which was piloted by Commander Brent Jett and included a crew of six astronauts. The mission lasted for 11 days and 19 hours, during which time the crew successfully installed the P3/P4 truss segment on the ISS and conducted three spacewalks to perform assembly and maintenance tasks.

During the spacewalks, the astronauts replaced a faulty gyroscope on the ISS and installed a new one, which was critical for maintaining the station's orientation in space. They also installed a new video camera on the ISS and performed a variety of other tasks, such as lubricating joints and tightening bolts.

In addition to the assembly and maintenance tasks, the crew conducted several scientific experiments, including studies of the effects of microgravity on the growth of plants and the behavior of fluids in space. They also tested new technologies, such as a new heat shield material and a new spacesuit design.

Cost and Achievements

The cost of the STS-115 mission has been estimated at approximately $259 million. While this may seem like a significant amount of money, it is important to note that the mission achieved several important objectives and contributed to the ongoing development of the ISS.

One of the most significant achievements of the mission was the successful installation of the P3/P4 truss segment, which added critical solar arrays and batteries to the ISS. This allowed the station to generate more power, which was necessary for conducting scientific experiments and supporting the crew's needs.

The three spacewalks conducted during the mission were also significant achievements, as they demonstrated the ability of astronauts to perform complex tasks in the harsh environment of space. The success of these spacewalks paved the way for future missions that would involve even more challenging tasks, such as the construction of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

Overall, the STS-115 mission was an important milestone in the history of the Canadian Space Agency's involvement in the Space Shuttle program and the development of the International Space Station. It demonstrated the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and highlighted the critical role that Canada has played in the ongoing effort to explore and understand the universe.