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International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => Russian Launchers - Soyuz, Progress and Uncrewed => Topic started by: anik on 03/16/2009 05:18 pm

Title: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: anik on 03/16/2009 05:18 pm
The launch of Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft by Soyuz-FG rocket from Baikonur cosmodrome is planned on May 27.

Crew: CDR Roman Romanenko, FE-1 Frank de Winne, FE-2 Robert Thirsk.

According to http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=5676 the rocket was delivered to cosmodrome by train today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: patchfree on 03/22/2009 06:18 pm
The mission patch:

(http://www.collectspace.com/review/tma15_patch03.jpg)

from a drawing of Yura Menkevich, 15, from the Kemerovo region of Russia:

(http://www.collectspace.com/review/tma15_patch01.jpg)

according to http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000646.html (http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000646.html)
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 04/03/2009 03:49 pm
03-04-2009 leader [Roskosmosa] affirmed the emblem of crew [TPK] “the union [TMA]-15”, whose starting to s was planned on May 27 [t].[g].

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=5855


   Leader [Roskosmosa] [A].[N]. Of [perminov] affirmed the emblem of crew of the sequential Russian transport manned ship “the union [TMA]-15”, whose starting was planned on May 27, 2009. This emblem will be placed on the diving-dresses of crew in the composition: Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, the Belgian Of [frenk] de [Vinn] Canadian Robert [Tirsk] after his assertion. In this case the duplicating crew also obtains its emblem, which appears absolutely analogously, but on it there are no surnames.


But now let us discover the main secret of this emblem: it, as previous, is based on the children's figure.

15-year Jura Mountains [Menkevich] from the orphanage “islet” (Kemerovskaya province), now rightfully can be proud: its work will remain in the history of Russian and world cosmonautics. Indeed the emblem of each crew - this is not only the symbol of the association of the representatives of different nations into one space command, but also desired exhibit for the space museums and the particular collections and, of course, for those, who are connected with cosmonautics. For example, the emblem “of union [TMA]-14”, created by the 12-year Moscovite Of [aney] [Chibiskovoy], already found its place in the museums, including of spaceport Baikonur.

Jura Mountains, as [Anyuta], it sent its work into [Roskosmos] to the competition of the emblems “of union [TMA]-14”. Its work fell on eyes to cosmonaut - Roman [Yurevichu] Romanenko, and it solved, which is better than the symbol for its future crew on " Soyuz " not to find.

 
 
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 04/10/2009 02:32 pm
http://www.kt.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153482877

Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft has arrived to cosmodrome today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 04/21/2009 02:11 pm
20-04-2009 Soyuz TMA-15: Space Q&A

   At the end of May Russian spacecraft Soyuz TMA-15 will carry three people to the International Space Station. They are: Russian Roman Romanenko, Belgian Frank De Winne and Canadian Robert Thirsk.
   
   Before the international crew blasts off from the Baikonur cosmodrome, Russia Today TV-channel and Roscosmos Press Office give you a chance to ask them about their life in space and on Earth. To send your question, go here:

http://russiatoday.com/Space_QnA.html.
   
   Once the ISS crew members` pre-launch training starts, their communication options will be limited, so we will deliver your questions shortly before that day comes.
 
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 04/28/2009 03:51 pm
27-04-2009 Announcement for Mass Media

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6069

   Roscosmos and Star City will host several events devoted to the launch of the Soyuz TMA-15 crew space vehicle to the International Space Station (May 27). Mass media are invited to highlight Soyuz TMA-15 activities.
   
   Crew examination training (May 5-6).
   Mass media accreditation until 13:00, April 30.
   Entrance through the main gate of the Star City at 7:50.
   
   Soyuz TMA-15 press-conference (May 7, 11:00).
   Mass media accreditation until 17:00, May 5.
   Entrance through the main gate of the Star City at 10:30.
   
   Tea-party with A.N.Perminov, Head of the Federal Space Agency, at Roscosmos (May 13).
   Mass media accreditation until 17:00, May 12.
   
   Soyuz TMA-15 crew departure for Baikonur (May 15).
   Mass media accreditation until 17:00, May 13.
   Entrance through the main gate of the Star City at 8:45.
   
   For accreditation to the Star City, call: (495) 526-39-17
   For accreditation to Roscosmos, call: (499) 975-44-58
   
   Roscosmos Press Office
 
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: TALsite on 05/05/2009 02:54 pm
Quote
Jacqmans
Crew examination training (May 5-6). 


This is a image (created by me, but based on an old real image) showing qualifications of the exams of a Mir Expedition. 
They were performed on simulators and I suppose procedures are similar today: launch, docking, living in station, undocking, landing….

On the left column are the exams; on the central column the qualifications of the first crew, and on the right column the qualifications of the backup crew.
Five is the top qualification.
Sorry, but I’m not able to explain the tests accomplished.

I’d like to see, if someone could post it, the qualifications obtained by the TMA-15 crews.  :)
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/06/2009 04:45 pm
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6153

The preparation of Soyuz-FG rocket to the launch has begun today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/13/2009 03:15 am
MEDIA ADVISORY: M09-082

NASA TV TO PROVIDE COVERAGE OF NEXT SOYUZ LAUNCH, DOCKING

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will provide live coverage as the next
residents of the International Space Station launch and arrive at the
station to expand its crew to six people. Coverage begins May 15 when
the crew members leave Star City, Russia, en route to the launch site
in Kazakhstan.

On May 27, Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, European Space Agency
astronaut Frank De Winne and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Bob
Thirsk will launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 5:34 a.m. CDT (4:34 p.m. Baikonur time).
They will arrive at the station at 7:36 a.m. CDT on May 29 to join
the station's Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineers Mike
Barratt of NASA and Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency. The six men will form the Expedition 20 crew, the station's
first six-person crew. This mission also will be the first time crew
members are aboard representing all five International Space Station
partners.

Events to be broadcast on NASA TV include (all times CDT):

Friday, May 15
5 p.m. -- Video File of Expedition 20 crew's traditional breakfast
ceremony in Star City, Russia, prior to departure for the Baikonur
launch site (replayed at 10 p.m.)

May 26, Tuesday
11 a.m. -- Video File of Expedition 20 crew prelaunch activities and
training, Soyuz spacecraft rollout and final crew prelaunch news
conference in Baikonur

May 27, Wednesday
3:45 a.m. -- Video File of Expedition 20 prelaunch activities in
Baikonur
4:45 a.m. -- Live coverage begins of Expedition 20 launch, scheduled
at 5:34 a.m.
11 a.m. -- Video File of Expedition 20 launch day activities, launch
and post-launch interviews

May 29, Friday
7 a.m. -- Live coverage begins of Expedition 20 docking to the space
station, scheduled at 7:36 a.m. A post-docking news conference will
follow.
8:30 a.m. -- Live coverage begins of Soyuz hatch opening, expected at
approximately 8:45 a.m., and Expedition 20 welcoming ceremony
12 p.m. -- Video File of Soyuz docking to the station, hatch opening
and welcoming ceremony

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/13/2009 07:09 pm
13-05-2009 Traditional Tea Party in Roscosmos:

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6214

Anatoly Perminov, Head of the Agency, Meets the Soyuz TMA-15 Crew to fly to Baikonur in a Couple of Days

   Tranditional tea party of Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov and Soyuz TMA-15 prime and backup crews took place in Roscosmos today. The Soyuz is planned to fly to the International Space Station on May 27. In two days the crews will leave for Baikonur to start prelaunch training.

   Roscosmos Head stated that Soyuz TMA-15 crew will have hard time in orbit. During their missions in the ISS, ISS-20,21, they will receive 3 Progresses, 3 Shuttles, and the first Japanese cargo spaceship.
   The mission program also includes 42 different space experiments.
   "Your mission is a kind of frontier between the crew of 3 and the 6-crew", stated Anatoly Perminov.

   ISS-20 long-term expedition will host representatives of 5 agencies- paticipants of the ISS program.

   Soyuz TMA-15 crew commander Roman Romanenko confirmed flight readiness of his team. "We deserve flying, since we have reached this point. Due to our solidarity and excellent training we hope to find proper solution in any situation in space", Roman said.
   At the end of the ceremony, the crew received traditional gifts, including Fortis watches.

   The ceremony was attended by Vitaly Davyidov, Roscosmos Stats Secretary and Deputy Head, Alexey Krasnov and Sergey Otrashkevich, Heads of Roscosmos Divisions, GCTC management and others. 
 
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/15/2009 02:34 pm
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6231

Prime and backup crews of Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft have arrived to Baikonur cosmodrome today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/16/2009 12:50 pm
Images of today's training of Soyuz TMA-15 crews on Baikonur are on http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6239
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: eeergo on 05/16/2009 05:47 pm
Video in TV Roscosmos' Youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PddjNVDJuNQ
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/17/2009 06:53 am
Additional photos of yesterday's training of prime and backup crews: http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6243

Images of today's traditional raising of flags by cosmonauts: http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6247
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/17/2009 08:10 am
http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6248

The fueling of tanks of Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft has begun today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/18/2009 02:29 pm
May 18, 2009, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle fuelled with propellant components and compressed gases was delivered to the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Facility for final processing operations.

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-18.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/19/2009 01:54 pm
Media invitation: Follow the launch of the next ISS commander ESA astronaut Frank De Winne live at ESA establishments

The Soyuz rocket that will bring ESA astronaut Frank De Winne to the International Space Station for the OasISS mission is set to launch from Baikonur in Kazakhstan on 27 May at 12:34 CEST.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM2RT9BWUF_index_0.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/19/2009 07:03 pm
May 19, 2009
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-19.html

Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle was docked with the transfer compartment in the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Facility.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/21/2009 03:10 pm
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-21.html
May 21, 2009

Designers inspection of the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft was completed. Payload shroud roll on to the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft was performed.

More photos of fairing installation are on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6289

Images of today's training (opened for media) of cosmonauts are on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6292
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/21/2009 06:39 pm
Russian Soyuz Vehicle Set to Launch with Canadian Astronaut Robert Thirsk aboard
 
Longueuil, Quebec, May 21, 2009 – Media representatives are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the launch of Russian Soyuz vehicle with Canadian astronaut Robert (Bob) Thirsk aboard. The launch is set for May 27th, 2009 at 6:34 a.m. EDT.

Thirsk will then become the first Canadian to launch aboard a Russian Soyuz vehicle and to participate in an Expedition mission to the International Space Station (ISS). During his six-month mission, he will conduct Canadian science and technology experiments, act as a robotic specialist and will be responsible for the Japanese segment (Kibo).

Journalists who cannot be on site at CSA will be able to watch the event live on our Web site at www.asc-csa.gc.ca

 

What:                   Launch of Russian Soyuz vehicle for Expedition 20/21

 

When:                  Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 6:15 a.m.

 

Who:                    Pierre Jean, Director, Manager for the Canadian Space Station Program

                           Mathieu Caron, Mission controller

                           Bjarni Tryggvason, former CSA astronaut will be available for interviews at 6:45 am

 

Schedule:             6:15 a.m.              Event starts

                                                         Video message by Robert Thirsk

                                                         Video message from Chris Hadfield

                                                         Phone call from Chris Hadfield from Baïkonur

 

                            6:34 a.m.              Launch of Russian Soyuz vehicle (live from Baïkonur, Kazakhstan)

 

                6:45 a.m.              Interviews

 

Where:                 Canadian Space Agency

                            6767 Route de l'Aéroport

                            Longueuil, Quebec

                                       

To schedule interviews with CSA spokespersons, please contact CSA Media Relations at (450) 926-4370.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/22/2009 05:34 pm
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6305

Today was the day of rest for backup crew.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/23/2009 06:58 pm
Images of second training of cosmonauts in Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft are on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6314

Photos of today's activity (visiting of Rocket Assembly Building, museum and Korolyov's and Gagarin's memorial houses) of cosmonauts at Baikonur are on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6315
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/24/2009 11:40 am
http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6321

Soyuz-FG rocket was fully assembled today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2009 08:37 am
May 23, 2009. Baikonur launch site,
branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

Orbital module of the Soyuz-FG launch vehicle, containing the Soyuz TMA-15 manned spacecraft was transported from the spacecraft processing facility for the general integration with LV.

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-23_2.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2009 08:37 am
May 23, 2009. Baikonur launch site,
branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

In the assembly/test building primary (Roman Romanenko (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Frank De Winne (ESA, Belgium), Robert Thirsk (CSA, Canada)) and backup (Dmitriy Kondratiev (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Andre Kuipers (ESA, the Netherlands), Christopher Hadfield (CSA, Canada)) crews of the Soyuz TMA-15 transportation spacecraft made a check inspection of the spacecraft in the launch configuration and got acquainted with equipment to be delivered and returned to the ground.

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-23.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2009 08:38 am
May 24, 2009. Baikonur launch site,
branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

A meeting of the Technical management under the chairmanship of RSC Energia President and General Designer V.A. Lopota and State commission was held. A decision on rollout of the launch vehicle with the Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned spacecraft to the launch facility and its preparation for launch planned for May 27, 2009 was adopted.

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-24_2.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2009 08:39 am
May 24, 2009. Baikonur launch site,
branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

In the LV Integration and Checkout Facility, the basic integration of the Soyuz-FG launch vehicle with the upper composite has been completed.

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-24.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Satori on 05/25/2009 08:50 am
According to Roskosmos the instalation of the 11A511U-FG Soyuz-FG with the Soyuz TMA-15 on the LC1 'Gagarinskiy Start' PU-5 launch pad was delayed by one hour because of gusty winds.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/25/2009 09:24 am
Further delay, installation now scheduled for 16:00 (I don't know if that's local time or Moscow Time)

The anomaly on the Meridian launch doesn't seem to be causing any delays though.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: catfry on 05/25/2009 09:54 am
I consider the Soyuz launcher integration to be a very appealing process and am happy that nowadays there is plentiful updates and pictures of it. Thumbs up both to posters here who post them and to Energia And Roscosomos.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Satori on 05/25/2009 12:54 pm
The cosmonauts of the Soyuz TMA-15 crew have planted their trees that celebrates ther spaceflight.

More information and images in here (http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6330) (in russian).

Other information and images regarding the transport of the 11A511U-FG Soyuz-FG launch vehicle with the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft can also be found on the RKK Energiya page in here (http://www.energia.ru/index.html).
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Satori on 05/25/2009 01:16 pm
Pre-launch activities in Baykonur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1wPdrNS5Xk
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: catfry on 05/25/2009 01:51 pm
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/OasISS_Mission/SEMASN0OWUF_0.html

Some nice pictures of rollout to the launch pad on ESAs page.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Hans_ACS on 05/25/2009 02:03 pm
Apparantly, a problem might arise due to a fever-risk incurred by Frank De Winne after talking to a Belgian journalist this morning. His mission is threatened with a delay or even a complete cancellation (back up crew instead).

I sincerely hope this is not the case and things will become clear in the next hours. Would be a disappointment for Frank and his crew, after all those years of training.

Greetings from Belgium.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/25/2009 03:36 pm
Apparantly, a problem might arise due to a fever-risk incurred by Frank De Winne after talking to a Belgian journalist this morning. His mission is threatened with a delay or even a complete cancellation (back up crew instead).

I sincerely hope this is not the case and things will become clear in the next hours. Would be a disappointment for Frank and his crew, after all those years of training.

Greetings from Belgium.

In the event that he cannot fly, would the entire crew be replaced, or just Frank?
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Hans_ACS on 05/25/2009 03:46 pm
The entire crew.
Russian agency just informed that the journalist (or a camereman to be precise) only has a cold, so I hope this will not affect the current planning + crew. I expect more news to be released today.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: TJL on 05/25/2009 05:58 pm
Is there really a chance of an entire crew change this late in the countdown?
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Satori on 05/25/2009 06:20 pm
Is there really a chance of an entire crew change this late in the countdown?

I think that this wouldn't be the first time, but I don't remember in what mission occurred.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/25/2009 06:28 pm
Is there really a chance of an entire crew change this late in the countdown?

I think that this wouldn't be the first time, but I don't remember in what mission occurred.

Soyuz 11, was one, IIRC. I think Leonov was originally scheduled to fly on it.

Obviously we don't want a repeat of that flight.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2009 08:39 pm
The entire crew.
Russian agency just informed that the journalist (or a camereman to be precise) only has a cold, so I hope this will not affect the current planning + crew. I expect more news to be released today.

NOOOOOOOoooooo

Say it isn't so!

(Okay, I now have my fingers crossed really tight). Please let them fly!
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: TJL on 05/25/2009 08:42 pm
The Soyuz TM 24 crew was replaced (due to medical issue of one crew member) 5 days prior to launch, back in 1996.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2009 09:09 pm
Crew is looking fine in these photos:

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6330

Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2009 09:17 pm
May 25, 2009. Baikonur launch site,
branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-15 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

A rollout of the Soyuz spacecraft from the assembly-test facility to the launch site was provided. The Soyuz-FG launch vehicle with the Soyuz TMA-15 transport spacecraft was erected on the launch pad. Operations under the launch minus two days program began.

The launch of the Soyuz-FG integrated launch vehicle with the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft to the ISS Orbital Complex is planned for May 27, 2009 at 14:34:49 Moscow time.

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-25.html
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/26/2009 12:31 am
Russian press (eg http://www.kp.ru/online/news/490830/) now widely reporting that it was a Canadian journalist, now hospitalized at Baykonur with a 37deg fever, whom the crew was exposed to during the tree planting ceremony, but only at a distance. Seems a surfeit of caution, but something not to be overlooked.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: robertross on 05/26/2009 01:39 am
Russian press (eg http://www.kp.ru/online/news/490830/) now widely reporting that it was a Canadian journalist, now hospitalized at Baykonur with a 37deg fever, whom the crew was exposed to during the tree planting ceremony, but only at a distance. Seems a surfeit of caution, but something not to be overlooked.

Those damn Canadians...oh wait, that's me!  :)
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/26/2009 02:40 am
Russian press (eg http://www.kp.ru/online/news/490830/) now widely reporting that it was a Canadian journalist, now hospitalized at Baykonur with a 37deg fever, whom the crew was exposed to during the tree planting ceremony, but only at a distance. Seems a surfeit of caution, but something not to be overlooked.

However It appears the backup crew was also there, so wouldn't both crews be at risk?
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: MKremer on 05/26/2009 04:37 am
I thought quarantine meant "quarantine", meaning no risk of exposure whatsoever to people outside of the needed quarantine personnel. You'd think, especially with this new flu strain around, they'd make everyone wear masks whenever exposure is a risk.

Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: rosbif73 on 05/26/2009 07:12 am
Russian press (eg http://www.kp.ru/online/news/490830/) now widely reporting that it was a Canadian journalist, now hospitalized at Baykonur with a 37deg fever, whom the crew was exposed to during the tree planting ceremony, but only at a distance. Seems a surfeit of caution, but something not to be overlooked.

37°C isn't fever, it's standard body temperature. Then again, the article mentions A/H1N1 swine flu as a possibility so maybe caution really is in order.

Quote
"While all present at the ceremony, except for the astronauts were in gauze bandage, as is in the zone observatsionnogo regime, however, the risk of infection can not be ruled out," - think of the cosmodrome.

Machine translation still has a long way to go! I have this mental picture of everyone wrapped up like mummies - though I assume it actually means they were wearing face masks.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: asdert on 05/26/2009 08:08 am
Does anyone happen to know Romanenko's call sign?
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/26/2009 08:43 am
26-05-2009 The State Commission approved the crew of Soyuz TMA-15:

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6332

Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: SiberianTiger on 05/26/2009 09:50 am
Does anyone happen to know Romanenko's call sign?

His call sign is Титан (tee-tahn, meaning Titan)
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/26/2009 09:51 am
OasISS mission: watch the launch live on the ESA website
 
26 May 2009   ESA astronaut Frank De Winne starts his six-month OasISS mission with the launch of the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft to the International Space Station on Wednesday 27 May at 12:34 CEST (10:34 UT).

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/OasISS_Mission/SEMTEW0OWUF_0.html

Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: TALsite on 05/26/2009 09:57 am
Does anyone happen to know Romanenko's call sign?
When he was backup for the TMA-10 flight, he chose PARUS ("Sail")

Quote
Jacqmans
The State Commission approved the crew...
Is discarded the concern about the flu?
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/26/2009 10:28 am
Does anyone happen to know Romanenko's call sign?

His call sign is Титан (tee-tahn, meaning Titan)

That was also the callsign for Soyuz TMA-13.
Title: Re: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: SiberianTiger on 05/26/2009 03:03 pm
When he was backup for the TMA-10 flight, he chose PARUS ("Sail")

It looks you are right: the TMA-15 Crew Commander's call sign is PARUS indeed. My previous statement was wrong.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: anik on 05/26/2009 06:03 pm
Planned exact launch time is 10:34:53 UTC.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/26/2009 09:19 pm
The 'swine flu space scare' has evaporated, but it seems one myth lingers -- the thought that the crew was safe from infection at the tree planting on Monday because the press was kept at a safe distance and all of them wore surgical masks.

NK's website has a series of pictures of this event, and this one can be contrasted with the 'safe' meme:

http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/content/newspictures/784d03.jpg

The flight crew stands within one or two meters of a pack of unmasked journalists.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2009 09:32 pm
About 12 hours to launch I believe, so let's move to this for live coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: robertross on 05/27/2009 12:37 am
Awesome.

Let me be the first (for Live Coverage) to thank NASA, the United States, and fellow ISS members countries for allowing Canada to participate in the first 6-person ISS crew.

Truly a momentous occasion for Canada. 8)

I look forward to seeing Mr. Thirsk drink his first glass of treated urine in space  :)

Fellow NSF participants: let the show begin!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: TJL on 05/27/2009 02:42 am
I was surprised to see the U.S. flag on the shroud of the TMA 15 spacecraft. I thought that was only there when a member of the U.S. astronaut program is aboard.

http://www.spacefacts.de/graph/drawing/drawings2/soyuz-tma-15_rollout.jpg
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/27/2009 04:40 am
Awesome.

Let me be the first (for Live Coverage) to thank NASA, the United States, and fellow ISS members countries for allowing Canada to participate in the first 6-person ISS crew.

Truly a momentous occasion for Canada. 8)

I look forward to seeing Mr. Thirsk drink his first glass of treated urine in space  :)

Fellow NSF participants: let the show begin!

A momentous day for everyone as well. NASA, RSA, JAXA, ESA, and CSA (the five ISS partners) will all be represented on the station when TMA-15 docks.  And don't forget (as I'm sure you haven't) that come next month there will be two Canadians, two Russians, one European, one Japanese and seven Americans on the Station when Endeavour arrives. Truly an International Space Station.  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: veryrelaxed on 05/27/2009 05:10 am
Sorry, will there be a live coverage?  Link, anyone?  TIA
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jan_carlo_bascu on 05/27/2009 05:23 am
NASA TV
ESA OasISS LIVE PORTAL
Vesti.ru LIVE TRANSMISSION
mcc.rsa.ru LIVE GRAPHICS AND MAP TRACKS
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: veryrelaxed on 05/27/2009 05:28 am
Thank you. 
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 08:30 am
Sorry, will there be a live coverage?  Link, anyone?  TIA

Watch the OasISS mission launch live

 
ESA astronaut Frank De Winne starts his six-month OasISS mission to the International Space Station with the launch of the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft on Wednesday 27 May at 12:34 CEST (10:34 UT). Watch the launch live - coverage starts at 11:55 CEST.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/OasISS_Mission/SEMTEW0OWUF_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 08:34 am
The Soyuz TMA-15 crew dressed in their Russian Sokol suits in preparation for launch to the Interational Space Station at 12:34 CEST on 27 May 2009 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Left to right: Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, ESA astronaut Frank De Winne and Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 08:35 am
More pre-flight photos:

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6344
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: marshallsplace on 05/27/2009 09:08 am
A couple pre-launch pics:
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: John44 on 05/27/2009 09:22 am
 Expedition 20 Prelaunch Video File
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5017
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: pm1823 on 05/27/2009 09:27 am
I was surprised to see the U.S. flag on the shroud of the TMA 15 spacecraft. I thought that was only there when a member of the U.S. astronaut program is aboard.

http://www.spacefacts.de/graph/drawing/drawings2/soyuz-tma-15_rollout.jpg

IMHO: US flag on LV is in the contract with NASA. From formal POV they launching not ESA or Canada astros, but "NASA, or appointed by NASA".
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: John44 on 05/27/2009 09:36 am
ESA streams flash and windows media
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/OasISS_Mission/SEMTEW0OWUF_0.html

NASA TV
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 09:38 am
ESA photos:
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/27/2009 09:46 am
Coverage starting on NASA TV.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: TJL on 05/27/2009 09:46 am
During the pre-launch ceremonies, CDR Romanenko and FE De Winne signed door "306" while FE Thirsk signed door "305".
Is there a reason why they don't autograph the same door?
Thanks.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/27/2009 09:54 am
Callsign is Taymyr (Таймыр)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: pm1823 on 05/27/2009 10:02 am
Callsign is Taymyr (Таймыр)

Hmm, we all can hear, that Ground calling them PARUS.
Parus One - Romanenko.
Parus Two - de Winne.
Parus Three - Thirsk

ТАЙМЫР was Y.V.Romanenko, his father.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:04 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:07 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/27/2009 10:18 am
Callsign is Taymyr (Таймыр)

Hmm, we all can hear, that Ground calling them PARUS.
Parus One - Romanenko.
Parus Two - de Winne.
Parus Three - Thirsk

ТАЙМЫР was Y.V.Romanenko, his father.

The NASA PAO said that he had chosen Taymyr because of its use on Soyuz 26.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:19 am
16 minutes to go
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:28 am
TMA-15 will dock to Zarya Nadir
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:29 am
7 minutes:
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: pm1823 on 05/27/2009 10:29 am
Quote
The NASA PAO said that he had chosen Taymyr because of its use on Soyuz 26.

Ok, PAO commentator did wrong statement. Ground("163") calling them PARUS.

PS "Key-to-Start" command!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:31 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:35 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:36 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:36 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:37 am
Nice sound from that launch!

Separation
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:39 am
Thirsk and Romanenko
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:41 am
Now on the third stage
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: MikeMi. on 05/27/2009 10:42 am
Nice sound from that launch!

Yes, indeed it sounds really powerfull. Funny is this way of switchin some buttons on main panel by this long metal rod.. looks like a so advanced technology  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: aurora899 on 05/27/2009 10:44 am
From BBC News 24:

"BREAKING NEWS: Space Shuttle takes off from Kazakhstan"!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 10:45 am
Third stage separation, they are in space!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 10:45 am
They are in space !!

Succesfull launch !!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: generic_handle_42 on 05/27/2009 10:49 am
Congrats to Russia on yet another successful Soyuz launch!  It is a proud moment not only for us Canadians, but also for all the international partners!

And thanks for the coverage Ron!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Gorizont on 05/27/2009 10:51 am
Congratulations on the successful launch!

Soeren
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2009 10:59 am
Great coverage Ron, much appreciated.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: pm1823 on 05/27/2009 10:59 am
Quote
Funny is this way of switchin some buttons on main panel by this long metal rod.. looks like a so advanced technology

I'm more worry about low comms quality. It's eternal problem for russian spaceflights...
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Cbased on 05/27/2009 11:00 am
Congratulations to everyone involved!

Cabing pressure 786.
Everything is fine.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Cbased on 05/27/2009 11:03 am
Funny is this way of switchin some buttons on main panel by this long metal rod.. looks like a so advanced technology  ;)

It's a Stylus with a capital "S" ;)
30 years ahead of time!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Hans_ACS on 05/27/2009 11:06 am
Congrats on the beautiful launch. As a belgian citizen, I am very proud of Frank !
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/27/2009 11:10 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrFslFCc-I
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/27/2009 11:19 am
I note in the view of Moscow-TsUP there no longer are commercial messages pasted along the front floorboard. It's probably been that way for some time, I just hadn't noticed.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Cbased on 05/27/2009 11:25 am
I note in the view of Moscow-TsUP there no longer are commercial messages pasted along the front floorboard.
Sign of a crysis?
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: John44 on 05/27/2009 11:26 am
 Expedition 20 - Soyuz TMA-15 launch
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5018

 Expedition 20 - launch Replay
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5020
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2009 11:26 am
I note in the view of Moscow-TsUP there no longer are commercial messages pasted along the front floorboard. It's probably been that way for some time, I just hadn't noticed.


Only since this year I believe. Used to always notice the Hewlett Packard banner.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: robertross on 05/27/2009 11:28 am
WOOO HOOO!!!!

Thanks for the coverage guys, especially Ron. Fantastic day for Canada and ISS!

@ Chris G: No, it hadn't slipped my mind at all. Can't wait to see Bob Thirsk and Julie Payette ini orbit at the same time.  Too 8)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/27/2009 12:06 pm
At the JSC Exp-20 press conference I asked the NASA guys directly, how did the crew assignments get shuffled to get such a broad national distribution -- was it really only driven by planned special tasks, or was there a 'management hand' in pushing the crew composition to such a symbolic diversity?

They hemmed and hawed and shuffled their feet. We had a good chuckle together -- but no answers.

Statistically, under random distribution, this symbolism would be unlikely to ever occur. I think the general rule is that on a 6-person crew the US gets three seats, Russia gets 2, and the other partners take turns with the remaining '1'. However, for barter for special hardware or other resources, both the US and Russia can (and do) swap out some of their own seats.

As I understand it, Wakata is flying in one of those 'swapped' US seats (HTV cargo manifesting has something to do with it), and the seat will swap back next month when Tim Kopra replaces him. One of the two seats on the Soyuz launch today was another US seat (hence the US flag on the Soyuz fairing), I don't recall which one, or based on what kind of deal.

It's nice to do things for symbolism and encouragement, and I think the operational reasons are sound, so it's not an empty 'stunt' -- it's a demonstration of a genuine truth about the breadth of contributions to this project, and a well-deserved tribute to partners more loyal than perhaps their major partners deserve (I refer to bouts of US perfidy here).

But I hope folks don't get disappointed when they realize that such a broad spectrum of participation is going to be rare among future crews, and may never again reach this level -- at least not until we go to a 9 or 12-person permanent crew. But that's another story for another decade...
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2009 12:07 pm
Short article - beefed up with some 8th Floor updates on Dextre and the UPA:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/05/soyuz-tma-15-launches-for-growing-iss-upaspdm-updates/
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Jeff Lerner on 05/27/2009 12:26 pm
Followed the launch on NTV this morning....I was proud to see the CDN flag on Bob Thirsk's spacesuit....guess Canadians will have to get used to seeing our astronauts launched via Soyuz for the foreseable future...after Payette's flight aboard STS-127, Soyuz will be our only ride...:(
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Captain Scarlet on 05/27/2009 12:35 pm
Depends on Shuttle Extension, Wildthing. It'll all come down to if the US confirms itself as no longer a superpower, and has to outsource its human space flight program to a former enemy for five years plus, because it couldn't afford $3 billion a year for one of its flagship organisations.

A bit harsh, but it takes a true friend to tell it how it is, so maybe we (Canadians and British) should give the US a wake up call that as a former superpower, giving up power is a mistake.

At least we still own Canada, right? ;) :D
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: stockman on 05/27/2009 01:22 pm
Depends on Shuttle Extension, Wildthing. It'll all come down to if the US confirms itself as no longer a superpower, and has to outsource its human space flight program to a former enemy for five years plus, because it couldn't afford $3 billion a year for one of its flagship organisations.

A bit harsh, but it takes a true friend to tell it how it is, so maybe we (Canadians and British) should give the US a wake up call that as a former superpower, giving up power is a mistake.

At least we still own Canada, right? ;) :D


Right with ya, up until that last sentence!!  ... we may have to have a chat  .....  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/27/2009 02:15 pm
Thanks to everyone for the coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/27/2009 02:15 pm
Russian press quotes V. Solovyov concerning 'thermal control problems' in the cabin which he is sure 'will be fixed soon'.

Example:
   16:56 / 27.05.2009 // У российского космолета возникли проблемы
   http://www.dni.ru/society/2009/5/27/167196.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: patchfree on 05/27/2009 02:45 pm
Russian press quotes V. Solovyov concerning 'thermal control problems' in the cabin which he is sure 'will be fixed soon'.

Example:
   16:56 / 27.05.2009 // У российского космолета возникли проблемы
   http://www.dni.ru/society/2009/5/27/167196.html


TsUP releases the following info:

In «Soyuz TMA-15» temperature is normal
   
Autonomous flight  «Soyuz TMA-15» is taking place in the staffing regime. All systems are operating the ship without comment, the crew feels good. Temperatures in «Soyuz TMA-15» were normal.

[Roscosmos website www.roscosmos.ru (http://www.roscosmos.ru) ]
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: eeergo on 05/27/2009 02:52 pm
Awesome video to mark the start of a great accomplishment in human spaceflight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkkLbuzE-oY

Great camera for ignition, interesting to see the radar antenna following the Soyuz, and amazing early ascent sound! It's also available in HQ (not HD, but quite nice nevertheless), check it out!

Thanks for the coverage to everyone that contributed this morning!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: libs0n on 05/27/2009 04:29 pm
Depends on Shuttle Extension, Wildthing. It'll all come down to if the US confirms itself as no longer a superpower, and has to outsource its human space flight program to a former enemy for five years plus, because it couldn't afford $3 billion a year for one of its flagship organisations.

A bit harsh, but it takes a true friend to tell it how it is, so maybe we (Canadians and British) should give the US a wake up call that as a former superpower, giving up power is a mistake.

At least we still own Canada, right? ;) :D

Money doesn't grow on trees.  Funding shuttle extension, the money would have to come from other programs currently deemed necessary, a new tax would have to be raised, or new debt would have to be taken on to meet that extra funding need.  All to satisfy some people's personal insecurity over what, relying on a steady partner to meet the operational needs during a period of transition?   Get over yourselves; it's sound resource management.  What America is temporarily doing is the exact same thing that Europe and Canada have done for the duration of their human space programs.  At least we live in a world where such a thing is possible and petty egocentric nationalism for its sake alone doesn't always rule the day.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: kch on 05/27/2009 04:32 pm
Funny is this way of switchin some buttons on main panel by this long metal rod.. looks like a so advanced technology  ;)

It's a Stylus with a capital "S" ;)
30 years ahead of time!


It's hard to argue with success -- "do what works"!  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 05:48 pm
Successful Launch: Canadian Astronaut Bob Thirsk Lifts Off for Six Months on International Space Station

Longueuil, Quebec, May 27, 2009 – Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Robert (Bob) Thirsk launched successfully from Baïkonur, Kazakhstan, aboard Soyuz TMA-15 today at 6:34 a.m. EDT, marking the start of Canada’s first long-duration mission in space.

 

“Through the years, Canadian astronauts have acquired an international reputation, taking part in 13 space missions and numerous visits to the International Space Station” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency. “It is hard-working, innovative and productive Canadians like these that drive our economy and keeps Canada in its place as a space-faring nation.”

 

Thirsk will stay onboard the International Space Station (ISS) for six months, breaking Canada’s—and his own—mission-length record of 17 days. A physician and mechanical engineer, Thirsk is the mission’s Crew Medical Officer, robotics specialist, and specialist for Kibo, the Japanese experimental facility.

 

During this mission, the crew of Expedition 20/21 will devote hours to scientific research making full use of the station’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Thirsk will conduct Canadian-led experiments that could lead to results for people who experience balance and movement control disorders, elderly people suffering from dizziness and fainting spells, or those afflicted with heart disease caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

 

“This is an incredible milestone for the Canadian Space Program,” said Steve MacLean, President of the CSA and a former Canadian astronaut. “Canada has a very strong track record when it comes to space science and space technology. The science performed will benefit all Canadians.”

 

Soyuz TMA-15 is scheduled to dock with the ISS on May 29th at 8:36 a.m. EDT and the historic hatch opening will take place at 9:45 a.m. EDT inaugurating the long awaited-presence of a six-person crew on the station and marking the moment when all five partner agencies will be represented by crew members on the orbiting laboratory.

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 05:49 pm
ESA astronaut Frank De Winne is heading to the International Space Station at the start of his six-month OasISS mission. Together with Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, De Winne launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, at 12:34 CEST (10:34 UT) today.

Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/OasISS_Mission/SEMI761OWUF_0.html

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 05:55 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M09-094

NEW STATION CREW LAUNCHES ON SOYUZ; BRIEFING FROM SPACE ON JUNE 1

HOUSTON -- The International Space Station crew is awaiting the
arrival of three new members that will usher in an era of six-person
crews aboard the orbiting laboratory. Russian cosmonaut Roman
Romanenko, European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne and
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Bob Thirsk launched aboard a Soyuz
spacecraft Wednesday morning from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz is scheduled to dock with the station at 8:36 a.m. Friday,
May 29. The trio will join station Commander Gennady Padalka and
Flight Engineers Mike Barratt of NASA and Koichi Wakata of the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to form the Expedition 20 crew.
It will mark the first time all five partner agencies are represented
by astronauts on the station at the same time.

The expanded crew of the International Space Station will discuss the
start of six-person operations in a news conference at 9:25 a.m.
Monday, June 1. The news conference will be broadcast live on NASA
Television and streamed on the NASA Web site.

Reporters at NASA centers and locations hosted by JAXA, ESA and CSA
will be able to ask questions during the 30-minute news conference. A
separate news conference is scheduled for the crew with Russian news
media, but will not be broadcast on NASA TV due to time constraints.
Journalists who want to participate must call the public affairs
office at their preferred location by 10 a.m. Friday.

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: honeyjones on 05/27/2009 06:04 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrFslFCc-I
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/27/2009 07:21 pm
Every time I watch the replay, I watch the little ball rocking and at the end of the video, you can it start to float as  they get to zero gravity.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2009 10:47 pm
Pre-launch and launch photos:

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6346
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jaythehokie on 05/28/2009 03:09 am
Please forgive the somewhat non-technical nature of the following questions:

1.) What the heck was that thing hanging down on a string inside the capsule?  What...was there no room to stick the hula-girl on a suction cup to watch it shimmy during liftoff? 

2.) I'm disappointed that we didn't get to see the "Korolev Cross" once the boosters seperated from the first stage.  Did anyone happen to get a glimpse of that on film?  I think that is the coolest effect...
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: cd-slam on 05/28/2009 04:14 am
At the JSC Exp-20 press conference I asked the NASA guys directly, how did the crew assignments get shuffled to get such a broad national distribution -- was it really only driven by planned special tasks, or was there a 'management hand' in pushing the crew composition to such a symbolic diversity?

They hemmed and hawed and shuffled their feet. We had a good chuckle together -- but no answers.

Statistically, under random distribution, this symbolism would be unlikely to ever occur. I think the general rule is that on a 6-person crew the US gets three seats, Russia gets 2, and the other partners take turns with the remaining '1'. However, for barter for special hardware or other resources, both the US and Russia can (and do) swap out some of their own seats.

As I understand it, Wakata is flying in one of those 'swapped' US seats (HTV cargo manifesting has something to do with it), and the seat will swap back next month when Tim Kopra replaces him. One of the two seats on the Soyuz launch today was another US seat (hence the US flag on the Soyuz fairing), I don't recall which one, or based on what kind of deal.

It's nice to do things for symbolism and encouragement, and I think the operational reasons are sound, so it's not an empty 'stunt' -- it's a demonstration of a genuine truth about the breadth of contributions to this project, and a well-deserved tribute to partners more loyal than perhaps their major partners deserve (I refer to bouts of US perfidy here).

But I hope folks don't get disappointed when they realize that such a broad spectrum of participation is going to be rare among future crews, and may never again reach this level -- at least not until we go to a 9 or 12-person permanent crew. But that's another story for another decade...

If you read far enough back on this site, particularly anik's posts on ISS schedule, you can determine how this happy situation of 5 different partners representation has come about.

It goes back to RTF in 2006, there was a decision made then when returning to 3 person crew that 2 would travel in Soyuz and remaining crew member be rotated by shuttle. The crew assignments were to be 2 American, 1 Russian for six months followed by 2 Russian, 1 American for six months.

At the time, NASA planned to have the three missions STS-122 (with ESA Harmony module), STS-123 (with Canada Hand) and STS-124 (with Japanese Kibo module) all during a time when there would be 2 American & 1 Russian crew aboard. So it was planned to have 1 ESA, 1 Canadian and 1 Japanese crew member take one of the American crew slots for two months each, as a reward to the IPs.

Hence Leopold Eyharts joined the crew of STS-122 and remained until STS-123 as ESA representative.

Unfortunately, due to delays in the shuttle launch schedule, STS-124  was delayed after a Soyuz mission which meant that 2 Russians would be aboard. Then there would be no Americans on board if they followed the original plan, so it was scrapped and Thirsk & Wakata lost their place to American astronauts.

So these two had been later added in to their current missions. Only deWinne is a genuine "planned" crew member in the current Expedition. However it's a nice gesture, even if it will not be reflected in future assignments.
   
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: Spiff on 05/28/2009 12:08 pm
Please forgive the somewhat non-technical nature of the following questions:

1.) What the heck was that thing hanging down on a string inside the capsule?  What...was there no room to stick the hula-girl on a suction cup to watch it shimmy during liftoff? 

2.) I'm disappointed that we didn't get to see the "Korolev Cross" once the boosters seperated from the first stage.  Did anyone happen to get a glimpse of that on film?  I think that is the coolest effect...

1. It's the famous 'gravitometer' an ingenious device consisting of some item hanging on a string which will tell the soyuz commander if there is still gravity in the cabin. ;) It is tradition that the commander picks some kind of personal lucky charm as his 'gravitometer'. I'm not sure what it was this time. Anyone who was able to determine what it was?

2. I think I saw it very briefly and vaguely, but it wasn't very clear.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: eeergo on 05/28/2009 12:11 pm
Please forgive the somewhat non-technical nature of the following questions:

1.) What the heck was that thing hanging down on a string inside the capsule?  What...was there no room to stick the hula-girl on a suction cup to watch it shimmy during liftoff? 

2.) I'm disappointed that we didn't get to see the "Korolev Cross" once the boosters seperated from the first stage.  Did anyone happen to get a glimpse of that on film?  I think that is the coolest effect...

1) That's a kind of token, chosen by the crew (or the CDR, I'm not entirely sure), to mark in a visible way that the boost phase is over and they're enjoying zero-g. Just a tradition. Perhaps the hula-girl would have broken her waist during the 3-G phase ;)

2) You can get a glimpse in the replays just after side booster separation, in the first rotation they make. The 'lateral' ones are the most visible, but just during a fraction of a second, then the haze blocks away any nice view... That's the best screenshot I could manage (although in the actual video you can see it better, second 3:06 in John44's video)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/28/2009 05:13 pm
May 27, 2009, Baikonur launch site,
branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss20/photo_05-27.html

In accordance with the mission plan of the International Space Station (ISS) and Russian commitments under the ISS project, a manned spacecraft Soyuz TMA-15 was launched from Baikonur launch site at 14:34:53 Moscow Time.

The objective of the launch was to deliver to the ISS the Expedition 20 crew (ISS-20): cosmonaut Roman Romanenko (spacecraft commander, Russia), and astronauts: a citizen of Belgium Frank De Winne (the spacecraft flight engineer 1, ESA) and a citizen of Canada Robert Thirsk (the spacecraft flight engineer 2, Canadian Space Agency).

The spacecraft was put into a parking low-Earth orbit with the following parameters: 51.65° inclination, 199.0 km minimal altitude, 240.7 km maximum altitude, 88.62 minutes orbital period.

The onboard systems of the spacecraft operate normally.

At the launch site, the spacecraft prelaunch processing and launch were performed under the direction of the State Commission (chaired by the head of Roscosmos A.N. Perminov). The Commission was basing its decisions to proceed with each next step in processing and launching on the final report of the Technical Management headed by the President of RSC Energia, Designer General V.A. Lopota.

According to the telemetry data and reports from the crew of ISS Expedition 19, the space station systems operate in normal mode. The station is ready for docking with the spacecraft.

 For reference:

Currently working onboard ISS is the ISS-19 crew consisting of: Russian cosmonaut Gennadi Padalka (the crew commander), NASA astronaut Michael Barratt (flight engineer 1) and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata (flight engineer 2).
S.P.Korolev RSC Energia is the prime manned space flight organization in the Russian rocket and space industry, responsible for the development of the ISS Russian Segment, its integration into the Space Station and its operation, including development and operation of principal Russian modules (Zvezda, Pirs, etc.), manufacturing, launch and operation of Soyuz TMA and Progress M spacecraft.
The spacecraft docking with ISS is scheduled for May 29, 2009, at 16:36 Moscow Time, to the docking compartment of the Functional and Cargo Module.

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: lucspace on 05/28/2009 07:59 pm
To entertain us during the 'invisible' period between launch and docking, here is a photo that tells the special story about the Soyuz TMA-15 commander...  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/28/2009 09:55 pm
It's a wonderful photograph, luc, but when I showed it to Romanenko, he laughed and said it was his little brother Artyom.

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: The-Hammer on 05/28/2009 10:50 pm
It's a wonderful photograph, luc, but when I showed it to Romanenko, he laughed and said it was his little brother Artyom.



Yeah, If you look closely at the picture, one of the models is clearly the Mir base block with Kvant-1 on the back. Roman would have been 15-16 at the time.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: pm1823 on 05/28/2009 11:10 pm
Quote
1.) What the heck was that thing hanging down on a string inside the capsule?

Better ask Chinese, who made this toy. :) I think, it's some unknown cartoon character, looks like fat chicken for me. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: lucspace on 05/29/2009 08:22 am
It's a wonderful photograph, luc, but when I showed it to Romanenko, he laughed and said it was his little brother Artyom.



Wow, never thought twice about that possibility. But it raises the possibility of yet another Romanenko making in to orbit...?! ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: William Graham on 05/29/2009 08:34 am
Quote
1.) What the heck was that thing hanging down on a string inside the capsule?

Better ask Chinese, who made this toy. :) I think, it's some unknown cartoon character, looks like fat chicken for me. :)

I think they said during the webcast that it was a puppet from a show that one of his relatives was in. I thought they said his daughter, but according to his biography he doesn't have a daughter, so I must have misheard.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/29/2009 11:39 am
A little more then 1 hour away from Docking...
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 11:49 am
Anyone else having issues with NASA TV's webcast?   
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 11:50 am
Anyone else having issues with NASA TV's webcast?   

Yes Blank screen.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: DaveS on 05/29/2009 11:52 am
Works for me. No issues.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 11:52 am
I just checked the schedule and live coverage starts at 8 AM EDT
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: dpap on 05/29/2009 11:54 am
The 300kbit stream works fine for me now: http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?id=1368161

I Was having problems with the 151kbit feed also.

All Yahoo feeds URLs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_TV#Internet_feeds
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Svetoslav on 05/29/2009 11:58 am
I'm also getting black screen. However, you can use the Media channel, not the Public channel.

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: JJ.. on 05/29/2009 11:58 am
Coming up ..
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 11:59 am
I got on the real player, but not on the normal 151 bit NASA TV that I use.

Thanks for the mention of the Media Channel.  That works fine. 
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 11:59 am
The 300kbit stream works fine for me now: http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?id=1368161

I Was having problems with the 151kbit feed also.

All Yahoo feeds URLs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_TV#Internet_feeds


The 500 Kps worked, thanks!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:01 pm
live coverage has started:
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: aquarius on 05/29/2009 12:01 pm
I'm also getting black screen. However, you can use the Media channel, not the Public channel.


Thanks for that tip, Svetoslav
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:02 pm
TMA-15 crew
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:04 pm
MCC-Moscow
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/29/2009 12:06 pm
It's a wonderful photograph, luc, but when I showed it to Romanenko, he laughed and said it was his little brother Artyom.



Wow, never thought twice about that possibility. But it raises the possibility of yet another Romanenko making in to orbit...?! ;)

Almost as good -- two guys named 'Roman' soon to be aboard ISS. Anybody can answer the question -- when?

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:08 pm
Live view of station!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:09 pm
about 2 km away
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 12:09 pm
The station looks huge!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:10 pm
Soyuz:
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 12:12 pm
Moving in pretty fast and getting bigger.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: DaveS on 05/29/2009 12:13 pm
Almost as good -- two guys named 'Roman' soon to be aboard ISS. Anybody can answer the question -- when?
STS-127. CDR Mark "Roman" Polansky. Got his nickname from the polish movie director Roman Polanski: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Polanski
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:16 pm
500 meters
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:17 pm
performing flyaround
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch - May 27, 2009
Post by: JimO on 05/29/2009 12:18 pm
Almost as good -- two guys named 'Roman' soon to be aboard ISS. Anybody can answer the question -- when?
STS-127. CDR Mark "Roman" Polansky. Got his nickname from the polish movie director Roman Polanski: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Polanski

Yes. And to avoid confusion, he told me that for this flight, he is going by the call sign "Mark", his real first name.

He got 'Roman' at flight school. Until then he's been called 'Ski', but there was another cadet named 'Brodsky' who already had that nickname, so the senior cadets mulled it over and recalled the (then) recent scandal of the film director, and picked 'Roman'. Polansky had no say in it.

sorry if off topic...

Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:20 pm
240 meters
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: catfry on 05/29/2009 12:22 pm
Quite good views of the S1 radiator damage. 200m.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:23 pm
rotating:
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:24 pm
flyaround completed station keeping
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:27 pm
Go to proceed
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:28 pm
Final approach
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 12:28 pm
Soyuz now on final.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: lucspace on 05/29/2009 12:28 pm
Why are the two sets of solar panels perpendicular in orientation? Am I wrong or doesn't that configuration make any sense considering the possibility to catch as much sunlight as possible?
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:28 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:29 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 12:29 pm
Why are the two sets of solar panels perpendicular in orientation? Am I wrong or doesn't that configuration make any sense considering the possibility to catch as much sunlight as possible?

To prevent possible damage from the Soyuz's RCS jets.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:31 pm
45 mee\ters
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: catfry on 05/29/2009 12:31 pm
Sounds like the voice of Frank de Winne occasionally.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:32 pm
40 meters, a little to the right
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:33 pm
moving to night
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:33 pm
20 meters
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:35 pm
contact and capture!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:36 pm
from earlier
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:37 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 12:38 pm
post docking press conference up next, that is it for me
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: MikeMi. on 05/29/2009 12:39 pm
Good coverage Ron. It was fast approach process.. they made this distance 30 metres in less than 2 minutes, rly fast.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: saturnapollo on 05/29/2009 12:40 pm
Great docking and great views of both the station and Soyuz. It's just a pity the Russians don't take (or release) views taken during the fly around as these are angles you don't get from the shuttle.

Keith
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: aquarius on 05/29/2009 12:41 pm
Sounds like the voice of Frank de Winne occasionally.
It seemed he was involved more actively than Romanenko.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Svetoslav on 05/29/2009 01:28 pm
Are we going to see the opening of the hatch live/
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 01:31 pm
The name of the space flight participant to fly in the empty seat on TMA-16 will be announced on June 4th, just announced during the post-docking press conference.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: MikeMi. on 05/29/2009 01:32 pm
Are we going to see the opening of the hatch live/

It should take place for around 15 minutes.. but I didnt hear any info if we get view from this occassion.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 05/29/2009 01:33 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH-S8EVhO5A
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: aquarius on 05/29/2009 01:44 pm
Oh god, what poor journalism, the guy didn´t know about Bolden nomination.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: MikeMi. on 05/29/2009 01:56 pm
Soyuz is visible in the centre of this screen.

Seem that we will get view from opening hatches.. currently we are seeing VIPs in Control Mission in Korolew.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: John44 on 05/29/2009 02:04 pm
 Expedition 20 Docking to the ISS
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5027

 Expedition 20/19 Hatch Opening and Welcoming Ceremony to Inaugurate ISS Six-Person Crew
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5028
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 02:05 pm
No sound at my computer, but what are they doing in the Russian Control Center with everyone standing.  Mu guess is that they are waiting for the hatch opening?
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: MikeMi. on 05/29/2009 02:14 pm
No sound at my computer, but what are they doing in the Russian Control Center with everyone standing.  Mu guess is that they are waiting for the hatch opening?

Yes, they are waiting for opening. First time in history there will meet ppl from all 5 main participants in ISS program.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 02:17 pm
Hatch opened and welcome to the ISS
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 02:22 pm
Welcome
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 05/29/2009 02:31 pm
Interview over
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/29/2009 02:32 pm
Oh god, what poor journalism, the guy didn´t know about Bolden nomination.

Now, to be fair, the announcement was burried in a holiday week-end press release.  It does not surprise me someone did not get the word.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: aquarius on 05/29/2009 02:45 pm
The other Russian journalist was asking whether Noguchi is a professional astronaut or SFP...

The American journalists who cover space news are much more knowledgeable.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: aquarius on 05/29/2009 02:59 pm
Oh god, what poor journalism, the guy didn´t know about Bolden nomination.

Now, to be fair, the announcement was burried in a holiday week-end press release.  It does not surprise me someone did not get the word.
In fact, that was one of the most important space events of the past week.
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: jacqmans on 05/29/2009 03:49 pm
The crew of the International Space Station has increased to six for the first time today with the arrival of three new residents including ESA astronaut Frank De Winne with the Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft.

Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMHGP1OWUF_index_0.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: stockman on 05/29/2009 04:08 pm
Definitely a momentus day... a great milestone after decades of hard work by thousands of people...
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: robertross on 05/29/2009 04:24 pm
AWESOME NEWS! So begins the true potential of the ISS.

I hope all six get along in the coming days. Should be nice and cozy  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Davejfb on 05/31/2009 01:54 pm
Great that finally we have a 6 person crew up on ISS.

And in august we have 2 European astronauts up. DeWinne on the ISS side and Christer Fuglesang on the shuttle side. Nice times are comming up!
Title: Re: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-15 launch and Docking May 27 - 29, 2009
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 03/30/2010 08:17 pm
Novosti Kosmonavtiki reveals that the SAS fell out of the predicted area.

Quote
31.03.2010 / 00:05   Система аварийного спасения корабля "Союз ТМА-15" упала вне зоны падения


      В мае 2009 года система аварийного спасения (САС) корабля "Союз ТМА-15" после отделения упала вне расчетной зоны падения, сообщил во вторник журналистам заместитель главного конструктора ОАО "МКБ "Искра" Виктор Волчков.
      "Она не туда улетела. Сброс САС произошел в штатном режиме, но нештатно сработала основная камера центрального двигателя и она упала вне отведенной для нее зоны падения", - сказал он, добавив, что в настоящее время создана комиссия по расследованию происшествия.
      "Мы в процессе изучения. Пока самой версии не выработали", - отметил заместитель главного конструктора.