-
LIVE: Soyuz TMA-13 launch - October 12, 2008
by
jacqmans
on 16 Nov, 2007 13:23
-
Space Adventures Offers Unique Opportunity to Participate in
Richard Garriott’s Orbital Spaceflight Mission as Back-up Crew Member
First time ever this training opportunity is commercially available
Vienna, Va. – November 15, 2007 – Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the world’s leading space experiences company, announced that for the first time the coveted opportunity to train as a private space explorer alongside one of its orbital spaceflight candidates, and among professional astronauts, is now available to the public.
“Participation as an official back-up crew member is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an individual, or a company sponsoring an individual, to experience first-hand how our clients train for spaceflight,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. “It is with great enthusiasm that we, along with Richard, offer this position to a member of the public. The individual selected will be someone who not only has a genuine interest in human spaceflight, but also one who is able to be an active participant in Richard’s mission, to include being featured in a documentary TV series.”
Famed game developer and son of former NASA astronaut, Richard Garriott, currently planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2008, will begin spaceflight preparations after the first of the year.
“I want to involve as many people as possible in my mission and this is one of the most innovative ways to do so,” said Richard Garriott. “I encourage anyone who has ever dreamed of traveling to space to contact to Space Adventures. Not only will the back-up crew member be certified as a ‘fully-trained cosmonaut’ and be named to an official space mission crew, a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had; but, our combined participation is a step forward in the progression of our expansion into the cosmos.”
“The back-up crew member’s financial investment into this program can be credited in-full toward a future orbital or lunar spaceflight mission,” added Mr. Anderson. The price of the program is $3,000,000 (USD) which includes the required spaceflight training costs, along with accommodations in Star City and other training locations. For more detailed information, please visit
www.SpaceAdventures.com/backup.
“If I had not trained as a back-up crew member in 2006, then I would never have flown to space that year,” said Anousheh Ansari, Space Adventures’ fourth orbital client and first female spaceflight participant to launch to the ISS. “The training was exhilarating and ultimately prepared me for my flight which I’m thankful for.”
Mr. Garriott’s spaceflight is the first in a series of missions that will accommodate commercial activity aboard the ISS. Involvement from the private sector will range from scientific and environmental research to educational outreach programming. For more information, please visit Mr. Garriott’s mission web site,
www.RichardInSpace.com.
Space Adventures, the company that organized the flights for the world’s first private space explorers: Dennis Tito, Mark Shuttleworth, Greg Olsen, Anousheh Ansari and Charles Simonyi, is headquartered in Vienna, Va. with an office in Moscow. It offers a variety of programs such as the availability today for spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on future suborbital spacecrafts. The company's advisory board includes Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, Shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Tom Jones, Byron Lichtenberg, Norm Thagard, Kathy Thornton, Pierre Thuot, Charles Walker, Skylab/Shuttle astronaut Owen Garriott and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachev.
###
Stacey Tearne
Vice President, Communications
Space Adventures, Ltd.
8000 Towers Crescent Drive
Suite 1000
Vienna, Va. 22182
USA
+1 703 894 2192 direct dial
+1 703 524 7176 fax
+1 202 256 7917 mobile
[email protected]
-
#1
by
SMS
on 26 Nov, 2007 11:15
-
Can someone write us more about Mr. Nik Halik and what you thnik about below information?
= = =
Space flight dream nears
November 26, 2007 12:00am
A THRILL-seeking Melbourne multi-millionaire is one small step from being the first Australian private citizen in space.
Self-described "thrillionaire" Nik Halik has been named as the back-up crewman for next year's October commercial flight to the International Space Station.
While excited by the announcement, Mr Halik said it was just one step towards his real dream - being one of the first to colonise the moon.
"My goal is to go lunar," said Mr Halik, who says he owns land on the moon, as does former US president Bill Clinton.
"But the International Space Station will be fine for the moment."
The entrepreneur and adventurer will pay $3.4 million to complete seven months' full-time training next year to become a cosmonaut.
Mr Halik, 38, who has already completed extensive space flight training, will train alongside Texan computer game developer Richard Garriott, who has been chosen for the flight.
If Mr Garriott withdraws, Mr Halik will take his place on a Russian Soyuz rocket through private company Space Adventures.
He said if he went he would be the sixth private citizen in space.
Mr Halik has dreamed of flying into space since he was an asthmatic, short-sighted, bookish boy growing up in Airport West with Greek migrant parents.
He saw Neil Armstrong's first walk on the moon and vowed to follow in those footsteps.
Mr Halik said reading the space adventures of comic book hero Tin Tin reinforced his dream.
He has already flown to the edge of space in a MiG-25, eaten lunch on the Titanic in a three-man submersible, and climbed four of the world's highest peaks. Everest is still on his list.
Mr Halik has been training in the Russian space program for four years between his global property, stock market and business pursuits.
He was formerly a successful musician and known to many as the guitarist with Melbourne band Big Deal, with regular TV appearances.
Mr Halik has also run with the bulls in Pamplona and for a time joined a Bedouin tribe in the Sahara Desert.
At age eight, he wrote a "hit list" of 10 things he wanted to achieve in his life.
Mr Halik has only three left - go to a space station, go to the moon and climb Everest.
He has promised to give up his entire wealth and belongings to society if he has the chance to be one of the first to colonise the moon - and says it is far from a pipe dream.
"In my lifetime, I think it is absolutely achievable," Mr Halik said.
"I wrote it down so it's got to happen.
"By 2018, the Japanese want to colonise it and have a moon base and use it to explore the galaxy."
Mr Halik hopes his achievements will be an inspiration to young people.
"Everything I've done in my life I've just gravitated towards my dream," he said.
= = =
source
-
#2
by
hektor
on 27 Nov, 2007 09:03
-
Maybe he hopes to be as lucky as Ms. Ansari ?
-
#3
by
jacqmans
on 21 Jan, 2008 16:20
-
Space Adventures’ Orbital Spaceflight Client, Richard Garriott,
Begins Cosmonaut Training for October Spaceflight Launch
Garriott’s mission to include scientific and environmental research,
and educational outreach
Vienna, Va. -- January 21, 2008 -- Space Adventures, Ltd., the world’s leading space experiences company, announced today that famed game developer Richard Garriott, son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, has begun training at the Yuri Gagarin Training Center in Star City, Russia in preparation for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) currently planned for October.
“I am quite excited to be in training now and I look forward to all aspects that it will entail,” said Richard Garriott. “But, I am particularly enthusiastic to be here in Star City, as a resident, with its amazing history of space exploration. I’m honored to surround myself with its people and I am determined to learn as much as I possibly can, inside and outside the classroom.”
Mr. Garriott’s spaceflight will be the first in a series of missions that will accommodate commercial activity aboard the ISS. Involvement from the private sector will include scientific and environmental research and educational outreach programming.
“Since announcing Richard’s intent to fly, we have been contacted by numerous corporations and non-profits seeking ways in which to participate in his space mission,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. “It is a very rare occasion when so many commercial opportunities are available during one spaceflight. In the coming months, we will be announcing Richard’s mission partners and details on his planned on-orbit activities.”
Space Adventures made history in 2001 by organizing the mission of the first private space explorer. Now, the company continues to bring innovation to manned spaceflight by enabling corporate and non-profit entities to participate in commercial endeavors on the planet’s only orbiting outpost.
Interested parties, including commercial and non-profit entities and space enthusiasts, can get involved in Mr. Garriott’s spaceflight via his web site (
www.richardinspace.com). Mr. Garriott will be updating the site continuously via photos, blog entries and individuals can submit questions and suggestions for his mission activities. “I want to involve as many people as possible in my mission,” said Mr. Garriott.
About Richard Garriott:
Richard Garriott is best known as a key figure in the computer gaming field. He was one of the earliest and most successful game developers. Mr. Garriott developed the Ultima series which remains the longest running computer game franchise, and with his brother, Robert, he founded Origin Systems, one of the most respected PC game developers and publishers. Richard also created Ultima Online, which ushered in the new massively multi-player online (MMO) genre, the fastest growing segment in computer gaming today. More recently, he co-founded the North American arm of NCsoft (
www.PlayNC.com), the world’s largest online game developer and publisher. In November 2007, his latest game, Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa, launched in North America and in the European Union. For more information, please visit
www.rgtr.com.
About Space Adventures:
Space Adventures, the company that organized the flights for the world’s first private space explorers: Dennis Tito, Mark Shuttleworth, Greg Olsen, Anousheh Ansari and Charles Simonyi, is headquartered in Vienna, Va. with an office in Moscow. It offers a variety of programs such as the availability today for spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on future suborbital spacecrafts. The company's advisory board includes Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, Shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Tom Jones, Byron Lichtenberg, Norm Thagard, Kathy Thornton, Pierre Thuot, Charles Walker, Skylab/Shuttle astronaut Owen Garriott and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachev. For more information, please visit
www.spaceadventures.com.
Stacey Tearne
Vice President, Communications
Space Adventures, Ltd.
8000 Towers Crescent Drive
Suite 1000
Vienna, Va. 22182
USA
-
#4
by
jacqmans
on 28 Jan, 2008 13:43
-
Space Adventures Announces the Identity of Back-up Crew Member
for Richard Garriott’s Orbital Spaceflight Mission
Australian entrepreneur and investment wealth strategist selected
Vienna, Va. -- January 28, 2007 -- Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the world’s leading space experiences company, announced that Nik Halik of Australia has been chosen to train as the back-up crew member alongside our orbital spaceflight candidate, famed game developer and son of former NASA astronaut, Richard Garriott, who is currently planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in October.
“Through his participation as a back-up crew member, Nik will experience first-hand how our clients train for spaceflight and he, himself, will be certified as a ‘fully-trained cosmonaut’ and will be named to an official space mission crew, a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures.
“I am thrilled to be chosen as Richard’s back-up. I have dreamed of flying to space ever since I was a young boy. I watched recordings of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon’s surface and I vowed to follow,” said Nik Halik. “The space station will be my first stop, with my eyes focused on the moon.”
“Not only is Nik a successful entrepreneur, but he is also an avid adventurer. Among his various expeditions, he was the first Australian to dive down five miles and land on the bow of the Titanic and he will be the first civilian from Australia to travel to space,” added Mr. Anderson.
“Nik and I have similar exploratory backgrounds and we’ll have many stories to share during our time together in Star City. I look forward to train with him because not only is it meant to prepare myself for flight, but also to prepare Nik for his future flight. I definitely will be on-hand for his eventual launch to space,” said Mr. Garriott.
The price of the program is $3,000,000 (USD) which includes the required spaceflight training costs, along with accommodations in Star City and other training locations.
About Nik Halik:
Nik Halik, born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents, is the CEO and founder of several companies including Financial Freedom Institute and Money Masters. As an international wealth strategist, he has conducted over 100 'Mind and Wealth Prosperity' conferences globally and mentored investors in maximizing their wealth accumulation. His latest book that will be published and globally released in March 2008, "The Thrillionaire", is an autobiography that also provides astute investment strategies. Mr. Halik is also an adventurer. He has lead expeditions to Antarctica, Africa and the Amazon with his adventure company, ADVENTURE ODYSSEY. Mr. Halik is a mountaineer, having summited several of the highest peaks in the world with an Everest climb planned for 2009. Nik is also an avid stormchaser in the U.S. Midwest’s Tornado Alley. He is 38 years-old and resides amongst his homes in the Greek Islands, Morocco and Australia.
-
#5
by
jacqmans
on 18 Mar, 2008 22:39
-
GO FOR LAUNCH! CHALLENGER CENTER HEADS TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Alexandria, VA – Richard Garriott is a preeminent game developer and son of NASA Skylab Astronaut Owen Garriott. As the next civilian to fly into space, Richard plans to follow the lead of Educator Astronaut Barbara Morgan, STS-118, through interactive lessons that will motivate and inspire students. His flight is currently scheduled for lift-off to the International Space Station on October 12, 2008. Richard is a former student of Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the Founding Chairman of Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of that flight's Commander, Dick Scobee. After the tragic loss of the Challenger space shuttle crew, Richard worked with Dr. Scobee Rodgers on the design of the first Challenger Learning Center. There are now over 50 Challenger Learning Centers in the United States, Canada, England and South Korea. Richard will continue the mission of Teacher-in-Space Christa McAuliffe, as did Barbara Morgan, as he delivers activities and challenges from the International Space Station. Garriott's flight activities have the potential to reach children across the globe as he reaches out from the first Challenger Learning Center off the planet.
Garriott plans to spend time before, during and after his flight working with students, teachers and the 50 Challenger Learning Centers located in the United States, England, Canada and South Korea. He plans to conduct a series of interactive webcasts associated with his spaceflight training in Russia; conduct podcasts discussing activities related to both his training and spaceflight; hold amateur ham radio conversations with students during his flight; and perform experiments that can be replicated by students using everyday objects to demonstrate important concepts in physics. Students can predict what might happen during the same experiment in the microgravity (weightless) environment of space.
Dr. June Scobee Rodgers plans to present lessons to students over the web in preparation for Richard Garriott’s flight. “Like father, like son,” says Dr. Rodgers, commenting on her former student's plans. “Dr. Owen Garriott also taught student science lessons from space on his Skylab mission, as Richard plans to do on his flight.” Richard Garriott’s experiments, webcasts, and podcasts about his flight will be available on the Challenger Center’s national website,
www.challenger.org.
Challenger Center for Space Science Education was founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts of the space shuttle Challenger 51-L mission. It is dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission and impacts over 300,000 students and 25,000 teachers each year. Challenger Learning Center programs at 50 centers around the world continue the crew's mission of engaging teachers and students in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. To locate a Challenger Learning Center near you, visit
www.challenger.org.
XXX
For program information, please contact:
Shannon Rush, Development and Communications Associate
Challenger Center for Space Science Education, Alexandria, VA
888-683-9740;
[email protected] To request an interview with Richard Garriott, please contact:
Stacey Tearne, Space Adventures
703 894 2192,
[email protected]
-
#6
by
hektor
on 08 Apr, 2008 22:14
-
Is Halik going on Soyuz TMA-14 or is it a completely other game for this flight next year ?
-
#7
by
anik
on 02 Jun, 2008 17:02
-
-
#8
by
Satori
on 24 Jul, 2008 12:49
-
According to the Roskosmos press service, the 11A511U-FG Soyuz-FG launch vehicle that will be used to launch the Soyuz TMA-13 in October, has arrived to the Tyura-Tam train station tonight. After passing the costumes procedures the rocket will be transported to the Area 112. In the same train was the launch vehicle for the next Progress M launch.
-
#9
by
ASTUTE
on 02 Aug, 2008 18:06
-
According to Interfax the launch teams started unloading Soyuz-FG (for TMA-13) blocks in the area 112 on July 28.
-
#10
by
anik
on 10 Aug, 2008 18:42
-
-
#11
by
jacqmans
on 22 Aug, 2008 04:48
-
August 19, 2008. S.P. Korolev RSC Energia, Korolev, Moscow Region
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_08-19.htmlRSC Energia after S.P. Korolev hosted training sessions under the training program for Increment 18 of International Space Station (ISS-18).
The Corporation specialists familiarized Pilot-Cosmonauts from RGNII, CTC after Yu.A. Gagarin, Yuri Lonchakov (Prime Crew) and Gennadiy Padalka (Backup Crew) with video- and photographic equipment available onboard the ISS Russian Segment. They took part in training sessions devoted to "Pilot-V" and "Martyoshka-R" scientific experiments, handling "Zveno-B" hardware, methods to monitor windows condition and pressurization of the ISS RS internal pipelines and surfaces.
Also cosmonauts Yu. Lonchakov and G. Padalka were involved in a training session for scientific-educational experiment "Physics-Education" prepared by RSC Energia together with one of Moscow lycees.
-
#12
by
anik
on 23 Aug, 2008 15:02
-
-
#13
by
anik
on 27 Aug, 2008 21:09
-
-
#14
by
anik
on 03 Sep, 2008 18:04
-
-
#15
by
anik
on 04 Sep, 2008 18:07
-
-
#16
by
anik
on 11 Sep, 2008 17:16
-
-
#17
by
anik
on 18 Sep, 2008 18:24
-
-
#18
by
jacqmans
on 23 Sep, 2008 19:52
-
-
#19
by
anik
on 24 Sep, 2008 14:56
-
-
#20
by
anik
on 29 Sep, 2008 17:11
-
-
#21
by
jacqmans
on 30 Sep, 2008 09:11
-
September 29, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_09-29.htmlPrimary (Yury Lonchakov (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Michael Fincke (NASA, USA), Richard Garriott (USA)) and backup (Gennady Padalka (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Reed Barratt (NASA, USA), Nik Halik (Australia)) crews of the Soyuz TMA-13 transportation spacecraft arrived to the Baikonur launch site. At the airport they were met by the first vice president, first deputy designer general of RSC Energia Nikolai Ivanovich Zelenshchikov and other managers of the Corporation.
Commanders of the crews reported on their readiness for pre-flight training and Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft acceptance.
-
#22
by
anik
on 30 Sep, 2008 17:04
-
-
#23
by
jacqmans
on 01 Oct, 2008 09:26
-
September 30, 2008. Baikonur launch site, S.P.Korolev RSC Energia branch office
Photos:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_09-30.htmlThe primary and backup crews of the ISS Expedition 18 and Taxi Mission 15 have entered into their final training phase in the processing facility. Yury Lonchakov (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Michael Fincke (NASA, USA), Richard Garriott (USA) have inspected the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft, tried on Sokol-KV spacesuits and customized contoured couches, went through the on-board documentation and the launch manifest, checked their radio communications equipment, as well as conducted a training session for scientific experiments.
The Technical Management meeting took place, which made a decision to fuel Soyuz TMA-13 vehicle with propellant components and compressed gases.
-
#24
by
anik
on 01 Oct, 2008 15:30
-
-
#25
by
jacqmans
on 01 Oct, 2008 19:36
-
MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-189
NASA TV COVERAGE SET FOR SPACE STATION CREW EXCHANGE
WASHINGTON -- NASA Television will broadcast the launch of the next
International Space Station crew Oct. 12 and the landing of the
current crew Oct. 23.
NASA's Expedition 18 Commander and Science Officer Mike Fincke, Soyuz
Commander and Flight Engineer Yury Lonchakov and spaceflight
participant Richard Garriott, a U.S. citizen, are scheduled to launch
Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3:01 a.m. EDT from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan. Their Soyuz TMA-13 craft will dock to the station on
Thursday, Oct. 14. Garriot will fly to the station under an agreement
with the Russian Federal Space Agency.
NASA Flight Engineer Greg Chamitoff, who has been on the station since
June, will remain with Fincke and Lonchakov until the arrival of
space shuttle Endeavour on its STS-126 mission, targeted to launch in
November. NASA astronaut Sandy Magnus will arrive on that flight to
replace Chamitoff, who will come home on Endeavour.
Expedition 17 and Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, Flight Engineer Oleg
Kononenko and Garriott will return to Earth Thursday, Oct. 23, at
about 11:46 p.m. in their Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft now docked to the
station. Volkov and Kononenko have been aboard the complex since
April.
From Oct. 8-11, NASA TV will broadcast video b-roll of crew rotation
activities, including training, pre-launch events in Baikonur, the
Oct. 10 rollout of the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft to the launch pad, and
the final pre-launch news conference Oct. 11 at noon.
A joint crew news conference with all six crewmembers is scheduled
Monday, Oct. 20 with a multi-center question and answer capability
for media at NASA centers. A time for the news conference will be set
in the near future. A change of command ceremony for the two crews
will be broadcast on NASA TV. The time for that event also will be
set soon.
The events to be broadcast on NASA TV's public and media channels
include (all times approximate, EDT):
Oct. 12, Sunday
1:15 a.m. - Expedition 18 / spaceflight participant video b-roll of
prelaunch activities
2:00 a.m. - Expedition 18 / spaceflight participant live launch
coverage (launch scheduled at 3:01 a.m.)
6 a.m. - Expedition 18 / spaceflight participant postlaunch video file
October 14, Tuesday
4 a.m. - Expedition 18 / spaceflight participant Soyuz docking to
station and post-docking news conference live coverage (docking
scheduled for 4:38 a.m.)
5:30 a.m. - Expedition 17 / spaceflight participant hatch opening to
station live coverage (hatch opening scheduled for 6 a.m.)
9 a.m. - Expedition 17 / spaceflight participant docking & hatch
opening video file feed
October 23, Thursday
4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Expedition 17 / spaceflight participant
farewell & Soyuz hatch closure live coverage (hatch closure scheduled
for 5:15 p.m.)
8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. - Expedition 17 / spaceflight participant Soyuz
undocking from the station live coverage (undocking scheduled for
8:20 p.m.)
10:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. - Expedition 17 / spaceflight participant Soyuz
deorbit burn and landing in Kazakhstan live coverage (deorbit burn
scheduled for 10:56 p.m.; landing scheduled for 11:46 p.m.)
October 24, Friday
3 a.m. - Expedition 17 / spaceflight participant Soyuz post-landing
video file feed
For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntvFor more information on the space station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
-
#26
by
jacqmans
on 02 Oct, 2008 15:10
-
First Second Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott,
to Perform Research while in Space in Cooperation with NASA
Space Adventures’ orbital spaceflight client
will participate in scientific research developed by NASA investigators
Vienna, Va. – October 2, 2008 -- Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced today that their orbital spaceflight client, Richard Garriott, will participate in a suite of experiments in cooperation with NASA during his 10-day mission.
Mr. Garriott is scheduled to launch on October 12 onboard a Soyuz TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan en route to the International Space Station (ISS). He will be joining the Expedition 18 crew which includes NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov.
“I am enthusiastic to participate in these experiments. As my father was a NASA astronaut, it seems fitting that I, as a private astronaut, also assist in their research as a continuation of my family’s contribution to the space agency,” said Richard Garriott.
“Space exploration is of critical importance to our future as a species,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. “Through Richard’s gracious participation in these NASA experiments, he will be making an important contribution to the future of human permanence in space.”
Mr. Garriott will participate in three NASA experiments. The first experiment will study the current microgravity environment encountered by astronauts and how their eyes react to low and high pressure as well as variations in oxygen concentrations. Mr. Garriott will be the first space explorer to have had Photorefractive Keratectomy eye surgery, referred to as PRK. NASA has recently approved this procedures for their astronauts, but to date, none have been flown or have been selected who have had the procedure. NASA will examine his visual acuity, accommodation and refraction before, during and after spaceflight. There is reason to believe visual acuity might change on orbit, as inner eye pressure goes up by as much as 50 percent during spaceflights. This information will determine if an eye which has undergone a PRK procedure remains stable during a 10-day exposure to microgravity.
The second experiment will study the effects of spaceflight on the human immune system and validate monitoring tests for immune function in astronauts. The study will assess immunity during spaceflight by testing white blood cells for changes in function or response to stimulation as a consequence of spaceflight. This information may determine astronauts’ clinical risk during spaceflight. Previous data collected suggests that there is indeed a suppression of the immune system associated with spaceflight. Mr. Garriott will be contributing to this data pool, and since his mission will come mid-mission for some other astronauts; he will be able to return fresh blood samples from long-duration crew members, which has rarely been able to be sampled.
The third study will document sleep/wake patterns and sleep characteristics of astronauts. Normal sleep patterns and body chemistry are notably changed during spaceflight. The data collected may assist in determining the efficacy of ongoing countermeasures for space-related sleep disturbances and may also assist in developing additional countermeasures which could potentially impact the health, productivity and safety of astronauts during spaceflight.
About Richard Garriott:
Richard Garriott is best known as a key figure in the computer gaming field. He was one of the earliest and most successful game developers. Mr. Garriott developed the Ultima series which remains the longest running computer game franchise, and with his brother, Robert, he founded Origin Systems, one of the most respected PC game developers and publishers. Richard also created Ultima Online, which ushered in the new massively multi-player online (MMO) genre, the fastest growing segment in computer gaming today. More recently, he co-founded the North American arm of NCsoft, the world’s largest online game developer and publisher. Last year, his latest game, Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa, launched in North America and in the European Union. For more information on Tabula Rasa, please visit
www.rgtr.com. For more information on his spaceflight, please visit
www.RichardinSpace.com.
-
#27
by
anik
on 02 Oct, 2008 15:26
-
-
#28
by
Jeff Bingham
on 03 Oct, 2008 03:35
-
I am leaving next week to attend this launch...hope to have some pictures to share, and some observations to pass along!
-
#29
by
jacqmans
on 03 Oct, 2008 09:14
-
I am leaving next week to attend this launch...hope to have some pictures to share, and some observations to pass along!
I'm looking forward to your photos and story's of this launch
Have fun !!
-
#30
by
jacqmans
on 03 Oct, 2008 09:17
-
October 3, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia
Soyuz TMA-13 transport manned vehicle fuelled with propellant components and compressed gases was delivered to the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Facility for final processing operations.
Photos:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_10-03.html
-
#31
by
Adama
on 03 Oct, 2008 13:21
-
First Second Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott,
No matter how I look at that, it remains incorrect.
As everybody (on this forum, at least) knows, there is a Russian second generation spaceflyer on ISS. So if "astronaut" refers to spaceflyers in general, he would be the second second generation astronaut (that repetition sounds stupid...
).
If "astronaut" refers to career astronauts, it's incorrect, because unlike his father, he's a tourist.
If "astronaut" refers to launch vehicles or points of departure, as is often the case, that's incorrect, as he would then be the second second generation "cosmonaut".
The only halfway logical answer would be that "astronaut" refers to his country, so that every American who enters space automatically becomes an astronaut, while every Russian automatically becomes a cosmonaut, regardless of training (or lack of) or launch vehicle/point of departure. That makes some sense now, but when commercial spaceflights begin, like Virgin Galactic, it would be highly illogical to follow this.. uhhmm... "logic", as there might be "astronauts", "cosmonauts", "taikonauts" and who knows whatever naughts randomly mixed...
Of course press releases are meant for wider audiences who don't know or care about details, but still it would be better to write, for instance, "first second generation American (or US citizen) to fly in space", which would be entirely correct.
-
#32
by
anik
on 05 Oct, 2008 05:45
-
Video of arrival of Soyuz TMA-13 crews to Baikonur, their training in spacecraft and donning of spacesuits.
mms://video.rfn.ru/rtr-vesti/154104.asf
-
#33
by
Nicolas PILLET
on 06 Oct, 2008 09:20
-
-
#34
by
jacqmans
on 06 Oct, 2008 13:50
-
Baikonur branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia - Baikonur launch site.
At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-13 transport manned spacecraft under the International Space Station program.
Designers inspection of the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft was completed.
Payload shroud roll on to the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft was performed.
Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_10-05.html
-
#35
by
jacqmans
on 06 Oct, 2008 13:52
-
06-10-2008 Baikonur Space Port: Preparation for SoyuzTMA-13 Launch Continues in Line with the Schedule
On Oct. 5, Sunday, fairing incapsulation of Soyuz TMA-13 was performed at Baikonurs`s site 254 in accordance with the schedule of prelaunch processing for the next crew expedition to the International Space Station (ISS). The operation was conducted by expert groups from RSC-Energia, TsSKB- Progress space R&D center, and other Roscosmos entities. The launch of Soyuz FG space rocket with Soyuz TMA-13 crew space vehicle aboard is scheduled for Oct. 12.
http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=4370
-
#36
by
anik
on 06 Oct, 2008 13:59
-
Is this picture took in the 11G12 fueling station?
Yes.
-
#37
by
Nicolas PILLET
on 06 Oct, 2008 17:28
-
Is this picture took in the 11G12 fueling station?
Yes.
It is surprising me, because I have a friend who visited 11G12. He sent me pictures of the building. It looks like this one, but it is obviously not the same place.
Is there several rooms in the 11G12 building ?
-
#38
by
Olaf
on 07 Oct, 2008 07:10
-
-
#39
by
jacqmans
on 07 Oct, 2008 13:44
-
October 7, 2008. Baikonur branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia - Baikonur launch site.
In the assembly/test building primary (Yury Lonchakov (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Michael Fincke (NASA, USA), Richard Garriott (USA)) and backup (Gennady Padalka (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Michael Barratt (NASA, USA), Nik Halik (Australia)) crews of the Soyuz TMA-13 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.
Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_10-07.html
-
#40
by
anik
on 07 Oct, 2008 13:52
-
Is there several rooms in the 11G12 building?
Yes, see the scheme (from Land Launch User’s Guide) below. The photo, that you have posted above, was made, obviously, in the Pressurizing Hall. There is also Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft is seen in the Filling Hall on that photo.
-
#41
by
jacqmans
on 08 Oct, 2008 14:09
-
October 8, 2008. Baikonur branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia - Baikonur launch site.
Orbital module of the Soyuz-FG launch vehicle, containing the Soyuz TMA-13 manned spacecraft was transported from the spacecraft processing facility for the general integration with LV.
Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_10-08.html
-
#42
by
anik
on 09 Oct, 2008 14:23
-
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_10-09.html"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/iss18/photo_10-09_2.html"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-13 transport manned spacecraft to the launch facility and its preparation for launch planned for October 12, 2008 was adopted"
-
#43
by
jacqmans
on 10 Oct, 2008 12:07
-
October 10, 2008. Baikonur branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia - Baikonur launch site.
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-13 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-13 spacecraft to the ISS Orbital Complex is planned for October 12, 2008 at 11:01 Moscow time.
Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss18/photo_10-10.htmlA live video of the Soyuz-FG rocket blast-off is planned.
-
#44
by
jacqmans
on 10 Oct, 2008 14:58
-
-
#45
by
Chris Bergin
on 11 Oct, 2008 11:26
-
Moved for live coverage late tonight/early tomorrow - depending where you are.
-
#46
by
tonyq
on 11 Oct, 2008 15:41
-
Those of you who attended IAC 2008 in Glasgow last week and had the pleasure of meeting Korean cosmonaut, Soyeon Yi, may be interested to know that she is back in Baikonur to witness tomorrow's launch.
She spent last weekend following IAC in the Isle of Man, and I had the pleasure of entertaining her to dinner, at my home on Sunday.
If anyone has any questions about Soyeon, please feel free to PM me.
Those of you who sent me items for signature, or who asked me to get patches etc, should be receiving them in the mail, any day.
-
#47
by
collectSPACE
on 11 Oct, 2008 17:21
-
-
#48
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 00:07
-
-
#49
by
Orbiter
on 12 Oct, 2008 03:41
-
Any updates?
-
#50
by
Ford Mustang
on 12 Oct, 2008 03:45
-
Any updates?
Any updates will be posted as they are acquired. No need to ask for them, NASASpaceFlight never holds information back.
-
#51
by
DaveS
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:17
-
NASA TV coverage starts at the top of the hour(2 am EDT).
-
#52
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:23
-
Prelaunch coverage has just started
Richard signs the door (both his signature and his name in Russian)
-
#53
by
Stowbridge
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:26
-
"Please step away from the bus"
-
#54
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:27
-
-
#55
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:29
-
-
#56
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:31
-
-
#57
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:33
-
-
#58
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:34
-
Suitup room look like it's from the 1950s still. Wonder if there's a story behind that carpet...
-
#59
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:37
-
-
#60
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:38
-
-
#61
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:44
-
-
#62
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:46
-
-
#63
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:47
-
-
#64
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:48
-
-
#65
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:49
-
-
#66
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:57
-
-
#67
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:59
-
Hello! What's a British flag doing there?
-
#68
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:59
-
"Mr. Chairman, the crew of Soyuz TMA-13 is ready for flight."
-
#69
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 05:59
-
-
#70
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:06
-
-
#71
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:30
-
-
#72
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:31
-
I guess it is T-30min
-
#73
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:33
-
-
#74
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:33
-
-
#75
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:34
-
-
#76
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:38
-
The first use of this LV was in 1963
-
#77
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:42
-
-
#78
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:45
-
"Houston support group" in Moscow
-
#79
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:49
-
T-14min
(background music "Space" - "Magic Fly"! I was listening to it in the 80s - love it!)
-
#80
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:51
-
T-10 minutes
-
#81
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:53
-
-
#82
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:53
-
-
#83
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:54
-
-
#84
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 06:59
-
-
#85
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:00
-
First stage pressurized for flight - T-2 mins.
-
#86
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:00
-
T-2min. All systems go for launch
-
#87
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:00
-
-
#88
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:01
-
T-60 seconds. On Internal Power.
-
#89
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:01
-
-
#90
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:02
-
LAUNCH!!
-
#91
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:02
-
-
#92
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
-
#93
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
-
#94
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
-
#95
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
Nominal first stage - pitch and roll nominal.
-
#96
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
-
#97
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
-
#98
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:03
-
-
#99
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:04
-
-
#100
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:04
-
1100mph at T+60 seconds. Nominal first stage flight.
-
#101
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:04
-
-
#102
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:05
-
Booster Sep. LAS Tower Jettison
-
#103
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:05
-
-
#104
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:05
-
-
#105
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:07
-
core burn out, second stage ignition
-
#106
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:10
-
third stage cutoff/separation
-
#107
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:11
-
-
#108
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:11
-
spacecraft separation
-
#109
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:13
-
-
#110
by
dawei
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:15
-
Sure seemed like third stage cut off a few second early? No mention of problems so I assume all is well.
-
#111
by
dawei
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:16
-
Reading off pressure levels. Still have nice video and audio.
-
#112
by
dawei
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:17
-
Confirmation of nominal launch.
-
#113
by
Cbased
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:26
-
Caught this nice view from launch replay
-
#114
by
dawei
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:26
-
Replays on Nasa TV. Pretty good camera work on this launch in my opinion.
-
#115
by
dawei
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:37
-
Great audio of the engine start sequence on some of the replays (without the voice commentary). Very nice - sort of makes it easier to imagine what it would be like to be there in person.
-
#116
by
Andrewwski
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:39
-
Those are people in the bottom left of that last image. That is incredibly close!
-
#117
by
John44
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:45
-
-
#118
by
AndrewSTS
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:48
-
Congratulations to all!
-
#119
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:48
-
Thanks to everyone for help with the coverage.
-
#120
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 07:50
-
-
#121
by
collectSPACE
on 12 Oct, 2008 08:45
-
-
#122
by
John44
on 12 Oct, 2008 09:06
-
-
#123
by
jacqmans
on 12 Oct, 2008 09:22
-
RELEASE: 08-257
NEW CREW BLASTS OFF FOR INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
HOUSTON -- A new crew that will live and work aboard the International
Space Station rocketed into orbit early Sunday aboard a Soyuz
spacecraft. U.S. astronaut E. Michael Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Yury
Lonchakov and Richard Garriott, a U.S. computer game developer,
lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:01 a.m.
CDT.
Fincke, the only American to launch twice on a Soyuz, will serve as
commander of the six-month Expedition 18 mission. The mission's main
focus will be preparing the station to house six crew members on
long-duration missions.
The Expedition 18 crew is scheduled to arrive at the station Tuesday,
with docking to the Zarya module scheduled for 3:33 a.m.
After the hatches are opened, Expedition 17 Commander Sergey Volkov
and spaceflight participant Garriott will become the first children
of previous space fliers to greet each other in orbit. Garriott is
the son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, who was a member of
the Skylab-3 crew in 1973. Volkov is the son of veteran cosmonaut
Alexander Volkov, who flew three Soyuz missions.
Garriott will spend nine days on the station under a commercial
agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency. He will return to
Earth on Oct. 23 with Volkov and Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Oleg
Kononenko, who have worked aboard the station since April 10.
Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Greg Chamitoff, who arrived at the
station in June, will be replaced in November by NASA astronaut
Sandra Magnus. Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver Magnus and return
Chamitoff to Earth.
Endeavour's November STS-126 mission also will deliver equipment to
the station necessary for supporting a six-member crew, including a
water recycling system, sleeping quarters, a new kitchen, a second
toilet, and an advanced exercise device.
Although they will be in space on Election Day, Chamitoff and Fincke
have arranged for the chance to cast their ballots from the station.
For more information about the space station and how to view it from
Earth, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
-
#124
by
jacqmans
on 12 Oct, 2008 09:23
-
SPACE ADVENTURES' CLIENT, PRIVATE ASTRONAUT RICHARD GARRIOTT, SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES TO THE
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Garriott Makes History as 1st Second-Generation Astronaut
Vienna, Va. - October 12, 2008 - Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, today announced that its orbital client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully launched aboard a Soyuz TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Garriott joins the Expedition 18 crew, which includes NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov.
In preparation for his spaceflight, Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, completed a cosmonaut-training program at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center located in Star City, Russia. This historic mission marks Garriott as the world's 1st second-generation astronaut.
"Today, my dream of following in my father's footsteps to explore new frontiers is being realized," said Richard Garriott. "Throughout my life, my sense of adventure has taken me to the ends of the Earth to embark on journeys few people have encountered. It's with honor and appreciation that I launch on my greatest adventure yet, and step into a role assumed by only five private individuals before me." Garriott continued, "I've dedicated this flight to not only scientific and environmental research, but also educational outreach. I'm thrilled to be able to excite students throughout the world and demonstrate how far our dreams can take us."
Space Adventures became world renowned in 2001 with the launch of client Dennis Tito, the world's first privately funded spaceflight participant. Since then, the company has launched four other individuals to space.
Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures, said, "It has always been Space Adventures' goal to open the space frontier. With Richard's launch today, we are not only continuing to demonstrate the viability of civilian space travel, but also the potential for commercial opportunities during our clients' space missions." Anderson continued, "Richard's efforts while on the ISS will be making an important contribution to the future of human permanence in space."
Garriott will participate in a wide range of activities, to include:
Educational Outreach
· Garriott will communicate with students associated with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education via a NASA-sponsored teleconference, two HAM radio downlinks in cooperation with Amateur Radio on the ISS, and through videotaped experiments that can be replicated on Earth. Visit
www.challenger.org <outbind://110-000000007AC2804751024B4D87FBA7953F632A490700516FF1B87E08E14AA5454534D1B8982C00000014D0AE000033FBD124E16E934093225006C625EE35000000650AE20000/Natalie.KIRVINDOAK/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLKC/www.challenger.org> for more information.
§ Garriott will conduct two science experiments designed by primary and secondary students from the United Kingdom in partnership with the British National Space Center.
Scientific Research
§ In cooperation with NASA, Garriott will perform a series of experiments that will study the physical impact of spaceflight on astronauts. Garriott will observe the reaction of the eyes to low and high pressure in a microgravity environment; the effects of spaceflight on the human immune system; and astronauts' sleep/wake patterns and sleep characteristics.
§ Garriott will photograph a number of ecologically significant places on Earth. These photographs will be compared to shots taken 35 years ago by Garriott's father while in space. Together, Garriott and The Nature Conservancy will review the images to document how the Earth has changed in one generation. Visit
www.nature.org/richard <http://www.nature.org/richard> for more information.
§ In cooperation with the European Space Agency, Garriott will perform a series of experiments that will include the study of early detection of osteoporosis; vestibular adaptation to G-force transitions; and the occurrence of lower back pain.
Commercial Activity
§ Garriott will assist the biotechnology company ExtremoZyme, co-founded by Owen Garriott, by conducting Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) experiments. Visit
http://www.extremozyme.com/ <http://www.extremozyme.com/> for more information.
§ Seiko has developed the Spring Drive Spacewalk watch, specifically designed for use in space. Garriott will be taking the watch to the ISS, where he will be testing it in a microgravity environment. Visit
http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/ <http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/> for more information.
§ Richard will be conducting a physics experiment while on the ISS as part of an initiative sponsored by DHL. The experiment has been designed as an educational contest that will take place at the DHL Innovation Center in Bonn, Germany.
-
#125
by
John44
on 12 Oct, 2008 11:31
-
-
#126
by
ksc_houston
on 12 Oct, 2008 13:59
-
Do we have any preliminary TLE for tracking?
-
#127
by
HIPAR
on 12 Oct, 2008 15:32
-
That Soyuz is so cool. They drag it out of the barn, the choo choo tugs it over to the pad, they stand the thing up on end, gas er up, everyone climbs aboard and woosh .. off it goes on schedule; no fuss.
Great machine.
--- CHAS
-
#128
by
dwmzmm
on 12 Oct, 2008 15:40
-
That Soyuz is so cool. They drag it out of the barn, the choo choo tugs it over to the pad, they stand the thing up on end, gas er up, everyone climbs aboard and woosh .. of it goes on schedule; no fuss.
Great machine.
--- CHAS
And they can do that in almost any weather conditions....
-
#129
by
ugordan
on 12 Oct, 2008 16:21
-
"Good 1st stage performance, the Soyuz delivering
102 pounds of thrust from its four boosters and single engine"
That's some serious rocket power right there!
-
#130
by
elmarko
on 12 Oct, 2008 16:50
-
For any of you wondering what the symbols are on the card, they are called "Logos" and are a code used in Garriott's game Tabula Rasa. Unfortunately I can't decode what they are in such a small image. I expect somebody connected with the game has decoded it, or it might be posted on their forum somewhere.
Edit: Full disclosure, I play Tabula Rasa
-
#131
by
ShuttleDiscovery
on 12 Oct, 2008 18:48
-
Glad they're all in space safely!
Let's just hope we don't have a repeat of TMA-11 when it comes to landing...
-
#132
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2008 18:55
-
-
#133
by
rdale
on 12 Oct, 2008 19:18
-
Let's just hope we don't have a repeat of TMA-11 when it comes to landing...
This Soyuz isn't coming back for quite a while... You may have missed - but they'll pulled the pyro bolt that caused issues on a EVA over the summer.
-
#134
by
eeergo
on 12 Oct, 2008 20:19
-
This Soyuz isn't coming back for quite a while... You may have missed - but they'll pulled the pyro bolt that caused issues on a EVA over the summer.
Let's hope the bolt was the naughty component...
-
#135
by
Adama
on 12 Oct, 2008 21:02
-
This Soyuz isn't coming back for quite a while... You may have missed - but they'll pulled the pyro bolt that caused issues on a EVA over the summer.
Let's hope the bolt was the naughty component...
That fix only works if that malfuntion is limited to that particular bolt. If it's a general problem, it still remains within the other bolt assemblies.
Looks like NASA may have released "Yury" Lonchakov's name with an incorrect spelling. He signs his name "Yuri":
http://www.collectspace.com/collection/autographs-lonchakov.html
There's really no right or wrong way to spell it, as both ways are using non-Russian alphabet, in other words both are wrong in Russian, but through transliteration both ways are correct in English. I believe "Yuree" might be another correct, but non-standard way of spelling in English...
But in each case, NASA should be more consistent with whatever spelling they use... on this page:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/cosmo.htmlLonchakov's first name is spelled as "Yuri", but the link open a page where it is spelled as "Yury".
Then again, on that page there is a cosmonaut called "Yuriy Onufriyenko", but that link opens a biography of a cosmonaut called "Yuri Onufrienko"...
-
#136
by
rdale
on 12 Oct, 2008 21:35
-
That fix only works if that malfuntion is limited to that particular bolt. If it's a general problem, it still remains within the other bolt assemblies.
But with that bolt removed, the Russians say there's no problem with hangups...
-
#137
by
otisbow
on 13 Oct, 2008 00:21
-
That was a 13 launch. Nice to see Mike back in space.
-
#138
by
Suzy
on 13 Oct, 2008 02:15
-
Looks like NASA may have released "Yury" Lonchakov's name with an incorrect spelling. He signs his name "Yuri":
http://www.collectspace.com/collection/autographs-lonchakov.html
There's really no right or wrong way to spell it, as both ways are using non-Russian alphabet, in other words both are wrong in Russian, but through transliteration both ways are correct in English. I believe "Yuree" might be another correct, but non-standard way of spelling in English...
But in each case, NASA should be more consistent with whatever spelling they use... on this page:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/cosmo.html
Lonchakov's first name is spelled as "Yuri", but the link open a page where it is spelled as "Yury".
Then again, on that page there is a cosmonaut called "Yuriy Onufriyenko", but that link opens a biography of a cosmonaut called "Yuri Onufrienko"...
There's also "Yurii" (which I use) (the Russian is "Юрий")
-
#139
by
Jorge
on 13 Oct, 2008 02:56
-
Looks like NASA may have released "Yury" Lonchakov's name with an incorrect spelling. He signs his name "Yuri":
http://www.collectspace.com/collection/autographs-lonchakov.html
There's really no right or wrong way to spell it, as both ways are using non-Russian alphabet, in other words both are wrong in Russian, but through transliteration both ways are correct in English. I believe "Yuree" might be another correct, but non-standard way of spelling in English...
But in each case, NASA should be more consistent with whatever spelling they use... on this page:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/cosmo.html
Lonchakov's first name is spelled as "Yuri", but the link open a page where it is spelled as "Yury".
Then again, on that page there is a cosmonaut called "Yuriy Onufriyenko", but that link opens a biography of a cosmonaut called "Yuri Onufrienko"...
There's also "Yurii" (which I use) (the Russian is "Юрий")
Since there are multiple "correct" ways to romanize a Cyrillic name, NASA's standard practice is to use whatever spelling the person prefers. Maybe Lonchakov hasn't made his preference known to NASA, or maybe he doesn't care much one way or the other.
-
#140
by
Maxim_NZ
on 13 Oct, 2008 06:48
-
Well with Richard Garriott now in orbit we have some very unique father/son or family statistics. Owen Garriott flew an Apollo CSM to Skylab and then STS-9 (so that is 3 man-rated space vehicles) + son Richard on Soyuz now and then ISS. (so between them they will have flown on 5 different man-rated space vehicles) Bet they swap some awesome stories over a beer or two after Richard returns home..
-
#141
by
iamlucky13
on 13 Oct, 2008 18:18
-
First high-res launch photo (click on "full size" to see the full rocket):
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1195.html
Gorgeous photo. Soyuz has a fascinating plume, too. No SRB smoke hiding it.
There's incandescent gas clearly visible between the strapon boosters about 10-15 feet up. I'm sure it's entirely normal, but it's seems surprising to see the lower edges exposed to that much heat even after the rocket is well clear of the ground. Not questioning...just commenting.
-
#142
by
ugordan
on 13 Oct, 2008 18:21
-
There's incandescent gas clearly visible between the strapon boosters about 10-15 feet up.
That doesn't look incandescent to me. It looks like vater vapor diffusing light from the exhaust plumes below. See how the vapor gradually brightens up as it moves closer down to the engines.
-
#143
by
eeergo
on 13 Oct, 2008 18:23
-
-
#144
by
hop
on 13 Oct, 2008 18:39
-
That's probably accounted for by the reflecting sections on the lower areas of the strap-ons and core stage (silvery material seen in this photo, for example: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-18/html/jsc2008e122478.html)
Agreed. The whole engine area is (unsurprisingly!) quite over exposed. As ugordon says, water looks like it's playing a role as well... there is a small avalanche of frost falling into the brighter side of the area in question. The falling frost on the right side creates a similar effect.
Beautiful shot in any case
-
#145
by
Jeff Bingham
on 13 Oct, 2008 21:40
-
Finally back in Moscow and able to get on line briefly...will send some pics and "launch stories" when I can...will be at MCC-Moscow for docking tomorrow. Has been an incredible experience!
-
#146
by
iamlucky13
on 13 Oct, 2008 22:11
-
There's incandescent gas clearly visible between the strapon boosters about 10-15 feet up.
That doesn't look incandescent to me. It looks like vater vapor diffusing light from the exhaust plumes below. See how the vapor gradually brightens up as it moves closer down to the engines.
Hadn't thought of that. Makes sense.
-
#147
by
TJL
on 13 Oct, 2008 23:13
-
Are the small fins at the base of the Soyuz launch vehicle (see launch photo) added at the pad?
Looking at the base of the vehicle in the photo where it is being transported, I don't see any fins.
-
#148
by
siegfriedcqb
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:08
-
Docking coverage has started on Nasa TV
-
#149
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:09
-
Coming up for docking
200m away
-
#150
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:12
-
-
#151
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:15
-
-
#152
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:18
-
Final approach has started
-
#153
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:22
-
KURS antenna retracted
Everything's just smooth
22meters away now
-
#154
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:27
-
-
#155
by
siegfriedcqb
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:27
-
Docked
-
#156
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:28
-
We have docking!
Great job! Congrats to everyone involved!
-
#157
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:30
-
3:26 Central Time is official docking time, slightly earlier then planned
Docking probe starting to retract
-
#158
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:38
-
Hooks on Soyuz-side now closed
Both sides now closed: Hard-mate confirmed!
Post docking conference has started...
-
#159
by
marshallsplace
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:41
-
Soyuz 17 (TMA-13) now part of the ISS
-
#160
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 08:47
-
No audio from the conference...
Post-docking leak checks are under way
Audio is back
-
#161
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 09:19
-
ISS crew is preparing for hatch opening
-
#162
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 09:32
-
Aprox. 20-25min till hatch opening
Exp 17 preparing for the welcoming ceremony in the transfer tunnel
-
#163
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 09:58
-
Hatch open now
Big hello up there
-
#164
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 10:00
-
-
#165
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 10:03
-
Joint crews getting the "phonecall" from Moscow
Joking about Oleg beeing due for a haircut
-
#166
by
Cbased
on 14 Oct, 2008 10:05
-
Richard is quoting Lenin: "Study, study and study"
-
#167
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 10:13
-
Crew now off for safety briefing and post docking activites......well and I'm off for lunch
-
#168
by
Cbased
on 14 Oct, 2008 10:18
-
Thanks for the coverage cb6785!
-
#169
by
cb6785
on 14 Oct, 2008 10:19
-
My pleasure
-
#170
by
pm1823
on 14 Oct, 2008 11:28
-
Are the small fins at the base of the Soyuz launch vehicle (see launch photo) added at the pad?
Looking at the base of the vehicle in the photo where it is being transported, I don't see any fins.
You're right, they place it after, on the launch pad.
Some close picture.
-
#171
by
John44
on 14 Oct, 2008 11:59
-
-
#172
by
jacqmans
on 14 Oct, 2008 16:17
-
SPACE ADVENTURES’ ORBITAL CLIENT, PRIVATE ASTRONAUT RICHARD GARRIOTT, ARRIVES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Vienna, Va. – October 14, 2008 – Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced today that its orbital client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) after launching onboard the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on October 12.
The spacecraft docked to the ISS at 4:38 a.m. (EDT) with Garriott and Expedition 18 crewmembers NASA astronaut Mike Fincke and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov. They were greeted at 6:00 a.m. (EDT) by the Expedition 17 crew, which includes Russian cosmonauts Sergei Volkov, Oleg Kononenko and NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff, when the hatch to the space station opened.
In preparation for his spaceflight, Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, completed a training program at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center located in Star City, Russia. This historic mission marks Garriott as the world’s 1st second-generation astronaut and the first time a Space Adventures’ mission will incorporate commercial activity aboard the ISS, to include educational outreach, scientific and environmental research.
Garriott will share his experiences through his Web site,
www.richardinspace.com. The site’s “Tracking The Mission” section will feature live and playback video from NASA TV and Garriott will also be responding to questions posed on his site via audio recordings, direct from space.
Garriott will complete more than 170 orbits of the Earth before returning home with Expedition 17 crewmembers Volkov and Kononenko on October 24.
About Richard Garriott
Garriott’s mission to the ISS is the latest destination in a life defined by adventure and innovation. In recent years, Garriott has conquered incredible adventures that span the globe including searching for meteorites on the continent of Antarctica, tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, canoeing down the Amazon, deep ocean hydrothermal vent expeditions and dives to the Titanic. Now, Garriott will embark on his most incredible adventure to date: space exploration. To monitor Richard Garriott’s mission, please visit
www.RichardinSpace.com.
-
#173
by
Jeff Bingham
on 14 Oct, 2008 17:16
-
SPACE ADVENTURES’ ORBITAL CLIENT, PRIVATE ASTRONAUT RICHARD GARRIOTT, ARRIVES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Shot I took earlier today in the MCC-Moscow Gallery; Owen Garriott signing an autograph as the time for hatch opening approached, followed by a view--unfortunately a bit out of focus, that I took of the launch.
-
#174
by
Pheogh
on 14 Oct, 2008 17:18
-
Sorry if this has been asked before but have the Russian's ever put a "rocketcam" on a Soyuz launch. I would love to see what staging looks like on one of these?
-
#175
by
jacqmans
on 14 Oct, 2008 21:48
-
MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-206
NASA SETS MEDIA BRIEFING FOR CREWS ON INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
HOUSTON -- The astronauts, cosmonauts and spaceflight participant
aboard the International Space Station will participate in a news
conference at 12:20 p.m. CDT, Monday, Oct. 20. Reporters at
participating NASA centers may ask questions.
Expedition 17 Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg
Kononenko, who have been on the station since April, are scheduled to
return to Earth with spaceflight participant Richard Garriott, a U.S.
citizen, in the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft Oct. 23, landing in central
Kazakhstan. Garriott, who flew under an agreement with the Russian
Federal Space Agency, arrived at the station with Fincke and
Lonchakov.
Expedition 17 Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg
Kononenko, who have been on the station since April, are scheduled to
return to Earth with U.S. spaceflight participant Richard Garriott in
the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft Oct. 23, landing in central Kazakhstan.
Garriott arrived at the station with Fincke and Lonchakov.
A change of command ceremony between the two crews will be broadcast
on NASA Television at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22.
For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntvFor more information about the International Space Station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
-
#176
by
Nicolas PILLET
on 17 Oct, 2008 12:21
-
-
#177
by
Jeff Bingham
on 18 Oct, 2008 08:24
-
A scan of the mission patch that I was handed at the launch.
-
#178
by
glanmor05
on 18 Oct, 2008 08:29
-
Wow! Insanely jealous!
-
#179
by
pm1823
on 22 Oct, 2008 13:00
-
-
#180
by
Satori
on 19 Nov, 2008 17:55
-
There are some vey interesting videos the preparation and launch of Soyuz TMA-13 in this
Tsenki archive.
You may also find a large collection of photos from this launch in
here also from Tsenki.
).
