Tomorrow, September 10, 2009, is shaping up to be a busy day for space. Three significant events are scheduled within a few hours of each other
First, at 1:01 PM EDT, is the launch of the Japanese HTV from Tanegashima Launch Site in Japan. This is Japan’s first attempt to robotically resupply the International Space Station. (OK, for the record, it will be 2:01 AM Sept. 11 in Tanegashima)
Second, at 3:00 PM EDT, the slightly delayed test of the new five segment booster DM-1 will take place at the Promontory, Utah test site.
Third, at 7:05 PM EDT, the Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to land at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
This wasn’t actually planned to work out this way, all these events just coalesced into the same short time period. And, for the record, none of these events are time critical. A weather delay or short technical delay resulting in moving any or all of these events a day or a few days later is no big deal. Better safe than sorry in this business.
But if it all comes together, it will be a busy day.