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NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 09/20/2006 10:59 pm

Title: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/20/2006 10:59 pm
Starting the thread now to get all the related data into here.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: GioFX on 09/20/2006 11:40 pm
I will not be able to follow the live coverage of the re-entry... so, have a smooth and safe re-entrty Atlantis!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/20/2006 11:46 pm
Atlantis traveling upside down and backwards off the Eastern coast of India.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: chksix on 09/21/2006 12:26 am
I hope the video will be available here afterwards. I have to leave home at 11 in the morning and that translates to just before the first deorbit burn opportunity.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 12:38 am
Quote
chksix - 20/9/2006  7:09 PM

I hope the video will be available here afterwards. I have to leave home at 11 in the morning and that translates to just before the first deorbit burn opportunity.

I think NASAcast will have it for you.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/highlights/index.html

They usually have videos ready pretty quickly after an event takes place.
Orbiter passing over the Southern tip of South America.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 12:42 am
Quote
nathan.moeller - 21/9/2006  2:21 AM

Quote
chksix - 20/9/2006  7:09 PM

I hope the video will be available here afterwards. I have to leave home at 11 in the morning and that translates to just before the first deorbit burn opportunity.

I think NASAcast will have it for you.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/highlights/index.html

They usually have videos ready pretty quickly after an event takes place.
Orbiter passing over the Southern tip of South America.
Could we please keep this thread to updates only? Also, orbiter current position and attitude is totally irrelevant. It will change.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: mkirk on 09/21/2006 01:30 am
Here are the De-Orbit Landing Pad Data and Groundtracks for the orbit 186/rev 1 landing opportunity to KSC.

Weather looks good for the first attempt with light winds straight down the runway.  Current forecast is for 7 miles visibility, few clouds at 2000 feet, and winds from 330 at 4 to 6 knots.

Mark Kirkman
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 02:15 am
Today's wake-music has been sent up, beginning FD13 hopefully the last day in space.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: realtime on 09/21/2006 02:46 am
Nice music on that crew background piece.  All they need now are some spiff outfits and they'll be like, fly!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Avron on 09/21/2006 03:22 am
Quote
realtime - 20/9/2006  10:29 PM

Nice music on that crew background piece.  All they need now are some spiff outfits and they'll be like, fly!


sample ...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: realtime on 09/21/2006 03:30 am
Nawp, not the one.  

It was a production instrumental piece, with maybe 10 seconds of live video of each of the crew standing right frame gazing at the camera, with their resume bullet listed on the left.  They each wore a nondescript tan polo shirt.  Maybe the same one for all I know. ;)

NASA PAO should check the outfits from "Enterprise".  Wa-a-ay fly.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 05:07 am
Cabin AC being turned on full for flight control systems and crew.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 05:35 am
Radiator stow and final cabin stow coming up shortly.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: rosbif73 on 09/21/2006 06:54 am
Payload bay doors closed and latched. GO to load entry software.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 07:30 am
Crew is going to get suited for entry now.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: dougb on 09/21/2006 07:44 am
dew point? does anyone know what the landing limits are?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 07:44 am
The only noted weather concern relayed from the capcom to the crew is the possibility of ground fog...the last SLF observation posted online shows a temp to dewpoint spread of 3 degrees.  (RH of 88%)
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: jacqmans on 09/21/2006 08:15 am
one hour before go/no go decission...

Landing now planned for runway 33....
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 08:18 am
Latest online SLF observation (3:40 am) has a spread of 2 degrees (temp 68F, dewpoint 66F):
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/current/KTTS.html
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 08:28 am
Go for fluid loading.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: jacqmans on 09/21/2006 08:32 am
1 hour away from de-orbit burn..
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:03 am
About 30 minutes to de-orbit burn for Orbit 186 opportunity; flight director polling room for go/no-go on the burn...weather observations holding steady...

(PAO reporting observed and forecast go a few minutes ago.)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:10 am
Go for the de-orbit burn.

Edit: the capcom relayed that no ground fog observed; some clouds south of the SLF at 2000 feet (coverage an eighth), but that area hasn't moved.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: JJ.. on 09/21/2006 09:15 am
has anyone got a timeline of the re-entry ?
showing times of peak heating,rolls ect,
i had one for the last flight,i found ticking each event off the list helped the nerves during the landing,

JJ..
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 09:17 am
Quote
JJ.. - 21/9/2006  10:58 AM

has anyone got a timeline of the re-entry ?
showing times of peak heating,rolls ect,
i had one for the last flight,i found ticking each event off the list helped the nerves during the landing,

JJ..
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:23 am
I believe they were discussing the possibility of some "ratty" comm during the entry while the vehicle is in the rolls; they are going to try to select a good antenna if possible, but if not, there would be about six minutes or so until they are in range of MILA...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:30 am
MCC says they are in good config for the burn.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:32 am
Burn underway, two good engines.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:34 am
Good de-orbit burn, no trim required.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:41 am
They're maneuvering the vehicle to the EI-5 attitude...just called up a note about the FRCS dump time being 84 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:43 am
FRCS dump complete.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: elmarko on 09/21/2006 09:49 am
Will this be a completely dark landing, or will it be lighter by then?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 09:52 am
Quote
elmarko - 21/9/2006  5:32 AM

Will this be a completely dark landing, or will it be lighter by then?
It will be about 50 minutes before sunrise...what we see on TV would depend on lighting set up for the cameras...we'll see some IR views, though, as well.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:02 am
About 5 minutes to entry interface...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:06 am
Altitude 430,000 feet, one minute to EI.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:07 am
Entry interface.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: MATTBLAK on 09/21/2006 10:08 am
This is for all mankind, guys: every completed Shuttle mission is a milestone and a TRIUMPH. A milestone because it brings us ever closer to a true permanent presence in space and a triumph because the naysayers, flat-earther type cynics (aw, but isn't this all just a waste of money, blah bloody blah...) are again proven wrong. WE are right...

May the angels ride with you, all the way to wheels stop, my friends... :)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:09 am
Altitude 62 miles, couple of minutes to the first roll.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:11 am
PAO relaying that the ISS crew reports they are watching the re-entry...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:12 am
Altitude 50 miles, range to landing 3700 miles.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:12 am
1st roll reversal -- to the left, bank of 62 degrees...26 minutes to touchdown.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:15 am
Altitude 47 miles / 250000 feet, 3100 miles from runway, velocity 16500 mph; Jeff Williams describing re-entry sights from ISS...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:16 am
Speed Mach 23, alt. 46 miles, 2600 miles to runway...hope they get some video from ISS...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:18 am
ISS capcom called up to that crew that the next roll reversal in two minutes (back to the right)...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:19 am
Speed 14500 mph / Mach 21, alt. 43 miles, 1775 miles to the runway...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: elmarko on 09/21/2006 10:21 am
Did I hear PAO say that the ISS was downlinking pictures/video of the shuttle reentry? If so, when will we get to see these?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:23 am
15 minutes to touchdown...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:24 am
10000 mph, 35 miles alt, 700 miles to the runway...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:25 am
Two minutes from being in range of MILA.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:26 am
Mach 11, already processing data from MILA...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 10:26 am
Quote
psloss - 21/9/2006  12:09 PM

Mach 11, already processing data from MILA...
That's C-Band radar.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nitin52 on 09/21/2006 10:27 am
See the link
http://www.lizard-tail.com/isana/lab/googlesat/googlesat2.php
Shuttle is seen away from landing site.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:27 am
MCC called that energy, ground track and nav are go.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Rocket Nut on 09/21/2006 10:27 am
Quote
psloss - 21/9/2006  6:09 AM

Mach 11, already processing data from MILA...

I guess it's time to start outside to watch and listen...mostly listen...love those sonic booms!!!

Cheers,

Larry
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:28 am
Taking TACANs...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:28 am
Taking GPS for the PASS.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:29 am
Mach 6, alt 25 miles, range 225 miles...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:30 am
Air data probes deployed.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:31 am
MCC call to take air data to GNC only.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:33 am
Alt 14 miles, speed 1300 mph, range 53 miles...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:33 am
On energy approaching the HAC, light winds, nominal drag chute deploy...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:36 am
On at the 180, IR video just came in...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:36 am
HUD video now.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:36 am
On at the 90.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:38 am
Pre-flare.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:38 am
Nose gear touchdown.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:39 am
Another beauty...drag chute is gone.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:39 am
Wheels stop!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 10:39 am
WHEELS STOPPED! WELCOME HOME ATLANTIS!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: paulhbell07 on 09/21/2006 10:40 am
COOL. well done atlantis.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: northanger on 09/21/2006 10:41 am
Welcome Home, Atlantis STS-115.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: kneecaps on 09/21/2006 10:42 am
Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: uko on 09/21/2006 10:42 am
Congratulations to all on safe landing!!!

WELL DONE ATLANTIS!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:43 am
Quote
kneecaps - 21/9/2006  6:25 AM

Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?
I believe that's the APU exhaust.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 10:43 am
Quote
kneecaps - 21/9/2006  5:25 AM

Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?

APU's are puffing away giving off the fumes.  They'll be shutdown in a little while.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: rfoshaug on 09/21/2006 10:43 am
It's the APU's isn't it?

Great landing. Welcome home, Atlantis!! :)


Edit: As Nathan just said.  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:43 am
ET doors being opened.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: MATTBLAK on 09/21/2006 10:44 am
Quote
kneecaps - 21/9/2006  9:25 PM

Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?

APUs. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:45 am
ET doors open now...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:46 am
Side hatch, drag chute, and landing gear are safed...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: TALsite on 09/21/2006 10:46 am
Well done. Good mission.  
Good coverage.


More missions, please!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: SiberianTiger on 09/21/2006 10:46 am
That's exciting news! I've been breathless in watching. Welcome home, guys!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:49 am
Body flap has been repositioned, MCC is ready for OPS 9, and after that SSME repositioning to rain-drain.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: paulhbell07 on 09/21/2006 10:51 am
Well done all at NASA and USA. Good mission. Lets all hope NASA is back to it's best. Good luck on getting discovery off the ground in december.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:53 am
Main engines now being repositioned.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:54 am
Crew given a go to doff suits.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 10:54 am
Go to doff suits.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:54 am
Ready for APU shutdown...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:56 am
I'm going to take a break and that'll eliminate some duplicate posts...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:00 am
Just about dawn.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: SiberianTiger on 09/21/2006 11:01 am
Any videos coming?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:02 am
Replays usually come about a half hour or so after landing.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Gary on 09/21/2006 11:03 am
What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.

One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:04 am
Crew transport vehicle moving into position.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: kneecaps on 09/21/2006 11:05 am
Quote
Gary - 21/9/2006  11:46 AM

What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.

One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?

At that point the APUs are up and running and the HYD systems are pressurised. The ET doors are drive hydraulically. I believe it's simpler from a processing standpoint to do it on the runway while everything is running.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:06 am
Quote
Gary - 21/9/2006  5:46 AM

What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.

One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?

I'm pretty sure it's to air out the area and get those fumes away from the orbiter.  All part of the "safing" process.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:18 am
Hahaha Jett doesn't want to get off the orbiter.  "You may have to drag me out."
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Gary on 09/21/2006 11:19 am
Quote
nathan.moeller - 21/9/2006  12:01 PM

Hahaha Jett doesn't want to get off the orbiter.  "You may have to drag me out."

Either that or Gravity is REALLY dragging him down!!  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:22 am
Amen Gary.  And CDR is egressing Atlantis.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 11:22 am
Interesting, if low frame rate re-entry video from ISS...here's a couple of runway screenshots...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Wolverine on 09/21/2006 11:24 am
I came to work early this morning here in West Palm Beach, and I thought I saw this glowing speck coming in fast, but the lights of the airport were bleaching out the sky.  

In the fall of 2001 I was on vacation in Beaufort, SC and at about 7:30pm one evening I was on a pier fishing when I saw a shuttle launch.  The sky was crystal  clear and even from 400+ miles away it was amazing.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 11:25 am
Landing replays underway...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/21/2006 11:25 am
Replays starting.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 11:37 am
Back to live video...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jim on 09/21/2006 11:50 am
Tell me when the astrovan leaves.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 11:52 am
Meanwhile, over in the SSPF, looks like they're getting ready to reattach the solar array blanket box to S4...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: mkirk on 09/21/2006 12:12 pm
Quote
nathan.moeller - 21/9/2006  5:49 AM

Quote
Gary - 21/9/2006  5:46 AM

What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.

One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?

I'm pretty sure it's to air out the area and get those fumes away from the orbiter.  All part of the "safing" process.

Yes that is correct.  The ET doors are opened to reduce any hydrogen buildup in the H2 line.  This would be a much more critical step if you are doing post landing procedures for an RTLS or TAL, since the orbiter never made it to orbit and the GH2 Inerting & Vacuum Inerting steps were not performed as they would be for a normal ascent.

Also opening the doors allows ground personnel acces to the aft support points and therfore helps speed up turnaround activities.

Mark Kirkman
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 12:13 pm
The people mover is lowering now...this shot from before that...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jim on 09/21/2006 12:14 pm
The APU's and Hydraulic system being online is the other reason
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: triddirt on 09/21/2006 12:15 pm
What percentage of people currently walking under the vehicle operationally need to be there?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 12:15 pm
Crew is coming out to do traditional walkaround...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jim on 09/21/2006 12:17 pm
Quote
triddirt - 21/9/2006  7:58 AM

What percentage of people currently walking under the vehicle operationally need to be there?

Everyone not in a jacket and tie.  Access is limited by mission.  I used to have access to the SLF but had to get a mission overlay to work a landing
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/21/2006 12:34 pm
Nice touch praising Atlantis and the engineers.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 12:37 pm
There you go, Jim -- Astrovan on its way.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: kraisee on 09/21/2006 12:42 pm
It was really nice of the guys to delay the landing a day so it coincided with my 32nd :)

Went out to see Atlantis come in, just got back after then heading down to the beach to watch the Sun come up too!

It was a bit dark as Atlantis came in, but I did catch a glimpse of a dark shadow whipping in as she flew in over Titusville.   The "Boom Boom" was pretty good too, though from my vantage point wasn't quite as loud as Discovery's earlier in the year.

Couldn't see the landing itself directly, but knew it was happening by watching the security choppers closing in on the SLF in the orbiter's wake :)

Welcome home Atlantis.   Great way to start the day!

Ross.
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 12:42 pm
Post-landing briefing up next; the NASA shuttle mission page has these participants:  Administrator Michael Griffin, Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Operations Lynn Cline, NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain.

Another shot in the SSPF...the SAW is being positioned for reattachment...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jim on 09/21/2006 01:02 pm
Crew quarters at the O&C
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 01:13 pm
Thanks, Jim...there's something one doesn't see every flight...
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: SimonShuttle on 09/21/2006 01:14 pm
Nice images Jim! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Austin on 09/21/2006 01:53 pm
Well, the landing occurred at 3:21am here in CA.  But what can I say, I had to get up and watch it.  Might need some coffee as I go in to work this morning.  But heck, always worth it to see the shuttle glide in.  Great landing by Mr. Jett and Mr. Ferguson, and great mission from the entire crew.  Welcome home Atlantis!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Paul Adams on 09/21/2006 02:09 pm
Quote
Austin - 21/9/2006  8:36 AM

Well, the landing occurred at 3:21am here in CA.  But what can I say, I had to get up and watch it.  Might need some coffee as I go in to work this morning.  But heck, always worth it to see the shuttle glide in.  Great landing by Mr. Jett and Mr. Ferguson, and great mission from the entire crew.  Welcome home Atlantis!

I'm just over the line in Nevada and did the same thing, the wife was not too happy when the alarm went off at 02:15. Worth it though!!

Paul
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: shuttlefan on 09/21/2006 02:13 pm
Quote
Paul Adams - 21/9/2006  8:52 AM

Quote
Austin - 21/9/2006  8:36 AM

Well, the landing occurred at 3:21am here in CA.  But what can I say, I had to get up and watch it.  Might need some coffee as I go in to work this morning.  But heck, always worth it to see the shuttle glide in.  Great landing by Mr. Jett and Mr. Ferguson, and great mission from the entire crew.  Welcome home Atlantis!

I'm just over the line in Nevada and did the same thing, the wife was not too happy when the alarm went off at 02:15. Worth it though!!

Paul

It sure is worth it!! Here in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, the landing ocurred at 4:21. I set my alarm for 3:30 to start watching the TV and internet coverage. Now, I am drinking a pot of coffee before I go to work from 9-6 today!!
SO WORTH IT!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 02:23 pm
I think they're getting ready to tow Atlantis to OPF-1.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Gary on 09/21/2006 02:26 pm
One of the good things about being in the UK - The landing occured about 11:15AM UK time so got to watch it live from work!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: ianeck on 09/21/2006 02:27 pm
Shuttlefan, where in SK are you? I'm in Regina. I missed it..didn't wake up til 6:30.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 02:50 pm
Quote
DaveS - 21/9/2006  10:06 AM

I think they're getting ready to tow Atlantis to OPF-1.
Yeah, she's headed south (more or less) now...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 03:12 pm
They've now swapped cameras to the other end of the field...
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: jacqmans on 09/21/2006 03:31 pm
Sept. 21, 2006

Grey Hautaluoma
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0668

Tracy Young
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468

RELEASE: 06-321

NASA WELCOMES SPACE SHUTTLE CREW BACK TO EARTH

The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are home after a 12-day
journey of more than 4.9 million miles in space. The mission,
STS-115, succeeded in restarting assembly of the International Space
Station. The crew delivered and installed the massive P3/P4 truss, an
integral part of the station's backbone, and two sets of solar arrays
that will eventually provide one quarter of the station's power.

Atlantis' Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission
specialists Joe Tanner, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Dan Burbank,
and Steve MacLean, a Canadian astronaut, landed Thursday, Sept. 21,
at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 6:21 a.m. EDT. After
landing, Jett told Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center,
"Thanks, Houston. It's nice to be back. It was a great team effort,
so I think assembly's off to a good start."

The flight was the first in a series of missions that will be among
the most complex in space history. Atlantis delivered the first major
new component to the station since 2002 and laid the groundwork for
upcoming station assembly missions.

STS-115 is one of the most photographed shuttle missions ever, with
more than 100 high-definition, digital, video and film cameras
documenting the launch and climb to orbit. Data from these images, as
well as station and shuttle crew inspection, helped to clear
Atlantis' thermal protection system for return only two and a half
days after launch.

Tanner, Piper, Burbank and MacLean, with the help of crewmates, made
three spacewalks that completed truss installation, enabled solar
arrays to be deployed and prepared an important radiator for later
activation. They also installed a signal processor and transponder
that transmits voice and data to the ground and performed other tasks
to upgrade and protect the station's systems.

A new procedure called a "camp out" was implemented, in which
astronauts slept in the Quest airlock prior to their spacewalks. The
process shortens the "prebreathe" time during which nitrogen is
purged from the astronauts' systems and air pressure is lowered so
the spacewalkers avoid the condition known as the bends. On each of
the three spacewalks, the astronauts were able to perform more than
the number of scheduled activities.

The astronauts performed unprecedented robotics work. They used the
shuttle's arm in a delicate maneuver to hand off the school bus-sized
truss to the station's arm. The 45-foot truss weighs 35,000 pounds.
The arrays at the end of the truss extended to their full 240-foot
wingspan once they unfurled on flight day six. The astronauts also
moved the station's robotic arm to a position where it will assist in
the next phase of station construction.

After Atlantis undocked from the station, it did the first full fly
around of the facility since prior to the Space Shuttle Columbia
accident. The maneuver helped ground crews get a better perspective
on the station's environment and overall exterior health.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a call during the mission
to astronaut Steve MacLean to congratulate him on being the first
Canadian to operate Canadarm2, the station's Canadian-built robotic
arm.

After undocking, the Atlantis crew participated in a first-ever
three-way call with the Expedition 13 crew aboard the International
Space Station and the three crew members of the Soyuz spacecraft on
its way to the station. All 12 astronauts in space at that time were
able to have a conversation.

With Atlantis and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the next
stage of International Space Station assembly. Preparations continue
for Space Shuttle Discovery's launch, targeted for mid-December, on
the STS-116 mission to deliver an additional truss segment and a
cargo module to the station. Discovery will also do extensive work on
the station's electrical and cooling systems.

For more on the STS-115 mission and the upcoming STS-116 mission,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 03:45 pm
Looks like she's close to the towway now.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 03:55 pm
She has left the SLF and is on the way to OPF-1:
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 04:35 pm
Approaching the OPF bays...
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 04:46 pm
Atlantis sighting at OPF-1...two months since she backed out...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: dutch courage on 09/21/2006 04:49 pm
STS-115 Post landing press conference has started.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 05:17 pm
Atlantis rolling into OPF-1:
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: DaveS on 09/21/2006 05:27 pm
A view of Atlantis from a camera in OPF-1:
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 07:29 pm
Probably should do a time-lapse of this, but anyway, some snaps from a couple hours back.  There was some re-alignment later and the final shot is more or less current...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: dutch courage on 09/21/2006 08:04 pm
Quote
DaveS - 21/9/2006  7:10 PM

A view of Atlantis from a camera in OPF-1:

Did you forget to attach this picture?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 08:13 pm
Quote
dutch courage - 21/9/2006  3:47 PM

Quote
DaveS - 21/9/2006  7:10 PM

A view of Atlantis from a camera in OPF-1:

Did you forget to attach this picture?
No that was about the time of an outage; I was in the middle of a post at the time, too, except mine failed before the message whereas Dave's looks like it failed after the message but before the attachments...

...as in the past, there was some realignment (back up, turn, straighten, go forward, repeat) after the orbiter was initially rolled into the bay...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Paul Adams on 09/21/2006 08:22 pm
Apologies if this has already been asked; did the ISS crew take any video or still shots of the re-entry and, if so, have they been posted?

Paul
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 08:27 pm
Quote
Paul Adams - 21/9/2006  4:05 PM

Apologies if this has already been asked; did the ISS crew take any video or still shots of the re-entry and, if so, have they been posted?

Paul
At least video, which was shown at least once shortly after landing (albeit at what looked to me like a low frame rate).  Hopefully there is more or perhaps a replay over the next couple of days during the normal daily "ISS hour" on NASA TV.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: MKremer on 09/21/2006 08:32 pm
They did show a bit of some HD footage being played back from the ISS. It was from a handheld camera, so it wasn't a very steady video (and all that was visible was a bright white-ish small blob). Hopefully they got to take a few decent pictures with a bit more detail.

Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/21/2006 10:19 pm
A little bit of an add on the re-entry video from ISS...NASA TV did another one-hour package of the mission highlights and in it they showed a different bit of video than what I saw this morning, where the plasma trail can be seen behind the orbiter.  (Actually looks like footage I've seen shot from Houston during other night re-entries, such as STS-93.)  Still going through the day's broadcasts, but I'll see if a more complete replay was presented...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: SRBseparama on 09/22/2006 02:20 am
Thank you Atlantis for being a great ship :)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: MKremer on 09/22/2006 03:29 am
Quote
psloss - 21/9/2006  5:02 PM

A little bit of an add on the re-entry video from ISS...NASA TV did another one-hour package of the mission highlights and in it they showed a different bit of video than what I saw this morning, where the plasma trail can be seen behind the orbiter.  (Actually looks like footage I've seen shot from Houston during other night re-entries, such as STS-93.)  Still going through the day's broadcasts, but I'll see if a more complete replay was presented...

I hope they post it (or someone who recorded it posts it somewhere).

The ISS video I saw didn't show any plasma trail, except for an occasional, brief hint of a short spike behind the bright white blob.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: hoorenz on 09/22/2006 06:54 pm
AP reports Heide Piper collapsed twice during the Welcome Home Ceremony in Houston.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/9911962/detail.html

No wonder, since the crew performed three ''grueling spacewalks'' according to AP.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Mark Dave on 09/22/2006 07:42 pm
Yeah compared to Soyuz, the shuttle has a big line of plasma behind it. I found that interesting to see reentry of a shuttle from orbit.

Say are any stillf from the video of the RMS scanning the exterior or the orbiter posted anywhere? Flight day 12 had some amazing footage.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Paul Adams on 09/22/2006 07:47 pm
I did see some of the footage on a mission highlights compilation yesterday. The earth was totally black, so just the plazma trail and leading 'fireball' were visible. Very interesting none the less.

There have been some amazing images taken during all three RTF missions, including a lot in HD. I would love to see a HD DVD compilation of each flight become available, I think there would be a good sized market for it.

Paul
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Mark Dave on 09/22/2006 08:20 pm
Yep. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: astrobrian on 09/22/2006 08:30 pm
I am suprised IMAX hasnt sent up a camera with a telescopic lens to capture a close up of rentry, or NASA for that matter.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Mark Dave on 09/22/2006 08:34 pm
You mean with the focus ability the cameras at KSC can see with on launch day? That would be great.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: starbird on 09/22/2006 09:12 pm
A year or more ago, someone posted a link to an ftp site that had some hd video of one of the shuttle launches. Looked awesome on a widescreen monitor. Would be nice if someone converted more of the HD video to h.264 or some such. Don't have to wait for hd dvd.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/22/2006 09:38 pm
Just read about Heidi!  That's gotta suck.  If that's the worst that happens to her she's still got it good.  After all...she's one of only seven women to ever go spacewalking (six Americans, one Russian).  I know that Seddon, Thornton, Godwin, Helms, Jernigan and Piper are the Americans, but who's the Russian?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/22/2006 09:53 pm
Quote
Paul Adams - 22/9/2006  3:30 PM

I did see some of the footage on a mission highlights compilation yesterday. The earth was totally black, so just the plazma trail and leading 'fireball' were visible. Very interesting none the less.
FWIW, NASA TV ran about 5 minutes of the footage (same low frame rate) during the ISS hour today...perhaps John44 will have that available on his website sometime soon.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: spaceamillion on 09/22/2006 11:09 pm
Svetlana Savitskaya
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Rocket Guy on 09/23/2006 12:23 am
Quote
nathan.moeller - 22/9/2006  5:21 PM

I know that Seddon, Thornton, Godwin, Helms, Jernigan and Piper are the Americans

Ok...let's straigten that up. First, Piper was the seventh American woman to walk in space. Second, Rhea Seddon is not on that list.

Then you forgot Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. And you also left out Peggy Whitson.

Sunita Williams will become the eigth in a few months.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Paul Adams on 09/23/2006 12:37 am
Quote
starbird - 22/9/2006  3:55 PM

A year or more ago, someone posted a link to an ftp site that had some hd video of one of the shuttle launches. Looked awesome on a widescreen monitor. Would be nice if someone converted more of the HD video to h.264 or some such. Don't have to wait for hd dvd.

HD Net released a DVD and CD Rom for computer of the first RTF, the DVD is not actually HD but the CD Rom is Windows Media HD and it is superb.

Paul
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/23/2006 01:10 am
Quote
Ben - 22/9/2006  7:06 PM

Ok...let's straigten that up. First, Piper was the seventh American woman to walk in space. Second, Rhea Seddon is not on that list.

Then you forgot Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. And you also left out Peggy Whitson.

Sunita Williams will become the eigth in a few months.

I knew part of that sounded wrong but for some reason I thought it was Seddon that went outside on STS-41G.  Reason I said six was because I had read it some place else and went from there and I already know that Williams is going to become the eighth next year.

Returning to the original question...when was Savitskaya's spacewalk?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: MKremer on 09/23/2006 01:18 am
Quote
nathan.moeller - 22/9/2006  7:53 PM
Returning to the original question...when was Savitskaya's spacewalk?

1984

Google is your friend. ;)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Savitskaya+spacewalk&btnG=Google+Search
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Rocket Guy on 09/23/2006 01:19 am
I think some of the articles may have been confusing...it was six before her, rather than her being the sixth. Perhaps some news agencies mixed that up.

41G crew: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/41-g/mission-41-g.html

Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry PHoto????
Post by: Fotopheak on 09/23/2006 07:33 pm
I captured this photo on the Sept 20th, 7:30 pm looking in the direction of southwestern-western sky? I have emailed this to a couple of newspapers and so far, noone has been able to help me identify it. One person seems to think it was the shuttle in orbit and another seems to think it is an astroid . I havent got any certain answers of as yet and was hoping someone here  might be able to shed some light on my mystery shot. It looked as it were stationary in the sky I took as many as 15-20 shots. Only about 3 shots turned out focused. Please let me know if anyone knows for sure what this is...... Thanks IN Advance! Darla

Ive added an upcropped image file also.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: hyper_snyper on 09/23/2006 07:43 pm
^^that looks like contrails coming off a commercial jet.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jim on 09/23/2006 08:29 pm
I agree
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Mark Dave on 09/24/2006 11:13 am
Yeah, and we all know what a shuttle entry looks like, even the fatal STS-107 video shows what you'd see. Those photos are of a jet.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jeff Bingham on 09/24/2006 12:51 pm
Also, the ground track of Atlantis was from the southwest, over Guatemala, a bit west of Cuba and up over the Keys, so I doubt it would be visible from anywhere in Texas, even Southeast Texas. Flights at 51.6 degree inclination don't overfly Texas on deorbit.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: hyper_snyper on 09/24/2006 01:56 pm
Plus the fact that the shuttle didn't come back on the 20th.
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: nathan.moeller on 09/24/2006 02:08 pm
Definitely a jet.  Contrails always appear in that shape and form.  Plus the way the sun hits them can make them appear white, orange, red, purple, blue, etc.  And 51DMascot is right.  I live in central west Texas and my dad and I tried to get up one morning to see Discovery come back from STS-102 in 2001.  We had no chance because flights with that high of an inclination do not overfly Texas during re-entry.  Supposedly they could if they started their burn over the Pacific and came in over the Northwest United States like Washington or even Canada, but even then I doubt we'd see it.  The only way Texas will ever see a re-entering orbiter again is when STS-125 Discovery comes back from servicing Hubble.  STS-103 and STS-109 flew right over us and we never knew.  Hopefully we can start anticipating that next month!
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: astrobrian on 09/24/2006 02:11 pm

Quote
51D Mascot - 24/9/2006  7:34 AM  Flights at 51.6 degree inclination don't overfly Texas on deorbit.

:( they used to. Now about the only way you will see one come in while in Texas is probably on Galveston Island and at that if they have a one orbit go around

Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: Jeff Bingham on 09/24/2006 02:14 pm
Oh, yeah...missed that obvious part...probably because the 20th was my birthday and being self-absorbed just figured every significant event revolves around me somehow...hehe.  Nice shot of the reddish sunrise illuminating jet contrails, though!
Title: RE: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/24/2006 02:27 pm
FWIW, here's the 51.6 inclination entry ground track graphic again (has to have been posted to several other threads); this is from the latest rev of the RTF implementation plan:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/150493main_rtf_imp_12th.pdf

(Page 2-4; page 144 in my Adobe reader)

Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: GioFX on 09/24/2006 05:30 pm
any news about the Atlantis' re-entry video took from the ISS?
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/25/2006 10:13 pm
Quote
GioFX - 24/9/2006  1:13 PM

any news about the Atlantis' re-entry video took from the ISS?
The little bit in the mission highlights package is being re-run periodically on NASA TV; I didn't see the longer video replayed during today's ISS hour.  FWIW, here are a couple of screen grabs with the contrast turned up...
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: psloss on 09/25/2006 10:26 pm
For comparison, I found an old STS-93 VCD that I could pull screen grabs off of...these are shots from Houston (I believe) that were broadcast live on NASA TV during the STS-93 re-entry.  The first one is a wide shot to give an idea of the point of view:
Title: Re: LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
Post by: GioFX on 09/25/2006 10:42 pm
thanks philip, cool!