Author Topic: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-16 launch - September 30, 2009 (Read 102324 times)

anik · « **on:** 06/02/2009 05:11 pm »

The launch of Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft by Soyuz-FG rocket from Baikonur cosmodrome is planned on September 30.

Crew: CDR Maksim Suraev, FE Jeffrey Williams, SFP Guy Laliberté.

According to http://www.space.com.ua/gateway/news.nsf/hronolR/0B2364CF3F48C462C22575C900291690!open the rocket was delivered to cosmodrome on May 29.

hektor · « **Reply #1 on:** 06/03/2009 08:54 am »

Has a back-up crew been assigned ? especially to the SFP ?

anik · « **Reply #2 on:** 06/03/2009 04:04 pm »

Quote from: hektor on 06/03/2009 08:54 am

Has a back-up crew been assigned?

Aleksandr Skvortsov for Maksim Suraev, Shannon Walker for Jeffrey Williams.

hektor · « **Reply #3 on:** 06/03/2009 05:48 pm »

So we have to wait a little for the third one ? or there will be none ?

astropl · « **Reply #4 on:** 06/04/2009 12:19 pm »

Quote from: hektor on 06/03/2009 05:48 pm

So we have to wait a little for the third one ? or there will be none ?

Possibly Barbara McConnell Barrett, wife of Craig Barrett:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Barrett

JimO · « **Reply #5 on:** 06/04/2009 06:29 pm »

astropl, good info -- Rosbalt news agency is saying the same thing. Or did you get the information from them?

Росбалт, 04/06/2009 // Жена главы компании Intel готовится стать космонавтом

http://www.rosbalt.ru/2009/06/04/645500.html

JimO · « **Reply #6 on:** 06/04/2009 06:50 pm »

Wow, the Barrett story is all OVER the Russian news media -- just yandex or google NEWS for "Барбара Барретт" to see a dozen articles or more today.

astropl · « **Reply #7 on:** 06/04/2009 07:07 pm »

Quote from: JimO on 06/04/2009 06:29 pm

astropl, good info -- Rosbalt news agency is saying the same thing. Or did you get the information from them?

My source? Mails from friend in Russia with flash space news from many russian press agencies (in Russian, of course). One to several dozens daily...

cd-slam · « **Reply #8 on:** 06/05/2009 08:59 am »

Quote from: astropl on 06/04/2009 12:19 pm

Quote from: hektor on 06/03/2009 05:48 pm
So we have to wait a little for the third one ? or there will be none ?

Possibly Barbara McConnell Barrett, wife of Craig Barrett:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Barrett

Curious choices...have either of these two (Laliberte and Barrett) had any previous training for space missions? With less than four months before launch, it would seem that there is not enough time for training.

I am surprised that neither Nik Halik nor Esther Dyson were chosen for this mission given that they have both already received cosmonaut training (and that there are no further missions planned).

Lewis007 · « **Reply #9 on:** 06/06/2009 07:32 am »

It seems that Barbara Barrett keeps a journal of her Soyuz training experiences at this site: barbarabarrett.blogspot.com.
It seem you need clearance to enter. I checked the site using the cache file of google, but even then you can only see the first page...

Lewis007 · « **Reply #10 on:** 06/06/2009 05:54 pm »

Updates on Guy Laliberté's space mission will be posted on a special website: http://www.onedrop.org/en/mission_space/guy_laliberte_space.aspx

Olaf · « **Reply #11 on:** 06/08/2009 05:38 am »

Quote from: astropl on 06/04/2009 12:19 pm

Possibly Barbara McConnell Barrett, wife of Craig Barrett:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Barrett

Is there any conformation from Roscosmos or Space Adventures, that Mrs. Barrett is the back-up of Mr. Laliberte?

Olaf · « **Reply #12 on:** 06/08/2009 09:25 pm »

Quote from: Olaf on 06/08/2009 05:38 am

Is there any conformation from Roscosmos or Space Adventures, that Mrs. Barrett is the back-up of Mr. Laliberte?

Not to answer my own question, but today is a conformation at novosti kosmonavtiki, that Mrs. Barrett is at training as back-up for the flight of Mr. Laliberte.

Lewis007 · « **Reply #13 on:** 06/09/2009 08:11 am »

Quote from: Olaf on 06/08/2009 09:25 pm

Quote from: Olaf on 06/08/2009 05:38 am
Is there any conformation from Roscosmos or Space Adventures, that Mrs. Barrett is the back-up of Mr. Laliberte?
Not to answer my own question, but today is a conformation at novosti kosmonavtiki, that Mrs. Barrett is at training as back-up for the flight of Mr. Laliberte.

The question who will be Guy Laliberté's back-up was raised during the Q&A session of the June 4 press conference (announcing Laliberté as next SFP). The answer by Space Adventures was that the back-up will be announced in the next few days.

yg1968 · « **Reply #14 on:** 06/10/2009 02:52 am »

Quote from: cd-slam on 06/05/2009 08:59 am

Quote from: astropl on 06/04/2009 12:19 pm
Quote from: hektor on 06/03/2009 05:48 pm
So we have to wait a little for the third one ? or there will be none ?

Possibly Barbara McConnell Barrett, wife of Craig Barrett:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Barrett
Curious choices...have either of these two (Laliberte and Barrett) had any previous training for space missions? With less than four months before launch, it would seem that there is not enough time for training.

I am surprised that neither Nik Halik nor Esther Dyson were chosen for this mission given that they have both already received cosmonaut training (and that there are no further missions planned).

Laliberté's training started in early May.

http://www.onedrop.org/en/mission_space/guy_laliberte_space.aspx?postID=2630070c-f001-4738-b537-ce02c71a8e0e

Lewis007 · « **Reply #15 on:** 06/15/2009 11:03 am »

The announcement of Laliberté's back-up should happen within days. On Twitter, the CEO of Space Adventures (Eric Anderson) stated on June 10: "Preparing to officially announce our backup space flight participant for Soyuz TMA-16 this fall ... a very talented and special lady."
See link: http://twitter.com/ec_anderson/status/2103582945

In the Russian press (as already stated in the posts above), the back-up's name is already revealed (Barbara Barrett). See for instance: http://www.interfax.com/3/499188/news.aspx (in English).

SMS · « **Reply #16 on:** 06/15/2009 06:15 pm »

Space Adventures Announces Barbara Barrett as Back-Up Crew Member for Fall 2009 Orbital Spaceflight Mission

International business and aviation attorney training alongside primary crew member Guy Laliberte

June 15 2009

Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced that Barbara Barrett is currently training as the back-up crew member alongside orbital spaceflight candidate Guy Laliberte, who is preparing for the Soyuz TMA-16 flight to the International Space Station (ISS).

"It is a privilege to have Barbara take part in our orbital training program. As an instrument-rated pilot, along with her knowledge of the aviation industry, she is a perfect candidate," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "Currently, she's in Star City training with Guy Laliberte as he readies himself for his spaceflight mission this September."

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 five other spaceflight missions, including two for Charles Simonyi. Dr. Simonyi became the company's first repeat orbital client when he launched to space in March.

After successful completion of the program, Barrett will be certified as a ‘fully trained cosmonaut’ and will be named to an official space mission crew. This is a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had.

"Training as a backup for the September space launch is an adventure -- and education -- of a lifetime," said Barrett. "The space frontier inspires young people today just as it did Galileo and Copernicus centuries ago. Students today who build science and math skills will have access to the thrill of space travel almost routinely in their lifetimes."

About Barbara Barrett

Barbara Barrett is an international business and aviation attorney. She is President and CEO of Triple Creek Guest Ranch, a Montana Hideaway. Until January 2009, Barrett was U.S. Ambassador to Finland. Prior to she served on the corporate boards of Raytheon, Exponent and The Mayo Clinic, and was a trustee of Aerospace Corporation and Thunderbird School of Global Management. She was a member of the Boards of the Space Foundation, Horatio Alger Association, the Smithsonian and Harvard Institute of Politics. Earlier she was a Senior Advisor to the UN, President and CEO of the American Management Association, founding Chairman of Valley Bank of Arizona, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board and executive/officer of two Fortune 500 corporations. Barrett was President of the International Women's Forum and Chairman of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Barrett and her husband, Craig, live in Arizona.

William Graham · « **Reply #17 on:** 06/23/2009 05:16 pm »

Mission patch has been chosen:
http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6558

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #18 on:** 07/01/2009 05:32 pm »

Pictures took on 25 june :

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #19 on:** 07/27/2009 04:37 pm »

A little video on the training of the two tourists :

jacqmans · « **Reply #20 on:** 08/01/2009 07:18 am »

30-07-2009 Soyuz TMA-16 Official Patches

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=6936

jacqmans · « **Reply #21 on:** 08/12/2009 01:46 pm »

10-08-2009 Soyuz TMA-16 Prelaunch Operations Commence at Baikonur

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7044

Prelaunch processing of the Soyuz TMA-16 crew vehicle begis at Baikonur. The Soyuz is to head for the ISS on Sept 30.

The Soyus was unloaded from the transport unit on Aug.9 and accomodated in the electrical test atand. RSC-Energia experts began verifications.

JimO · « **Reply #22 on:** 08/12/2009 09:09 pm »

I'm being told that opportunities for crew family members and friends at the launch are extremely restricted, probably as a result of loss of air transport capability during the recent handover of Russian military administration (and logistical support) of GCTC at Zvyozdniy to a Russian Space Agency civilian administration under Sergey Krikalyov. Apparently many of the planes at Chkalovskaya were retained by the Russian Air Force. Does this ring a bell with anyone else?

jacqmans · « **Reply #23 on:** 08/27/2009 02:00 pm »

Quote from: JimO on 08/12/2009 09:09 pm

I'm being told that opportunities for crew family members and friends at the launch are extremely restricted, Does this ring a bell with anyone else?

The Russian president is visiting Baikonur to watch the launch of TMA-16, so that could be the reason.....

jacqmans · « **Reply #24 on:** 08/27/2009 02:02 pm »

Soyuz TMA-16 at Baikonur: 26-08-2009

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7215

jacqmans · « **Reply #25 on:** 08/27/2009 02:51 pm »

Guy Laliberté unveils details of his social and poetic mission in space

Media representatives are invited to a webcast press conference during which details of Guy Laliberté’s social and poetic mission in space will be revealed. On this occasion, Guy Laliberté, live from Star City, Russia, will explain the artistic concept behind his mission and will be available to answer questions from media.

The press conference will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, from 11:00 am until noon EDT and will be accessible via webcast only.

To gain access to the press conference

To gain access to the press conference, media representatives must register online at the following address

http://webcast.pecunia.tv/tvos_onedropconf0209/?lang=en&projid=1258 no later than August 31, 2009. On the day of the conference, registered media representatives must return to this address to gain access to the webcast.

To ask a question

Media representatives will be able to send a question in writing to Guy Laliberté during the webcast. To do so, you must click on the question mark icon on the left of your screen. Please be advised that Guy Laliberté will not be able to answer all questions received.

Technical requirements for accessing the webcast

1. Window XP service pack 2, Windows Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3

OR MacOS 10.4.8 (Intel), Safari, Firefox 3

2. Silverlight 2

3. High speed Internet connection (1 Mbps)

Information:

Chantal Côté, Cirque du Soleil
(514) 723-7646, ext. 7326

jacqmans · « **Reply #26 on:** 09/03/2009 04:48 pm »

(post above press conf.)

Webcast:

http://webcast.pecunia.tv/tvos_onedropconf0209/?projid=1241&lang=en

anik · « **Reply #27 on:** 09/04/2009 07:02 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7307

On September 8th and 9th prime and back-up crews will pass final exams in mock-ups of ISS Russian segment and Soyuz TMA spacecraft at GCTC.

anik · « **Reply #28 on:** 09/07/2009 03:32 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7339

Leak checks of Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft inside a vacuum camera have finished.

jacqmans · « **Reply #29 on:** 09/08/2009 08:51 pm »

08-09-2009 Examination for the Next ISS Crew Begins

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7344

The crew of the next expedition to the International Space Station begin their integrated training session in Star City, Moscow region, today.
Sergey Krikalev, Head of Gagarin Crew Training Center, told the journalists that this time is very exciting for the cosmonauts and astronauts. "They are a bit nerveous probably. I passed through such sessions several times, and was worried each time", Krikalev said.
This integrated training session is a kind of resulting stage for the crew. The exam defines their flight readiness.
Prime crew- Roscosmos cosmonaut Max Suraev, NASA`s Jeff Williams and spaceflight participant Canadian Guy Laliberte have their exam in the ISS Russian segment simulator.
Their backup Alexander Skvortsov, NASA`s Shannon Walker and Barbara Barrett pass the integrated training in the Soyuz TMA simulator.
First, the crews took their tickets with the examination topics in front of the examination board.
The exam will finish in the afternoon. The crews will get their marks in 5-point scale.
On Wednesday, the crews will swap. On Thursday, the Interagency Board will approve the crew to fly to the ISS on Sept. 30 in Russian crew vehicle Soyuz TMA-16.
Maxim Suraev, Soyuz commander, answered the questions of the journalists prior to the integrated training. He said that he is ready for the mission, and hopes to have fruitful session.
Maxim also stated that his crew is an integrated team and work together very well.
Answering the question about the problem linked with frequent failures of the ISS toilet, Max laughed: "We won`t drink too much".

dcfowler1 · « **Reply #30 on:** 09/09/2009 02:37 am »

Surayev callsign: Tsefey (Cepheus)

Skvortsov callsign: Utës (Rock)

Dave

anik · « **Reply #31 on:** 09/10/2009 02:02 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7362

Cosmonauts have successfully passed final two-day exams and today inter-departmental commission has concluded both crews are ready for spaceflight.

SMS · « **Reply #32 on:** 09/10/2009 08:54 pm »

Photo session on Aug 26th at Star City...

jacqmans · « **Reply #33 on:** 09/12/2009 04:22 pm »

11-09-2009 Teddy Lion will Become the Talisman of the Soyuz TMA-16 Crew

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7365

Teddy lion will become the talisman and 0-g indicator for the Soyuz TMA-16 crew. Maxim Suraev, Jeff Williams and Guy Laliberte are to fly to the International Space Station on Sept. 30.
Soyuz commander Roscosmos cosmonaut Maxim Suraev told the journalists during the press-conference on Thursday that the crew takes the toy lion with them into the vehicle to see 0-g after separation of the thirs stage of the rocket.
"This lion is a valuable thing for me. I asked my two small daughters to sleep with the toy, so a could smell my home during me 6-month expedition in the ISS", Maxim said.
His daughters Arina and Ksenia are coming to Baikonur to see off their father for the flight.
Suraev was a back-up for several crews, but this space mission is the first for him.
"It`s like with good cognac. I spent 12 years training, and I should have become mature", Maxim jokes.

Based on http://www.rian.ru/science/20090910/184469265.html

jacqmans · « **Reply #34 on:** 09/15/2009 06:49 pm »

MEDIA ADVISORY: M09-176

NASA TV PROVIDES COVERAGE OF NEXT SOYUZ LAUNCH AND LANDING EVENTS

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will air the launch of the next two
residents of the International Space Station, a spaceflight
participant and the return of two members of the current station
crew. Coverage begins with a broadcast of prelaunch activities Sept.
17 and continues through the landing on Oct. 11.

Soyuz Commander Max Suraev, NASA Flight Engineer Jeff Williams and
spaceflight participant Guy Laliberte are scheduled to launch aboard
the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan at 2:14 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Laliberte, a
Canadian citizen and founder of Cirque du Soleil, will fly to the
station under an agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency.

After a two-day trip, the Soyuz will dock to the station at 3:36 a.m.
on Friday, Oct. 2. Aboard the orbiting laboratory, Williams and
Suraev will be greeted by Commander Gennady Padalka, NASA's Mike
Barratt and Nicole Stott, the European Space Agency's Frank De Winne,
Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and the Canadian Space Agency's Bob
Thirsk. After Padalka and Barratt depart the station, De Winne will
become commander of the next station mission, designated Expedition
21.

Padalka, Barratt and Laliberte will return to Earth at approximately
11:29 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft
docked to the station. Padalka and Barratt have been aboard the
orbiting laboratory since March 2009.

Upcoming NASA TV Soyuz launch and landing programming events (all
times CDT):

Sept. 17
11 a.m. - Expedition 21 and spaceflight participant video file of
departure in Star City, Russia, for Baikonur, Kazakhstan

Sept. 28
11 a.m. - Video file of crew activities in Baikonur, Soyuz rocket
mating and rollout

Sept. 29
11 a.m. - Prelaunch news conference, Russian State Commission video
file feed from Baikonur

Sept. 30
12:45 a.m. - Prelaunch activities and arrival at launch pad video file
from Baikonur
1:30 a.m. - Launch coverage and replays from Baikonur (Launch
scheduled at 2:14 a.m.)
5 a.m. - Prelaunch activities, launch and post launch interviews from
Baikonur

Oct. 2
3 a.m. - Coverage of Soyuz docking to station (docking scheduled at
3:36 a.m., post-docking news conference follows)
6:15 a.m. - Hatch opening, welcoming ceremony (hatch opening scheduled
at 6:40 a.m.)
9 a.m. - Video file of the docking to the station, hatch opening and
welcoming ceremony

Oct. 6
9:10 a.m. - Joint crew news conference of Expedition 20, 21 and
spaceflight participant

Oct. 10
4:30 p.m. - Expedition 21, 20, spaceflight participant farewells and
Soyuz TMA-14 hatch closure (scheduled at 5 p.m.)
7:45 p.m. - Coverage of Expedition 20 and spaceflight participant
undocking from station (scheduled at 8:05 p.m.)
10:15 p.m. - Deorbit burn (scheduled for 10:36 p.m.) and landing
coverage (scheduled for 11:29 p.m.) in Kazakhstan

Oct. 11
4 a.m. - Landing video file
12 p.m. - Barratt post-landing interview, return to Star City and
Kazakhstan welcoming ceremony video file

jacqmans · « **Reply #35 on:** 09/15/2009 07:02 pm »

15/09/2009

The traditional tea party was held by Roskosmos management agency with a crew of Soyuz TMA-16.

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7413

JimO · « **Reply #36 on:** 09/16/2009 03:27 pm »

Anybody have a good link to a timeline of the final Soyuz booster launch countdown?

Satori · « **Reply #37 on:** 09/17/2009 01:14 pm »

Prime crew for Soyuz TMA-16 has arrived at the Baykonur Cosmodrome. Images from Roskosmos at http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7432

anik · « **Reply #38 on:** 09/19/2009 07:36 am »

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-18.html
September 18, 2009

The primary and backup crews of the ISS Expedition 21 have entered into their final training phase in the processing facility.

Jeffrey Nels Williams (NASA, USA), Maxim Viktorovich Suraev (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Guy Laliberte (Canada), Shannon B. Walker (NASA, USA), Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Skvortsov (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Barbara McConnel Barrett (USA) have inspected the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft, tried on Sokol-KV spacesuits and customized contoured couches, went through the on-board documentation and the launch manifest.

anik · « **Reply #39 on:** 09/19/2009 10:29 am »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7462

Prime and back-up crewmembers of Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft have hoisted flags today.

anik · « **Reply #40 on:** 09/20/2009 09:25 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7475

Tanks of Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft are fueling by propellants and compressed gases, blocks of first stage are docking to second stage of Soyuz-FG rocket.

anik · « **Reply #41 on:** 09/22/2009 05:37 pm »

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-21.html
September 21, 2009

Soyuz TMA-16 transport manned vehicle fuelled with propellant components and compressed gases was delivered to the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Facility for final processing operations.

jacqmans · « **Reply #42 on:** 09/23/2009 06:36 am »

September 22, 2009.
S.P. Korolev Baikonur Branch Office, Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-22.html

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-16 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.
Soyuz TMA-16 transport manned vehicle was docked with the transfer compartment in the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Facility.

anik · « **Reply #43 on:** 09/24/2009 03:38 pm »

September 24, 2009
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-24.html

Designers inspection of the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft was completed. Payload shroud roll on to the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft was performed.

anik · « **Reply #44 on:** 09/24/2009 03:43 pm »

Images of today's activity of Soyuz TMA-16 crews are on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7514

anik · « **Reply #45 on:** 09/25/2009 02:02 pm »

Baikonur: Soyuz TMA-16 is Prepared for the Second Crew Training Session
25-09-2009

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7522

Soyuz TMA-16 crew vehicle is prepared today for the second training session to take place tomorrow.
RSC-Energia experts conduct final operations with the upper composite (the vehicle covered by the fairing).
During the upcoming session, Maxim Suraev, Jeffrey Williams, Guy Laliberte (Soyuz TMA-16 prime) and Alexander Skvortsov, Shannon Walker, Barbara Barrett (Soyuz TMA-16 backup) will carry out visual inspection of the vehicle, check accomodation of the cargo items, etc.
The launch by Soyuz-FG rocket is scheduled on Sept. 30.

anik · « **Reply #46 on:** 09/26/2009 05:19 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7540

Prime and back-up crews of Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft were at museum of cosmodrome on site 2 and memorial houses of Sergey Pavlovich Korolyov and Yuriy Alekseevich Gagarin today.

anik · « **Reply #47 on:** 09/26/2009 05:22 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7539

Today crews have looked at Soyuz-FG rocket, which will launch Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft.

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7537

There was second training of crews inside Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft today.

Danderman · « **Reply #48 on:** 09/26/2009 10:38 pm »

OK, so why is there a photo of Ho Chi Minh inside the cosmonautics museum?

AlexInOklahoma · « **Reply #49 on:** 09/27/2009 01:48 am »

Quote from: Danderman on 09/26/2009 10:38 pm

OK, so why is there a photo of Ho Chi Minh inside the cosmonautics museum?

Maybe something to do with Pham Tuan? "....one of the few foreigners to be awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union." copied from http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t81701.html

This is just from a quick search, though, and only a guess. I did not notice that picture myself until you pointed it out (thanks!). Makes for an interesting tidbit :-)

Alex

anik · « **Reply #50 on:** 09/27/2009 11:03 am »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7546

An assembly of Soyuz-FG rocket with an ascent unit is performing today.

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7547

Back-up crew has performed excursion at Baikonur city today.

anik · « **Reply #51 on:** 09/27/2009 02:15 pm »

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7549

Soyuz-FG rocket is assembled with an ascent unit.

rdale · « **Reply #52 on:** 09/28/2009 01:37 am »

ISS Status Report:

Soyuz TMA-16 Update: Preparations continue at the Baikonur/Kazakhstan launch site for the launch of Soyuz TMA-16/20S. Basic integration of the Soyuz-FG rocket with the spacecraft has been completed In the Launch Vehicle Integration & Checkout Facility. A meeting of the Technical Management under the chairmanship of RSC Energia President & General Designer V.A. Lopota and the State Commission adopted the decision to roll out the TMA-16 assembly to the launch facility and to prepare it for launch on 9/30.

jacqmans · « **Reply #53 on:** 09/28/2009 08:28 am »

September 26, 2009.
S.P. Korolev Baikonur Branch Office, Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-26.html

In the assembly/test building primary (Jeffrey Nels Williams (NASA, USA), Maxim Viktorovich Suraev (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Guy Laliberte (Canada)) and backup (Shannon B. Walker (NASA, USA), Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Skvortsov (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia), Barbara McConnel Barrett (USA)) crews of the Soyuz TMA-16 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 as well as with the composition and equipment of Mini-Research Module MRM-2.

September 26, 2009.
S.P. Korolev Baikonur Branch Office, Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-26_2.html

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-16 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

Orbital module of the Soyuz-FG launch vehicle, containing the Soyuz TMA-16 manned spacecraft was transported from the spacecraft processing facility for the general integration with LV.

September 27, 2009.
S.P. Korolev Baikonur Branch Office, Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-27.html

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Soyuz TMA-16 transport manned vehicle under the International Space Station program.

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

jacqmans · « **Reply #54 on:** 09/28/2009 08:28 am »

September 27, 2009.
S.P. Korolev Baikonur Branch Office, Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-27_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-16 transport manned spacecraft to the launch facility and its preparation for launch planned for September 30, 2009 was adopted.

jacqmans · « **Reply #55 on:** 09/28/2009 08:33 am »

Soyuz Rocket rolled out to launch pad today at 5:00 am Moscow time.

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7552

Frandolf · « **Reply #56 on:** 09/28/2009 09:38 am »

Quote from: Danderman on 09/26/2009 10:38 pm

OK, so why is there a photo of Ho Chi Minh inside the cosmonautics museum?

It's a bit off-topic, but my guess is, that it is a picture of Tsiolkovsky, the father of russian rocket science. It would fit there

He looked similiar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konstantin_Tsiolkovsky

Satori · « **Reply #57 on:** 09/28/2009 09:46 am »

Quote from: Frandolf on 09/28/2009 09:38 am

Quote from: Danderman on 09/26/2009 10:38 pm
OK, so why is there a photo of Ho Chi Minh inside the cosmonautics museum?

It's a bit off-topic, but my guess is, that it is a picture of Tsiolkovsky, the father of russian rocket science. It would fit there

He looked similiar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konstantin_Tsiolkovsky

Probably that was a gift given by Vietnam during the Soyuz-37 Intercosmos mission with Viktor Vasilievich Gorbatko and Pham Tuan.

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #58 on:** 09/28/2009 10:39 am »

Pictures of today's rollout :

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-28.html

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7558

JimO · « **Reply #59 on:** 09/28/2009 05:34 pm »

I hadn't paid attention to this before, but something unusual can be seen in the Soyuz prep sequences:

A threesome (three items together) of strong 'arms' (or a cradle?) that hold the Soyuz Descent Module from its bottom, presumably for the SAS tower firing forces.

Photos of Soyuz TMA preparations at Baykonur first show no cradles:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-21.html
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-22.html

However, just prior to mounting of the aero shroud, the
cradles are added, as shown clearly in this sequence:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-24.html

especially these:
http://www.energia.ru/rus/iss/iss21/im/photo_09-24-12.jpg
and
http://www.energia.ru/rus/iss/iss21/im/photo_09-24-13.jpg
and
http://www.energia.ru/rus/iss/iss21/im/photo_09-24-16.jpg

I asked the following questions:

Among other questions -- how are they safely
separated in a normal ascent? Are they bolted to
the launch shroud? Are they bolted to the DM or
merely held in place by 'hooks'?

During SAS firing, how are their latches
released at the base of the DM (simo with the
OM/DM separation, which presumably uses
the normal pyrobolts used to jettison the OM
during normal descent.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #60 on:** 09/28/2009 08:23 pm »

I posted these in Expedition 21 thread, but here are the NASA roll out images:

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4

SMS · « **Reply #61 on:** 09/28/2009 08:41 pm »

GREAT photos =>
http://kostyukov.livejournal.com/59370.html

Retired Downrange · « **Reply #62 on:** 09/28/2009 09:28 pm »

Guy Laliberté has not updated his "Mission Log" since Sept. 14th, but it does have some interesting photos and notes from his training process:

http://www.onedrop.org/en/mission_space/guy_laliberte_space/In_the_water.aspx

HyperTay · « **Reply #63 on:** 09/29/2009 01:59 am »

Am I correct in thinking that this Soyuz is going up tonight, in about 4 hours or so?

eeergo · « **Reply #64 on:** 09/29/2009 02:02 am »

Quote from: HyperTay on 09/29/2009 01:59 am

Am I correct in thinking that this Soyuz is going up tonight, in about 4 hours or so?

It's Sept 28th (29th for those in Europe and Russia) Soyuz is going up on the 30th. So we'll have to wait around 29 hours

HyperTay · « **Reply #65 on:** 09/29/2009 02:07 am »

Thanks! I don't know how I lost a day. Would have been a long night haha.

hop · « **Reply #66 on:** 09/29/2009 02:11 am »

Quote from: Retired Downrange on 09/28/2009 09:28 pm

Guy Laliberté has not updated his "Mission Log" since Sept. 14th, but it does have some interesting photos and notes from his training process:

http://www.onedrop.org/en/mission_space/guy_laliberte_space/In_the_water.aspx

There's a couple more updates now, up to sep 17th. http://www.onedrop.org/en/mission_space/guy_laliberte_space.aspx will redirect to the latest update.

You can also follow Jeff Williams on twitter http://twitter.com/Astro_Jeff

Retired Downrange · « **Reply #67 on:** 09/29/2009 02:14 pm »

Jeff has updated his blog at NASA page:

Go For Launch! (L-18 hours)
Posted on Sep 29, 2009 09:46:13 AM | Jeff Williams
http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/2089

jacqmans · « **Reply #68 on:** 09/29/2009 02:37 pm »

September 29, 2009.
S.P. Korolev Baikonur Branch Office, Baikonur Cosmodrome

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss21/photo_09-29.html

The State Commission held its meeting at Baikonur launch site where the primary and backup crews for Soyuz TMA-16 were approved and the readiness of the space launcher system was confirmed.

At the suggestion of the Head of the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center S.K Krikalev, the State Commission approved the proposed composition of the primary and backup crews.

Prime crew: ISS Flight Engineer, Commander of the Soyuz TMA TS, RFAF Colonel, Commander of Cosmonauts Corps Team, NII CTC after Yu A. Gagarin, Russia Maxim Viktorovich Suraev; ISS Commander, Soyuz TMA TSC Flight Engineer, US AF Colonel, NASA Astronaut, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, USA Jeffrey Nels Williams; participant of space flight, Canada Guy Laliberte.

Backup crew: ISS Flight Engineer, Soyuz TMA TSV Commander, RF AF Lieutenant - Colonel, Military Pilot, 1st Class,Test Cosmonaut, NII CTC after Yu.A. Gagarin, Russia Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Skvortsov; ISS Commander, Soyuz TMA TSV Flight Engineer, NASA astronaut, USA Shannon B. Walker; Space Flight participant, USA Barbara McConnel Barrett.

The members of the primary and backup crews reported their readiness for the mission.

The launch of the integrated space vehicle Soyuz-FG/Soyuz TMA-16 is scheduled for September 30, 2009 at 11 hours 14 minutes 42 seconds Moscow Time.

anik · « **Reply #69 on:** 09/29/2009 03:51 pm »

The scheduled launch time was specified today for the last time: 07:14:45 UTC tomorrow.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #70 on:** 09/29/2009 08:59 pm »

Moved for live coverage tomorrow morning.

Danderman · « **Reply #71 on:** 09/29/2009 09:40 pm »

FYI, the State Commission does not actually meet at the launch site, but rather at the Cosmonaut Hotel, located in the city of Baikonur, which is about 20 or 25 km from the actual launch site.

jacqmans · « **Reply #72 on:** 09/29/2009 10:11 pm »

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7566

Soyuz TMA-16 poster: based on the movie poster "White Sun of the Desert" a movie the cosmonauts watch before lift -off...

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #73 on:** 09/29/2009 11:05 pm »

Crew has been awakened for launch day:

http://twitter.com/Astro_Jeff

Edit: now to breakfast

Quote

Off to breakfast...last meal for awhile where the food behaves well on the plate. Everybody is happy and calm.

Retired Downrange · « **Reply #74 on:** 09/30/2009 12:15 am »

NASA TV Daily Schedule: All Times are Eastern Time Zone

September 30, Wednesday
1:45 a.m. - Video B-Roll Feed of ISS Expedition 21/Spaceflight Participant
Pre-Launch Activities and Arrival at Launch Pad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan - JSC (Public and Media Channels)

2:30 a.m. - ISS Expedition 21/Spaceflight Participant
Launch Coverage and Replays - JSC via Baikonur, Kazakhstan (Public and Media Channels)

6 a.m. - Video File B-Roll Feed of ISS Expedition 21/Spaceflight Participant
Pre-Launch Activities, Launch and Post-Launch Interviews from Baikonur, Kazakhstan (Public and Media Channels)

-----

MEDIA ADVISORY : M09-176

NASA TV Provides Coverage of Next Soyuz Launch and Landing Events

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will air the launch of the next two residents of the International Space Station, a spaceflight participant and the return of two members of the current station crew. Coverage begins with a broadcast of prelaunch activities Sept. 17 and continues through the landing on Oct. 11.

Soyuz Commander Max Suraev, NASA Flight Engineer Jeff Williams and spaceflight participant Guy Laliberte are scheduled to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:14 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Laliberte, a Canadian citizen and founder of Cirque du Soleil, will fly to the station under an agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency.

After a two-day trip, the Soyuz will dock to the station at 3:36 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Aboard the orbiting laboratory, Williams and Suraev will be greeted by Commander Gennady Padalka, NASA's Mike Barratt and Nicole Stott, the European Space Agency's Frank De Winne, Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and the Canadian Space Agency's Bob Thirsk. After Padalka and Barratt depart the station, De Winne will become commander of the next station mission, designated Expedition 21.

Padalka, Barratt and Laliberte will return to Earth at approximately 11:29 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft docked to the station. Padalka and Barratt have been aboard the orbiting laboratory since March 2009.

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #75 on:** 09/30/2009 04:16 am »

TV TSENKI Coverage Begins!

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #76 on:** 09/30/2009 04:27 am »

Launch Pad 1 servicing trains (fuel trains?)
are leaving from Soyuz rocket

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #77 on:** 09/30/2009 04:32 am »

Nice view

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #78 on:** 09/30/2009 04:35 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #79 on:** 09/30/2009 04:35 am »

Soyuz TMA-16 Crew is ready to go to the launch pad

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #80 on:** 09/30/2009 04:42 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #81 on:** 09/30/2009 04:43 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #82 on:** 09/30/2009 04:55 am »

Great work Jan Carlos. I'm staying up through the night for this one, and I've nearly finished the launch preview article (which is 20 percent launch preview and 80 percent on a MOD presentation relating to Soyuz Safe Haven............as I do like to be different

)

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #83 on:** 09/30/2009 04:56 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #84 on:** 09/30/2009 04:58 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/30/2009 04:55 am

Great work Jan Carlos.

Thanks Chris!

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #85 on:** 09/30/2009 05:00 am »

Soyuz TMA-16 pre-launch activities in Baikonur Cosmodrome

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #86 on:** 09/30/2009 05:03 am »

TV TSENKI Coverage

http://rutube.ru/tv/tvtsenki.html?autoStart=true&bmstart=15

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #87 on:** 09/30/2009 05:21 am »

Williams and Surayev during launch plan review

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #88 on:** 09/30/2009 05:29 am »

Jan, I will get NTV if you want to keep up with TSENKI

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #89 on:** 09/30/2009 05:33 am »

Quote from: Ronsmytheiii on 09/30/2009 05:29 am

Jan, I will get NTV if you want to keep up with TSENKI

Ok

I keep up TSENKI just moment before NTV will begin

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #90 on:** 09/30/2009 05:41 am »

Laliberte inside Soyuz

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #91 on:** 09/30/2009 05:50 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #92 on:** 09/30/2009 05:53 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #93 on:** 09/30/2009 05:55 am »

NTV showing prelaunch activities

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #94 on:** 09/30/2009 05:59 am »

Technicians finishing launch preparations in the launch pad

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #95 on:** 09/30/2009 06:06 am »

Charles Bolden (NASA Administrator) seems to be there:

Edit: Am I the only one sick of the clown nose?

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #96 on:** 09/30/2009 06:11 am »

Laliberte and Surayev are really happy inside capsule ^^

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #97 on:** 09/30/2009 06:13 am »

Article:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/soyuz-tma-16-launch-to-iss-safe-haven-evaluations/

(Will get a standalone thread, given it's mostly about the Soyuz safe haven debate - apologies in advance about the morbid element to the article, unavoidable).

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #98 on:** 09/30/2009 06:24 am »

Replaying crew walk out - along with some strange chanting from the crowd.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #99 on:** 09/30/2009 06:24 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #100 on:** 09/30/2009 06:25 am »

Who painted the rocket? - translator

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #101 on:** 09/30/2009 06:28 am »

Live shot for a sec:

Also Bolden and Krikalyov

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #102 on:** 09/30/2009 06:29 am »

"Winds of Change" is playing in TV TSENKI coverage

Maybe they painted the rocket LOL

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #103 on:** 09/30/2009 06:31 am »

MCC-H monitoring

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #104 on:** 09/30/2009 06:33 am »

replay of rollout

arkaska · « **Reply #105 on:** 09/30/2009 06:33 am »

T-43 minutes.

Sunny and really good weather in Baikonur, around 80 degrease.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #106 on:** 09/30/2009 06:34 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #107 on:** 09/30/2009 06:35 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #108 on:** 09/30/2009 06:36 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #109 on:** 09/30/2009 06:37 am »

Launch Pad 1 service towers are retracting from Soyuz-FG

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #110 on:** 09/30/2009 06:37 am »

Back to live coverage:

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #111 on:** 09/30/2009 06:38 am »

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #112 on:** 09/30/2009 06:39 am »

Expedition 21:

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #113 on:** 09/30/2009 06:39 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #114 on:** 09/30/2009 06:40 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #115 on:** 09/30/2009 06:41 am »

Service Towers retraction complete

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #116 on:** 09/30/2009 06:42 am »

TMA-16 patch

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #117 on:** 09/30/2009 06:45 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #118 on:** 09/30/2009 06:46 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #119 on:** 09/30/2009 06:49 am »

Quote from: Ronsmytheiii on 09/30/2009 06:06 am

Edit: Am I the only one sick of the clown nose?

No, you're not the only one. Never heard of this guy or his circus, but Rob Navias is doing all he can to change that

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #120 on:** 09/30/2009 06:54 am »

"Gagarin" Pad and the steppe

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #121 on:** 09/30/2009 06:54 am »

Back to live shot, live view inside

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #122 on:** 09/30/2009 07:05 am »

T- 10 minutes

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #123 on:** 09/30/2009 07:08 am »

Suraev playing LOL

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #124 on:** 09/30/2009 07:10 am »

T-4 minutes:

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #125 on:** 09/30/2009 07:10 am »

Finally we're back live on NTV...endless video files!

Range is go.

T-4 mins.

arkaska · « **Reply #126 on:** 09/30/2009 07:10 am »

Primary and back-up systems is ready for launch.

arkaska · « **Reply #127 on:** 09/30/2009 07:11 am »

Switched to internal control of launch systems.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #128 on:** 09/30/2009 07:12 am »

Nitrogen purge ahead of main engine start.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #129 on:** 09/30/2009 07:12 am »

booster pressurized, all systems go

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #130 on:** 09/30/2009 07:13 am »

Booster in press for flight.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #131 on:** 09/30/2009 07:14 am »

soyuz on internal power

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #132 on:** 09/30/2009 07:14 am »

retraction:

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #133 on:** 09/30/2009 07:14 am »

You can hear pressurization!

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #134 on:** 09/30/2009 07:15 am »

LIFT OFF!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #135 on:** 09/30/2009 07:16 am »

Pitch in. First stage flight.

arkaska · « **Reply #136 on:** 09/30/2009 07:16 am »

Pressure is normal.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #137 on:** 09/30/2009 07:17 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #138 on:** 09/30/2009 07:17 am »

1,100mph, nominal first stage flight.

MaxQ.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #139 on:** 09/30/2009 07:17 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #140 on:** 09/30/2009 07:18 am »

Strap on booster sep.

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #141 on:** 09/30/2009 07:18 am »

Another captures

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #142 on:** 09/30/2009 07:18 am »

arkaska · « **Reply #143 on:** 09/30/2009 07:18 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #144 on:** 09/30/2009 07:19 am »

LAS Jettison.

4,700mph.

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #145 on:** 09/30/2009 07:19 am »

More captures from TV TSENKI

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #146 on:** 09/30/2009 07:21 am »

2-3 Sep.

Third stage flight.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #147 on:** 09/30/2009 07:23 am »

60 seconds of powered flight remaining.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #148 on:** 09/30/2009 07:23 am »

Third stage cutoff, spacecraft separation, antennas deploying

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #149 on:** 09/30/2009 07:24 am »

Empty Gagarin Pad

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #150 on:** 09/30/2009 07:25 am »

Third stage shutdown and sep.

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #151 on:** 09/30/2009 07:26 am »

Congratulations for Roskosmos, NASA and Cirque du Soleil jajaja

Russian technicians are inspecting the pad after launch

Launch Fan · « **Reply #152 on:** 09/30/2009 07:30 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/30/2009 06:13 am

Article:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/soyuz-tma-16-launch-to-iss-safe-haven-evaluations/

(Will get a standalone thread, given it's mostly about the Soyuz safe haven debate - apologies in advance about the morbid element to the article, unavoidable).

Interesting article, thanks!

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #153 on:** 09/30/2009 07:32 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #154 on:** 09/30/2009 07:34 am »

Thanks! great work =)

John44 · « **Reply #155 on:** 09/30/2009 07:35 am »

Expedition 21 - Spaceflight Participant Launch
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5413

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #156 on:** 09/30/2009 07:39 am »

Launch Replays in NASA TV and TV TSENKI

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #157 on:** 09/30/2009 07:45 am »

Service Towers back to their original position

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #158 on:** 09/30/2009 07:46 am »

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #159 on:** 09/30/2009 07:51 am »

John44 · « **Reply #160 on:** 09/30/2009 07:54 am »

Expedition 21 - Spaceflight Participant Launch Replays
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5414

jacqmans · « **Reply #161 on:** 09/30/2009 07:57 am »

RELEASE: 09-226

NEW SPACE STATION CREW LAUNCHES; IN-ORBIT NEWS CONFERENCE SET

HOUSTON -- The next residents of the International Space Station
launched into orbit aboard a Soyuz spacecraft Wednesday from the
Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Jeff Williams,
Russian cosmonaut Max Suraev and spaceflight participant Guy
Laliberte lifted off at 2:14 a.m. CDT.

Future Expedition 22 Commander Williams, Soyuz Commander Suraev and
Laliberte are scheduled to dock with the station at 3:37 a.m.,
Friday, Oct. 2. They will spend nine days as members of a joint crew
that includes Expedition 20 Commander Gennady Padalka, NASA's Mike
Barratt and Nicole Stott, the European Space Agency's Frank De Winne,
Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and the Canadian Space Agency's Bob
Thirsk.

The nine spacefarers will answer questions from reporters during a
news conference from the complex at 9:10 a.m. Oct. 6. The 30-minute
news conference will be divided for U.S. journalists at NASA centers,
Canadian media representatives at the Canadian Space Agency's
headquarters in Quebec and European reporters. It will be broadcast
live on NASA Television. For NASA TV streaming video, schedule and
downlink information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

On Oct. 10, Padalka will transfer command of the station to De Winne,
who will become commander of the next station mission, designated
Expedition 21. Padalka, Barratt and Laliberte will land in Kazakhstan
at about 11:29 p.m. Padalka and Barratt have been aboard the orbiting
laboratory since March 2009.

Laliberte, a Canadian citizen and the founder of Cirque du Soleil, is
flying to the station under an agreement between the Russian Federal
Space Agency and Space Adventures, Ltd. He will spend nine days
aboard the orbiting laboratory.

For more information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

jan_carlo_bascu · « **Reply #162 on:** 09/30/2009 07:58 am »

And that is all

Great Coverage guys!!
Now I will go to sleep =)

jacqmans · « **Reply #163 on:** 09/30/2009 10:53 am »

Space Adventures Announces Founder of Cirque du Soleil Guy Laliberté

Successfully Launched to the International Space Station

First Canadian private space explorer will focus on water-related issues

Vienna, Va. – September 30, 2009 -- Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company currently providing human space mission opportunities to the world marketplace, today announced that its orbital client Guy Laliberté and his crew successfully launched aboard a Soyuz-TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Laliberté joins the Expedition 21 crew, which includes Russian cosmonaut Maksim Surayev and NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams.

During his 10-day stay at the ISS, Mr. Laliberté will share information about water-related issues through an artistic and poetic mission, themed "Moving Stars and Earth for Water.” The message he transmits from space will raise awareness for the ONE DROP Foundation. The centerpiece event will take place on October 9 from space and in 14 cities simultaneously around the world, beginning at 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Central to the mission is a poem written by Canadian author Yann Martel. The tale will be delivered piece by piece, one destination at a time. The event will broadcast live on onedrop.org.

“Traveling has always been my way of life and I have been researching the possibilities of space travel with Space Adventures since 2004. But I needed it to be the right time and for the right purpose. This is the time. And the purpose is clear: to raise awareness on water issues to humankind on planet earth,” said Guy Laliberté. “My mission is dedicated to making a difference on this vital resource by using what I know best: artistry. This will be the first poetic social mission in space.”

“The launch of Guy’s mission is the eighth orbital flight that we’ve facilitated and represents our continued commitment to providing spaceflight opportunities for private individuals. Each of our clients is unique, but Guy is our first client who does not have a technical background. Rather, he’s an artist, a performer . . . a creative genius,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. “We’re proud that we are able to make his childhood dream a reality and look forward to assisting many others in their quest to fly to space as well.”

About Guy Laliberté

Guy Laliberté was born in Quebec City in 1959. An accordionist, stilt-walker and fire-breather, he founded Quebec's first internationally renowned circus with the support of a small group of accomplices. A bold visionary, Guy Laliberté recognized and cultivated the talents of the street performers from the Fête foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul and created Cirque du Soleil in 1984.

Since the very beginnings of Cirque du Soleil, Guy has insisted on having a social approach as part of the development of the company. Keenly aware that Cirque could play a role as agent of change, over 15 years ago, he created Cirque du Monde, an arts education program for street kids all over the world. He also chose to set up the International Headquarters and creative studios of Cirque du Soleil in the St. Michel district of Montreal, one of the poorest neighborhoods in North America, to stimulate a sense of local pride and ensure the revitalization of the area through artistic stimulation. This paved the way to TOHU, Cité des arts du Cirque, a project he initiated in the same neighborhood. Since early on he has also dedicated 1% of all revenues generated by Cirque du Soleil to social and cultural programs worldwide.

Guy was the first to orchestrate the marriage of cultures and artistic and acrobatic disciplines that is the hallmark of Cirque du Soleil. Since 1984, he has guided the creative team through the creation of every show and contributed to elevating the circus arts to the level of the great artistic disciplines.

In October 2007, Guy Laliberté entered into a second lifetime commitment by creating the ONE DROP Foundation to fight poverty around the world by providing sustainable access to safe water. This new initiative stems from the knowledge that the right to water is key to the survival of individuals and communities all over the world. It is inspired by the values which have been at the heart of Cirque du Soleil since its inception: the belief that life gives back what you have given and even the smallest gesture will make a difference. For more information, please visit www.onedrop.org.

John44 · « **Reply #164 on:** 09/30/2009 11:12 am »

Expedition 21- Spaceflight Participant Pre-Launch Activities Launch and Post-Launch Interviews from Baikonur
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5415

ksc_houston · « **Reply #165 on:** 09/30/2009 11:35 am »

Any preliminary TLE for tracking? Or times when it will be over Europe?

Jeff Lerner · « **Reply #166 on:** 09/30/2009 12:22 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/30/2009 06:49 am

Quote from: Ronsmytheiii on 09/30/2009 06:06 am

Edit: Am I the only one sick of the clown nose?

No, you're not the only one. Never heard of this guy or his circus, but Rob Navias is doing all he can to change that

For whatever it's worth, a Cirque de Soleil show is unlike any circus you've ever seen. I've had the pleasure of seeing a number of these shows in Montreal and Las Vegas and they have always been spectacular.

I've posted my thoughts on NSF before about this mission but just to restate, red clown noses aside, I expect it's going to be quite unlike any "space participant' mission we've seen in the past....should be fun..stay tuned..

JimO · « **Reply #167 on:** 09/30/2009 01:33 pm »

I expect a tour de force of zero-G acrobatics that will introduce the world to a new art form of dance. This is going to blow the minds of earth dwellers.

YesRushGen · « **Reply #168 on:** 09/30/2009 04:20 pm »

Man, even though it might not be as "sexy" as a shuttle launch, watching the Soyuz launches provides me with deep respect for the "just get it done" technique. Way to go!!!!

Also, with respect to Guy's spaceflight...

It is exceptionally cool that an artist is traveling in space. In a way, it reminds me of Ellie's remark, "...they should have sent a poet," in the film "Contact." Although a fictional quote, I feel like there's a lot of weight to that sentiment.

I recently read a description of art as, "...a medium through which emotion is communicated..." Because many people are deeply driven by their emotions, perhaps an artist's expressions of spaceflight will reach a wider demographic.

Kelly

Lawntonlookirs · « **Reply #169 on:** 09/30/2009 05:54 pm »

Thanks for the coverage.

ItsyAndy · « **Reply #170 on:** 09/30/2009 08:42 pm »

Quote from: ksc_houston on 09/30/2009 11:35 am

Any preliminary TLE for tracking? Or times when it will be over Europe?

Tracking data should be on heavens-above.com shortly. No passes over Europe expected though.

Ciao!

jacqmans · « **Reply #171 on:** 09/30/2009 09:48 pm »

Launch photo's from NASA site:

http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-21/ndxpage14.html

cd-slam · « **Reply #172 on:** 10/01/2009 02:06 am »

I liked this photo which appeared on NASA PAO twitter page.
At first glance it looked like the sort of place that would be handy in case one of the cosmonauts needed to go in a hurry (and no bus tires handy).

But according to a comment it's just a storage facility. Wouldn't want to be in there during launch...

Solar_OPS · « **Reply #173 on:** 10/01/2009 10:10 am »

Quote from: Wildthing on 09/30/2009 12:22 pm

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/30/2009 06:49 am
Quote from: Ronsmytheiii on 09/30/2009 06:06 am

Edit: Am I the only one sick of the clown nose?

No, you're not the only one. Never heard of this guy or his circus, but Rob Navias is doing all he can to change that

For whatever it's worth, a Cirque de Soleil show is unlike any circus you've ever seen. I've had the pleasure of seeing a number of these shows in Montreal and Las Vegas and they have always been spectacular.

I've posted my thoughts on NSF before about this mission but just to restate, red clown noses aside, I expect it's going to be quite unlike any "space participant' mission we've seen in the past....should be fun..stay tuned..

Bit off topic, but indeed, Cirque du Soleil is quite a concept in the circus world. I remember an IMAX movie featuring them I saw back in 2001 in Cape Town. You can see a promotional trailer here:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2410990/cirque_du_soleils_journey_of_man/

This might give you a feeling of what we can expect on Monday...

Another characteristic I remember from Cirque du Soleil is that they never use captive animals to "amuse" people, they stick to the human acrobats and clowns.

Looking forward to the event.

Thanks a lot for the coverage!

Denis

JimO · « **Reply #174 on:** 10/01/2009 02:11 pm »

The reason I'm looking forward to his acrobatics is that in the real shows -- I've seen three different ones, they ARE expensive but worth it -- they already seem to defy gravity here on the planet's surface. The acrobats and dancers performed dynamics i never thought possible.

eeergo · « **Reply #175 on:** 11/07/2009 02:33 am »

Sorry to bump this thread after a month, but I was having a look at the launch photos in Flickr and noticed something I'd never seen before: hand-made writing on the LOX sections of the core and second stages. Have a look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/3974186651/sizes/o/in/set-72157622471446930/, for example.

They appear to be messages akin to those written on the fairing of other LVs (Proton, for instance) but quite bigger and more distinguishable. On the top one I think I can read something like Bano or Bacho (in cyrillic) and the date of the launch. The bottom one is clearer, and says "Rossi Forever" (meaning Russia, not Valentino

).

Just a fun note

patchfree · « **Reply #176 on:** 11/07/2009 09:10 pm »

Quote from: eeergo on 11/07/2009 02:33 am

Sorry to bump this thread after a month, but I was having a look at the launch photos in Flickr and noticed something I'd never seen before: hand-made writing on the LOX sections of the core and second stages. Have a look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/3974186651/sizes/o/in/set-72157622471446930/, for example.

They appear to be messages akin to those written on the fairing of other LVs (Proton, for instance) but quite bigger and more distinguishable. On the top one I think I can read something like Bano or Bacho (in cyrillic) and the date of the launch. The bottom one is clearer, and says "Rossi Forever" (meaning Russia, not Valentino ).

Just a fun note

Nice observation!

Cbased · « **Reply #177 on:** 11/08/2009 12:39 pm »

Quote from: eeergo on 11/07/2009 02:33 am

They appear to be messages akin to those written on the fairing of other LVs (Proton, for instance) but quite bigger and more distinguishable. On the top one I think I can read something like Bano or Bacho (in cyrillic) and the date of the launch.

I think it is "Vano" - a quite common Georgian name.
next line is "30.09" - launch date.

SiberianTiger · « **Reply #178 on:** 11/09/2009 11:16 am »

Quote from: Cbased on 11/08/2009 12:39 pm

I think it is "Vano" - a quite common Georgian name.
next line is "30.09" - launch date.

Vano can't be ruled out, but common Russian name Vanya (the endearing form of Ivan) is more possible. Cyrillic graphics: ВАНЯ

Satori · « **Reply #179 on:** 05/09/2010 08:28 pm »

Didn't saw this before... reporting almost from the launch pad...

http://www.youtube.com/v/5D26xtDrhTs&hl=pt_PT&fs=1&