jmjawors - 23/6/2007 11:53 PMThey have aired some of these events live on NASA TV. For example, STS-114 was aired live.
Is there a reason why they never televise this?
I understand all that you're saying, Robert (including about being seated, I've thought of that too). I should not have used the term "never." I don't remember 115's ceremony being broadcast... and I was looking for it at the time. And 116's was definitely not broadcast, though they did air some clips of the crew's arrival. And they do post images of the event on the website... eventually.
So I guess my thought is that it's not SO private. A crowd of hundreds, they post pictures of it, yet they won't break away on NASA TV to show it. And as far as I can tell based on their schedule, there is no plan to show it. But a film-crew was there so maybe there's some hope.
There was a lot of interest in this flight, particularly Suni Williams. I'd hate to see them intrude on private moments, but this isn't one of them. So I just wish they'd show it, is all. :bleh: We'll see. In any case, thanks to you for posting some pictures! They are great. :)
collectSPACE - 24/6/2007 1:21 AMAFAIK, televising it live is an exception as opposed to a rule. STS-114 was the RTF mission; when the STS-79 crew returned with Shannon Lucid, it just happened to be during the 1996 presidential campaign and President Clinton's campaign made it into a presidential/campaign appearance -- so that was widely televised live, and not necessarily on NASA TV.
They have aired some of these events live on NASA TV. For example, STS-114 was aired live.
There was a NASA TV camera crew there on Saturday, presumably taping it for later broadcast. There may be some hesitancy to air the event live after Heidi Stefanyshyn-Piper's stumble during the STS-115 homecoming (which also resulted in the crew being seated while speaking, rather than standing at a podium), but these events are primarily for the benefit of the families, friends and colleagues of the crew. That the press and public is invited is a bonus, but for the most part, this is something special for the local JSC community.