Author Topic: LIVE: Soyuz-FG launch and Soyuz TMA-08M Docking - March 28, 2013 (Read 136418 times)

HIPAR · « **Reply #180 on:** 03/28/2013 07:01 pm »

Direct to ISS ..

Great these guys won't be cooped up in that can for a multi-day chase down to the station.

Wondering why the ritual was required, I just attributed it to some complicated aspect of orbital mechanics that I couldn't possibly understand.

--- CHAS

Satori · « **Reply #181 on:** 03/28/2013 07:01 pm »

Artyom. · « **Reply #182 on:** 03/28/2013 07:01 pm »

Service tower retraction completed.

Satori · « **Reply #183 on:** 03/28/2013 07:02 pm »

Nice rocket!

JimO · « **Reply #184 on:** 03/28/2013 07:03 pm »

Here's the documentation on the 'small appendix' crotch opening:

SoyCOM: Скафандр “Сокол-КВ-2” (СКФ) (“Sokol-KB-2” spacesuit)
http://suzymchale.com/ruspace/sokol.html
There is a “big appendix” in the envelope (for the spacesuit donning) and a “small appendix” in the lower part (for urination). The “appendices” are made of rubberized cotton fabric and are pressurized by means of two rubber tight plaits…. In the “small appendix” area there is a physiological opening in the shell which is secured by lacing it up and covered by a fabric flap with velcro fastener.

We will clarify my NBC story:
Revised ride to space station may be faster – but it's also less comfortable
http://science.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/28/17503284-revised-ride-to-space-station-may-be-faster-but-its-also-less-comfortable

Prober · « **Reply #185 on:** 03/28/2013 07:03 pm »

40 min and counting

Targeteer · « **Reply #186 on:** 03/28/2013 07:04 pm »

ISS crew is awake after their nap for the evening DPC and ready to watch the launch live via a real time video feed.

Satori · « **Reply #187 on:** 03/28/2013 07:05 pm »

At this time the Soyuz TMA DM system check is complete and the cosmonauts start to verify the pressure of the Sokol suits.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #188 on:** 03/28/2013 07:06 pm »

Remember folks, we need to come back later for docking!

Satori · « **Reply #189 on:** 03/28/2013 07:07 pm »

...ah! Our nice friend has returned!!!!

Artyom. · « **Reply #190 on:** 03/28/2013 07:13 pm »

T-30 mins.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #191 on:** 03/28/2013 07:15 pm »

Today's two cosmonauts are from the two extreme areas of the big nation (although even bigger during the Soviet Union) - Vinogradov was born in Magadan on the northern Pacific coast and grew up in Anadyr - literally across the Bering Strait from Alaska. Misurkin is from near Smolensk - now just off the Belarus border!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #192 on:** 03/28/2013 07:15 pm »

LAS to be armed shortly, per Josh.

ISS is currently going over Africa.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #193 on:** 03/28/2013 07:16 pm »

Rob Navias is at the launch site.

JimO · « **Reply #194 on:** 03/28/2013 07:18 pm »

Quote from: HIPAR on 03/28/2013 07:01 pm

Wondering why the ritual was required, I just attributed it to some complicated aspect of orbital mechanics that I couldn't possibly understand.

--- CHAS

I think you can -- check out my links. If you still can't, it's my fault, and I'll fix it.

By the way -- am I interpreting heavens-above correctly? The pre-launch ISS pass will not be visible [but the ISS crew should be able to see the Baykonur lights]. But the next two revs, with Soyuz in pursuit, WILL be sunlit, and visible at low elevation angles from the ground.

4:19 local, NE, max el 11 deg, mag 0
5:53 local, NW, max el 30 deg, mag -2.