Author Topic: LIVE: STS-120 Flight Day 16 - EOM - Re-entry and Landing (Read 103525 times)

nathan.moeller · « **Reply #320 on:** 11/07/2007 05:30 pm »

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dawei - 7/11/2007 12:29 PM

Does the drag chute normally fully deploy (including full de reefing after initial deploy) before nose gear touchdown? It seemed later than I remember on previous nominal chute landings.

Yes. It was a bit later this time around but it sometimes depends on how fast the PLT can get it out.

catdlr · « **Reply #321 on:** 11/07/2007 05:31 pm »

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Zoomer30 - 7/11/2007 10:27 AM

Is it just me or does that crew vehicle look like the old Astrovan? Probaly not, just an observation. Looks like they took the wheels off of it and add the lift.

This is a converted Mobil Passenger Lounge that is used at Dulles Airport to move passengers from one terminal to another. Long time ago, they use to go out to the meet and de-board all the passengers from the airplane and take them to the main terminal.

Peter NASA · « **Reply #322 on:** 11/07/2007 05:31 pm »

Great work all. We had this site's coverage on in the office as we knew it would be the best place to follow alongside NASA TV coverage.

psloss · « **Reply #323 on:** 11/07/2007 05:32 pm »

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Kel - 7/11/2007 1:28 PM

Showing replays of the landing now. This was perhaps the worst HUD view EVER.

It's hit and miss live. Unlikely it's the worst ever -- this is only the 7th flight since 107. They've been doing this since like '96 or so.

gordo · « **Reply #324 on:** 11/07/2007 05:32 pm »

Drag chute deplay is at a predefined point in the rollout. it can change from mission to mission

Justin Space · « **Reply #325 on:** 11/07/2007 05:34 pm »

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Chris Bergin - 7/11/2007 12:26 PM

High Res STS-120 Deorbit to Landing Video now on L2. 560 megabytes

Excellent. I got stuck in traffic and missed it.

Zoomer30 · « **Reply #326 on:** 11/07/2007 05:35 pm »

Looks like Pambo had to hold the nose up a bit, it was coming down and than it came back up. Not nearly as abrupt as STS 4, that one looked like it was trying to take off again.

psloss · « **Reply #327 on:** 11/07/2007 05:35 pm »

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kimmern123 - 7/11/2007 1:30 PM

I think Pam touched down a little too early with a bit too much speed. I think the drag chute deploy is performed at 190 knots or something

Hard to tell. They landed at almost the headwind limit...they were calling a 23 knot component from the head before touchdown and that's probably a factor in touchdown and derotation, among other things.

ShuttleDiscovery · « **Reply #328 on:** 11/07/2007 05:35 pm »

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nathan.moeller - 7/11/2007 6:30 PM

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dawei - 7/11/2007 12:29 PM

Does the drag chute normally fully deploy (including full de reefing after initial deploy) before nose gear touchdown? It seemed later than I remember on previous nominal chute landings.

Yes. It was a bit later this time around but it sometimes depends on how fast the PLT can get it out.

On STS-118 it was delayed until after nose wheel touchdown...

nathan.moeller · « **Reply #329 on:** 11/07/2007 05:36 pm »

Great shot from the VAB.

gordo · « **Reply #330 on:** 11/07/2007 05:36 pm »

Just watching the replays, she didn't have bang it in!

I never tire of the shot from the VAB roof, just shows you how fast she comes in.

nathan.moeller · « **Reply #331 on:** 11/07/2007 05:37 pm »

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gordo - 7/11/2007 12:36 PM

Just watching the replays, she didn't have bang it in!

I never tire of the shot from the VAB roof, just shows you how fast she comes in.

It was a bit rough. I just caught the replay of the south-runway camera. I bet they got a bit of a jolt on that one

But after the amazing job this crew did on this flight, I'm not about to criticize her for a bit of a rough slapdown. Awesome job Pambo!

psloss · « **Reply #332 on:** 11/07/2007 05:37 pm »

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ShuttleDiscovery - 7/11/2007 1:35 PM

On STS-118 it was delayed until after nose wheel touchdown...

That's part of the crosswind DTO procedure; practically no crosswinds on this landing.

kimmern123 · « **Reply #333 on:** 11/07/2007 05:38 pm »

What is the most challenging aspect of a strong headwind landing, especially considering its a really heavy brick she was flying.

dawei · « **Reply #334 on:** 11/07/2007 05:38 pm »

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ShuttleDiscovery - 8/11/2007 2:35 AM

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nathan.moeller - 7/11/2007 6:30 PM

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dawei - 7/11/2007 12:29 PM

Does the drag chute normally fully deploy (including full de reefing after initial deploy) before nose gear touchdown? It seemed later than I remember on previous nominal chute landings.

Yes. It was a bit later this time around but it sometimes depends on how fast the PLT can get it out.

On STS-118 it was delayed until after nose wheel touchdown...

That was a late chute landing (intentional). I'm sure this was a nominal deploy plan. Not a big deal. Just curious.

YesRushGen · « **Reply #335 on:** 11/07/2007 05:39 pm »

Hi all, many many thanks to Chris and to everyone else who makes this site what it is!

Just had an amateur observation to make: Did anyone else think this looked like a rough touchdown? It looks like the descent rate was completely arrested a few feet off the ground, and then the orbiter just sorta "plopped" onto the pavement!

best,

Kelly

edit: looks like the rough aspects were pointed out by Nathan whilest I was writing my post!

nathan.moeller · « **Reply #336 on:** 11/07/2007 05:39 pm »

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dawei - 7/11/2007 12:38 PM

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ShuttleDiscovery - 8/11/2007 2:35 AM

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nathan.moeller - 7/11/2007 6:30 PM

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dawei - 7/11/2007 12:29 PM

Does the drag chute normally fully deploy (including full de reefing after initial deploy) before nose gear touchdown? It seemed later than I remember on previous nominal chute landings.

Yes. It was a bit later this time around but it sometimes depends on how fast the PLT can get it out.

On STS-118 it was delayed until after nose wheel touchdown...

That was a late chute landing (intentional). I'm sure this was a nominal deploy plan. Not a big deal. Just curious.

It all depends on the crosswinds. MCC makes the call before they hit the HAC.

chksix · « **Reply #337 on:** 11/07/2007 05:41 pm »

Most dangerous with strong headwinds is if they suddenly drop (in gusty conditions). That's why I think she flared a bit higher than usual over the threshold.

nathan.moeller · « **Reply #338 on:** 11/07/2007 05:43 pm »

Let's not get hung up on a rough touchdown guys. She flew that bird perfectly; especially when you consider how tough this mission has been. Great job Pam!

kimmern123 · « **Reply #339 on:** 11/07/2007 05:43 pm »

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YesRushGen - 7/11/2007 7:39 PM

Hi all, many many thanks to Chris and to everyone else who makes this site what it is!

Just had an amateur observation to make: Did anyone else think this looked like a rough touchdown? It looks like the descent rate was completely arrested a few feet off the ground, and then the orbiter just sorta "plopped" onto the pavement!

best,

Kelly

There's probably been smoother landings but I'd still consider this landing excellent. I've had my share of rough landings when I've been out travelling and I don't think this can compare to some of those

Pambo did a terriffic job landing Discovery today!