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LIVE: STS-115 - Re-entry and landing
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Sep, 2006 22:59
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Starting the thread now to get all the related data into here.
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#1
by
GioFX
on 20 Sep, 2006 23:40
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I will not be able to follow the live coverage of the re-entry... so, have a smooth and safe re-entrty Atlantis!
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#2
by
nathan.moeller
on 20 Sep, 2006 23:46
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Atlantis traveling upside down and backwards off the Eastern coast of India.
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#3
by
chksix
on 21 Sep, 2006 00:26
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I hope the video will be available here afterwards. I have to leave home at 11 in the morning and that translates to just before the first deorbit burn opportunity.
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#4
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 00:38
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chksix - 20/9/2006 7:09 PM
I hope the video will be available here afterwards. I have to leave home at 11 in the morning and that translates to just before the first deorbit burn opportunity.
I think NASAcast will have it for you.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/highlights/index.htmlThey usually have videos ready pretty quickly after an event takes place.
Orbiter passing over the Southern tip of South America.
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#5
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 00:42
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nathan.moeller - 21/9/2006 2:21 AM
chksix - 20/9/2006 7:09 PM
I hope the video will be available here afterwards. I have to leave home at 11 in the morning and that translates to just before the first deorbit burn opportunity.
I think NASAcast will have it for you.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/highlights/index.html
They usually have videos ready pretty quickly after an event takes place.
Orbiter passing over the Southern tip of South America.
Could we please keep this thread to updates only? Also, orbiter current position and attitude is totally irrelevant. It will change.
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#6
by
mkirk
on 21 Sep, 2006 01:30
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Here are the De-Orbit Landing Pad Data and Groundtracks for the orbit 186/rev 1 landing opportunity to KSC.
Weather looks good for the first attempt with light winds straight down the runway. Current forecast is for 7 miles visibility, few clouds at 2000 feet, and winds from 330 at 4 to 6 knots.
Mark Kirkman
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#7
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 02:15
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Today's wake-music has been sent up, beginning FD13 hopefully the last day in space.
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#8
by
realtime
on 21 Sep, 2006 02:46
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Nice music on that crew background piece. All they need now are some spiff outfits and they'll be like, fly!
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#9
by
Avron
on 21 Sep, 2006 03:22
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realtime - 20/9/2006 10:29 PM
Nice music on that crew background piece. All they need now are some spiff outfits and they'll be like, fly!
sample ...
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#10
by
realtime
on 21 Sep, 2006 03:30
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Nawp, not the one.
It was a production instrumental piece, with maybe 10 seconds of live video of each of the crew standing right frame gazing at the camera, with their resume bullet listed on the left. They each wore a nondescript tan polo shirt. Maybe the same one for all I know.
NASA PAO should check the outfits from "Enterprise". Wa-a-ay fly.
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#11
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 05:07
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Cabin AC being turned on full for flight control systems and crew.
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#12
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 05:35
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Radiator stow and final cabin stow coming up shortly.
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#13
by
rosbif73
on 21 Sep, 2006 06:54
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Payload bay doors closed and latched. GO to load entry software.
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#14
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 07:30
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Crew is going to get suited for entry now.
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#15
by
dougb
on 21 Sep, 2006 07:44
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dew point? does anyone know what the landing limits are?
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#16
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 07:44
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The only noted weather concern relayed from the capcom to the crew is the possibility of ground fog...the last SLF observation posted online shows a temp to dewpoint spread of 3 degrees. (RH of 88%)
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#17
by
jacqmans
on 21 Sep, 2006 08:15
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one hour before go/no go decission...
Landing now planned for runway 33....
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#18
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 08:18
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#19
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 08:28
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Go for fluid loading.
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#20
by
jacqmans
on 21 Sep, 2006 08:32
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1 hour away from de-orbit burn..
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#21
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:03
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About 30 minutes to de-orbit burn for Orbit 186 opportunity; flight director polling room for go/no-go on the burn...weather observations holding steady...
(PAO reporting observed and forecast go a few minutes ago.)
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#22
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:10
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Go for the de-orbit burn.
Edit: the capcom relayed that no ground fog observed; some clouds south of the SLF at 2000 feet (coverage an eighth), but that area hasn't moved.
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#23
by
JJ..
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:15
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has anyone got a timeline of the re-entry ?
showing times of peak heating,rolls ect,
i had one for the last flight,i found ticking each event off the list helped the nerves during the landing,
JJ..
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#24
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:17
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JJ.. - 21/9/2006 10:58 AM
has anyone got a timeline of the re-entry ?
showing times of peak heating,rolls ect,
i had one for the last flight,i found ticking each event off the list helped the nerves during the landing,
JJ..
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
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#25
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:23
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I believe they were discussing the possibility of some "ratty" comm during the entry while the vehicle is in the rolls; they are going to try to select a good antenna if possible, but if not, there would be about six minutes or so until they are in range of MILA...
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#26
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:30
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MCC says they are in good config for the burn.
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#27
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:32
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Burn underway, two good engines.
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#28
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:34
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Good de-orbit burn, no trim required.
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#29
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:41
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They're maneuvering the vehicle to the EI-5 attitude...just called up a note about the FRCS dump time being 84 seconds.
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#30
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:43
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FRCS dump complete.
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#31
by
elmarko
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:49
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Will this be a completely dark landing, or will it be lighter by then?
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#32
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 09:52
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elmarko - 21/9/2006 5:32 AM
Will this be a completely dark landing, or will it be lighter by then?
It will be about 50 minutes before sunrise...what we see on TV would depend on lighting set up for the cameras...we'll see some IR views, though, as well.
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#33
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:02
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About 5 minutes to entry interface...
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#34
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:06
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Altitude 430,000 feet, one minute to EI.
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#35
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:07
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Entry interface.
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#36
by
MATTBLAK
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:08
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This is for all mankind, guys: every completed Shuttle mission is a milestone and a TRIUMPH. A milestone because it brings us ever closer to a true permanent presence in space and a triumph because the naysayers, flat-earther type cynics (aw, but isn't this all just a waste of money, blah bloody blah...) are again proven wrong. WE are right...
May the angels ride with you, all the way to wheels stop, my friends...
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#37
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:09
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Altitude 62 miles, couple of minutes to the first roll.
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#38
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:11
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PAO relaying that the ISS crew reports they are watching the re-entry...
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#39
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:12
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Altitude 50 miles, range to landing 3700 miles.
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#40
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:12
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1st roll reversal -- to the left, bank of 62 degrees...26 minutes to touchdown.
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#41
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:15
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Altitude 47 miles / 250000 feet, 3100 miles from runway, velocity 16500 mph; Jeff Williams describing re-entry sights from ISS...
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#42
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:16
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Speed Mach 23, alt. 46 miles, 2600 miles to runway...hope they get some video from ISS...
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#43
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:18
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ISS capcom called up to that crew that the next roll reversal in two minutes (back to the right)...
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#44
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:19
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Speed 14500 mph / Mach 21, alt. 43 miles, 1775 miles to the runway...
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#45
by
elmarko
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:21
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Did I hear PAO say that the ISS was downlinking pictures/video of the shuttle reentry? If so, when will we get to see these?
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#46
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:23
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15 minutes to touchdown...
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#47
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:24
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10000 mph, 35 miles alt, 700 miles to the runway...
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#48
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:25
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Two minutes from being in range of MILA.
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#49
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:26
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Mach 11, already processing data from MILA...
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#50
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:26
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psloss - 21/9/2006 12:09 PM
Mach 11, already processing data from MILA...
That's C-Band radar.
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#51
by
nitin52
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:27
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#52
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:27
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MCC called that energy, ground track and nav are go.
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#53
by
Rocket Nut
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:27
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psloss - 21/9/2006 6:09 AM
Mach 11, already processing data from MILA...
I guess it's time to start outside to watch and listen...mostly listen...love those sonic booms!!!
Cheers,
Larry
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#54
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:28
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Taking TACANs...
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#55
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:28
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Taking GPS for the PASS.
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#56
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:29
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Mach 6, alt 25 miles, range 225 miles...
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#57
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:30
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Air data probes deployed.
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#58
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:31
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MCC call to take air data to GNC only.
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#59
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:33
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Alt 14 miles, speed 1300 mph, range 53 miles...
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#60
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:33
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On energy approaching the HAC, light winds, nominal drag chute deploy...
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#61
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:36
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On at the 180, IR video just came in...
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#62
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:36
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HUD video now.
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#63
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:36
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On at the 90.
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#64
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:38
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Pre-flare.
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#65
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:38
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Nose gear touchdown.
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#66
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:39
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Another beauty...drag chute is gone.
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#67
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:39
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Wheels stop!
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#68
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:39
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WHEELS STOPPED! WELCOME HOME ATLANTIS!
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#69
by
paulhbell07
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:40
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COOL. well done atlantis.
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#70
by
northanger
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:41
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Welcome Home, Atlantis STS-115.
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#71
by
kneecaps
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:42
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Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?
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#72
by
uko
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:42
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Congratulations to all on safe landing!!!
WELL DONE ATLANTIS!!!
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#73
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:43
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kneecaps - 21/9/2006 6:25 AM
Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?
I believe that's the APU exhaust.
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#74
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:43
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kneecaps - 21/9/2006 5:25 AM
Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?
APU's are puffing away giving off the fumes. They'll be shutdown in a little while.
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#75
by
rfoshaug
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:43
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It's the APU's isn't it?
Great landing. Welcome home, Atlantis!!
Edit: As Nathan just said.
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#76
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:43
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ET doors being opened.
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#77
by
MATTBLAK
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:44
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kneecaps - 21/9/2006 9:25 PM
Is that the WSB steam vent that can be seen 'puffing' away?
APUs.
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#78
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:45
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ET doors open now...
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#79
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:46
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Side hatch, drag chute, and landing gear are safed...
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#80
by
TALsite
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:46
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Well done. Good mission.
Good coverage.
More missions, please!
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#81
by
SiberianTiger
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:46
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That's exciting news! I've been breathless in watching. Welcome home, guys!
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#82
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:49
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Body flap has been repositioned, MCC is ready for OPS 9, and after that SSME repositioning to rain-drain.
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#83
by
paulhbell07
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:51
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Well done all at NASA and USA. Good mission. Lets all hope NASA is back to it's best. Good luck on getting discovery off the ground in december.
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#84
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:53
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Main engines now being repositioned.
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#85
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:54
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Crew given a go to doff suits.
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#86
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:54
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Go to doff suits.
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#87
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:54
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Ready for APU shutdown...
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#88
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 10:56
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I'm going to take a break and that'll eliminate some duplicate posts...
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#89
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:00
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Just about dawn.
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#90
by
SiberianTiger
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:01
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Any videos coming?
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#91
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:02
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Replays usually come about a half hour or so after landing.
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#92
by
Gary
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:03
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What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.
One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?
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#93
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:04
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Crew transport vehicle moving into position.
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#94
by
kneecaps
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:05
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Gary - 21/9/2006 11:46 AM
What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.
One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?
At that point the APUs are up and running and the HYD systems are pressurised. The ET doors are drive hydraulically. I believe it's simpler from a processing standpoint to do it on the runway while everything is running.
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#95
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:06
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Gary - 21/9/2006 5:46 AM
What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.
One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?
I'm pretty sure it's to air out the area and get those fumes away from the orbiter. All part of the "safing" process.
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#96
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:18
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Hahaha Jett doesn't want to get off the orbiter. "You may have to drag me out."
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#97
by
Gary
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:19
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nathan.moeller - 21/9/2006 12:01 PM
Hahaha Jett doesn't want to get off the orbiter. "You may have to drag me out."
Either that or Gravity is REALLY dragging him down!!
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#98
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:22
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Amen Gary. And CDR is egressing Atlantis.
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#99
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:22
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Interesting, if low frame rate re-entry video from ISS...here's a couple of runway screenshots...
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#100
by
Wolverine
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:24
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I came to work early this morning here in West Palm Beach, and I thought I saw this glowing speck coming in fast, but the lights of the airport were bleaching out the sky.
In the fall of 2001 I was on vacation in Beaufort, SC and at about 7:30pm one evening I was on a pier fishing when I saw a shuttle launch. The sky was crystal clear and even from 400+ miles away it was amazing.
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#101
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:25
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Landing replays underway...
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#102
by
nathan.moeller
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:25
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Replays starting.
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#103
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:37
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#104
by
Jim
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:50
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Tell me when the astrovan leaves.
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#105
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 11:52
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Meanwhile, over in the SSPF, looks like they're getting ready to reattach the solar array blanket box to S4...
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#106
by
mkirk
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:12
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nathan.moeller - 21/9/2006 5:49 AM
Gary - 21/9/2006 5:46 AM
What a great landing - Nice views from the shuttle itself as well. Some great footage from this mission.
One question though - Why do they open the ET tank doors whilst on the runway?
I'm pretty sure it's to air out the area and get those fumes away from the orbiter. All part of the "safing" process.
Yes that is correct. The ET doors are opened to reduce any hydrogen buildup in the H2 line. This would be a much more critical step if you are doing post landing procedures for an RTLS or TAL, since the orbiter never made it to orbit and the GH2 Inerting & Vacuum Inerting steps were not performed as they would be for a normal ascent.
Also opening the doors allows ground personnel acces to the aft support points and therfore helps speed up turnaround activities.
Mark Kirkman
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#107
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:13
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The people mover is lowering now...this shot from before that...
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#108
by
Jim
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:14
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The APU's and Hydraulic system being online is the other reason
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#109
by
triddirt
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:15
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What percentage of people currently walking under the vehicle operationally need to be there?
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#110
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:15
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Crew is coming out to do traditional walkaround...
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#111
by
Jim
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:17
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triddirt - 21/9/2006 7:58 AM
What percentage of people currently walking under the vehicle operationally need to be there?
Everyone not in a jacket and tie. Access is limited by mission. I used to have access to the SLF but had to get a mission overlay to work a landing
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#112
by
Chris Bergin
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:34
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Nice touch praising Atlantis and the engineers.
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#113
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:37
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There you go, Jim -- Astrovan on its way.
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#114
by
kraisee
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:42
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It was really nice of the guys to delay the landing a day so it coincided with my 32nd
Went out to see Atlantis come in, just got back after then heading down to the beach to watch the Sun come up too!
It was a bit dark as Atlantis came in, but I did catch a glimpse of a dark shadow whipping in as she flew in over Titusville. The "Boom Boom" was pretty good too, though from my vantage point wasn't quite as loud as Discovery's earlier in the year.
Couldn't see the landing itself directly, but knew it was happening by watching the security choppers closing in on the SLF in the orbiter's wake
Welcome home Atlantis. Great way to start the day!
Ross.
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#115
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 12:42
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Post-landing briefing up next; the NASA shuttle mission page has these participants: Administrator Michael Griffin, Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Operations Lynn Cline, NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain.
Another shot in the SSPF...the SAW is being positioned for reattachment...
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#116
by
Jim
on 21 Sep, 2006 13:02
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#117
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 13:13
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Thanks, Jim...there's something one doesn't see every flight...
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#118
by
SimonShuttle
on 21 Sep, 2006 13:14
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Nice images Jim!
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#119
by
Austin
on 21 Sep, 2006 13:53
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Well, the landing occurred at 3:21am here in CA. But what can I say, I had to get up and watch it. Might need some coffee as I go in to work this morning. But heck, always worth it to see the shuttle glide in. Great landing by Mr. Jett and Mr. Ferguson, and great mission from the entire crew. Welcome home Atlantis!
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#120
by
Paul Adams
on 21 Sep, 2006 14:09
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Austin - 21/9/2006 8:36 AM
Well, the landing occurred at 3:21am here in CA. But what can I say, I had to get up and watch it. Might need some coffee as I go in to work this morning. But heck, always worth it to see the shuttle glide in. Great landing by Mr. Jett and Mr. Ferguson, and great mission from the entire crew. Welcome home Atlantis!
I'm just over the line in Nevada and did the same thing, the wife was not too happy when the alarm went off at 02:15. Worth it though!!
Paul
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#121
by
shuttlefan
on 21 Sep, 2006 14:13
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Paul Adams - 21/9/2006 8:52 AM
Austin - 21/9/2006 8:36 AM
Well, the landing occurred at 3:21am here in CA. But what can I say, I had to get up and watch it. Might need some coffee as I go in to work this morning. But heck, always worth it to see the shuttle glide in. Great landing by Mr. Jett and Mr. Ferguson, and great mission from the entire crew. Welcome home Atlantis!
I'm just over the line in Nevada and did the same thing, the wife was not too happy when the alarm went off at 02:15. Worth it though!!
Paul
It sure is worth it!! Here in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, the landing ocurred at 4:21. I set my alarm for 3:30 to start watching the TV and internet coverage. Now, I am drinking a pot of coffee before I go to work from 9-6 today!!
SO WORTH IT!
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#122
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 14:23
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I think they're getting ready to tow Atlantis to OPF-1.
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#123
by
Gary
on 21 Sep, 2006 14:26
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One of the good things about being in the UK - The landing occured about 11:15AM UK time so got to watch it live from work!
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#124
by
ianeck
on 21 Sep, 2006 14:27
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Shuttlefan, where in SK are you? I'm in Regina. I missed it..didn't wake up til 6:30.
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#125
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 14:50
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DaveS - 21/9/2006 10:06 AM
I think they're getting ready to tow Atlantis to OPF-1.
Yeah, she's headed south (more or less) now...
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#126
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 15:12
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They've now swapped cameras to the other end of the field...
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#127
by
jacqmans
on 21 Sep, 2006 15:31
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Sept. 21, 2006
Grey Hautaluoma
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0668
Tracy Young
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
RELEASE: 06-321
NASA WELCOMES SPACE SHUTTLE CREW BACK TO EARTH
The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are home after a 12-day
journey of more than 4.9 million miles in space. The mission,
STS-115, succeeded in restarting assembly of the International Space
Station. The crew delivered and installed the massive P3/P4 truss, an
integral part of the station's backbone, and two sets of solar arrays
that will eventually provide one quarter of the station's power.
Atlantis' Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission
specialists Joe Tanner, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Dan Burbank,
and Steve MacLean, a Canadian astronaut, landed Thursday, Sept. 21,
at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 6:21 a.m. EDT. After
landing, Jett told Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center,
"Thanks, Houston. It's nice to be back. It was a great team effort,
so I think assembly's off to a good start."
The flight was the first in a series of missions that will be among
the most complex in space history. Atlantis delivered the first major
new component to the station since 2002 and laid the groundwork for
upcoming station assembly missions.
STS-115 is one of the most photographed shuttle missions ever, with
more than 100 high-definition, digital, video and film cameras
documenting the launch and climb to orbit. Data from these images, as
well as station and shuttle crew inspection, helped to clear
Atlantis' thermal protection system for return only two and a half
days after launch.
Tanner, Piper, Burbank and MacLean, with the help of crewmates, made
three spacewalks that completed truss installation, enabled solar
arrays to be deployed and prepared an important radiator for later
activation. They also installed a signal processor and transponder
that transmits voice and data to the ground and performed other tasks
to upgrade and protect the station's systems.
A new procedure called a "camp out" was implemented, in which
astronauts slept in the Quest airlock prior to their spacewalks. The
process shortens the "prebreathe" time during which nitrogen is
purged from the astronauts' systems and air pressure is lowered so
the spacewalkers avoid the condition known as the bends. On each of
the three spacewalks, the astronauts were able to perform more than
the number of scheduled activities.
The astronauts performed unprecedented robotics work. They used the
shuttle's arm in a delicate maneuver to hand off the school bus-sized
truss to the station's arm. The 45-foot truss weighs 35,000 pounds.
The arrays at the end of the truss extended to their full 240-foot
wingspan once they unfurled on flight day six. The astronauts also
moved the station's robotic arm to a position where it will assist in
the next phase of station construction.
After Atlantis undocked from the station, it did the first full fly
around of the facility since prior to the Space Shuttle Columbia
accident. The maneuver helped ground crews get a better perspective
on the station's environment and overall exterior health.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a call during the mission
to astronaut Steve MacLean to congratulate him on being the first
Canadian to operate Canadarm2, the station's Canadian-built robotic
arm.
After undocking, the Atlantis crew participated in a first-ever
three-way call with the Expedition 13 crew aboard the International
Space Station and the three crew members of the Soyuz spacecraft on
its way to the station. All 12 astronauts in space at that time were
able to have a conversation.
With Atlantis and its crew safely home, the stage is set for the next
stage of International Space Station assembly. Preparations continue
for Space Shuttle Discovery's launch, targeted for mid-December, on
the STS-116 mission to deliver an additional truss segment and a
cargo module to the station. Discovery will also do extensive work on
the station's electrical and cooling systems.
For more on the STS-115 mission and the upcoming STS-116 mission,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
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#128
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 15:45
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Looks like she's close to the towway now.
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#129
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 15:55
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She has left the SLF and is on the way to OPF-1:
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#130
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 16:35
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Approaching the OPF bays...
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#131
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 16:46
-
Atlantis sighting at OPF-1...two months since she backed out...
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#132
by
dutch courage
on 21 Sep, 2006 16:49
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STS-115 Post landing press conference has started.
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#133
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 17:17
-
Atlantis rolling into OPF-1:
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#134
by
DaveS
on 21 Sep, 2006 17:27
-
A view of Atlantis from a camera in OPF-1:
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#135
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 19:29
-
Probably should do a time-lapse of this, but anyway, some snaps from a couple hours back. There was some re-alignment later and the final shot is more or less current...
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#136
by
dutch courage
on 21 Sep, 2006 20:04
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DaveS - 21/9/2006 7:10 PM
A view of Atlantis from a camera in OPF-1:
Did you forget to attach this picture?
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#137
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 20:13
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dutch courage - 21/9/2006 3:47 PM
DaveS - 21/9/2006 7:10 PM
A view of Atlantis from a camera in OPF-1:
Did you forget to attach this picture?
No that was about the time of an outage; I was in the middle of a post at the time, too, except mine failed before the message whereas Dave's looks like it failed after the message but before the attachments...
...as in the past, there was some realignment (back up, turn, straighten, go forward, repeat) after the orbiter was initially rolled into the bay...
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#138
by
Paul Adams
on 21 Sep, 2006 20:22
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Apologies if this has already been asked; did the ISS crew take any video or still shots of the re-entry and, if so, have they been posted?
Paul
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#139
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 20:27
-
Paul Adams - 21/9/2006 4:05 PM
Apologies if this has already been asked; did the ISS crew take any video or still shots of the re-entry and, if so, have they been posted?
Paul
At least video, which was shown at least once shortly after landing (albeit at what looked to me like a low frame rate). Hopefully there is more or perhaps a replay over the next couple of days during the normal daily "ISS hour" on NASA TV.
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#140
by
MKremer
on 21 Sep, 2006 20:32
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They did show a bit of some HD footage being played back from the ISS. It was from a handheld camera, so it wasn't a very steady video (and all that was visible was a bright white-ish small blob). Hopefully they got to take a few decent pictures with a bit more detail.
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#141
by
psloss
on 21 Sep, 2006 22:19
-
A little bit of an add on the re-entry video from ISS...NASA TV did another one-hour package of the mission highlights and in it they showed a different bit of video than what I saw this morning, where the plasma trail can be seen behind the orbiter. (Actually looks like footage I've seen shot from Houston during other night re-entries, such as STS-93.) Still going through the day's broadcasts, but I'll see if a more complete replay was presented...
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#142
by
SRBseparama
on 22 Sep, 2006 02:20
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Thank you Atlantis for being a great ship
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#143
by
MKremer
on 22 Sep, 2006 03:29
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psloss - 21/9/2006 5:02 PM
A little bit of an add on the re-entry video from ISS...NASA TV did another one-hour package of the mission highlights and in it they showed a different bit of video than what I saw this morning, where the plasma trail can be seen behind the orbiter. (Actually looks like footage I've seen shot from Houston during other night re-entries, such as STS-93.) Still going through the day's broadcasts, but I'll see if a more complete replay was presented...
I hope they post it (or someone who recorded it posts it somewhere).
The ISS video I saw didn't show any plasma trail, except for an occasional, brief hint of a short spike behind the bright white blob.
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#144
by
hoorenz
on 22 Sep, 2006 18:54
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#145
by
Mark Dave
on 22 Sep, 2006 19:42
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Yeah compared to Soyuz, the shuttle has a big line of plasma behind it. I found that interesting to see reentry of a shuttle from orbit.
Say are any stillf from the video of the RMS scanning the exterior or the orbiter posted anywhere? Flight day 12 had some amazing footage.
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#146
by
Paul Adams
on 22 Sep, 2006 19:47
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I did see some of the footage on a mission highlights compilation yesterday. The earth was totally black, so just the plazma trail and leading 'fireball' were visible. Very interesting none the less.
There have been some amazing images taken during all three RTF missions, including a lot in HD. I would love to see a HD DVD compilation of each flight become available, I think there would be a good sized market for it.
Paul
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#147
by
Mark Dave
on 22 Sep, 2006 20:20
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Yep.
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#148
by
astrobrian
on 22 Sep, 2006 20:30
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I am suprised IMAX hasnt sent up a camera with a telescopic lens to capture a close up of rentry, or NASA for that matter.
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#149
by
Mark Dave
on 22 Sep, 2006 20:34
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You mean with the focus ability the cameras at KSC can see with on launch day? That would be great.
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#150
by
starbird
on 22 Sep, 2006 21:12
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A year or more ago, someone posted a link to an ftp site that had some hd video of one of the shuttle launches. Looked awesome on a widescreen monitor. Would be nice if someone converted more of the HD video to h.264 or some such. Don't have to wait for hd dvd.
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#151
by
nathan.moeller
on 22 Sep, 2006 21:38
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Just read about Heidi! That's gotta suck. If that's the worst that happens to her she's still got it good. After all...she's one of only seven women to ever go spacewalking (six Americans, one Russian). I know that Seddon, Thornton, Godwin, Helms, Jernigan and Piper are the Americans, but who's the Russian?
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#152
by
psloss
on 22 Sep, 2006 21:53
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Paul Adams - 22/9/2006 3:30 PM
I did see some of the footage on a mission highlights compilation yesterday. The earth was totally black, so just the plazma trail and leading 'fireball' were visible. Very interesting none the less.
FWIW, NASA TV ran about 5 minutes of the footage (same low frame rate) during the ISS hour today...perhaps John44 will have that available on his website sometime soon.
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#153
by
spaceamillion
on 22 Sep, 2006 23:09
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Svetlana Savitskaya
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#154
by
Rocket Guy
on 23 Sep, 2006 00:23
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nathan.moeller - 22/9/2006 5:21 PM
I know that Seddon, Thornton, Godwin, Helms, Jernigan and Piper are the Americans
Ok...let's straigten that up. First, Piper was the seventh American woman to walk in space. Second, Rhea Seddon is not on that list.
Then you forgot Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. And you also left out Peggy Whitson.
Sunita Williams will become the eigth in a few months.
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#155
by
Paul Adams
on 23 Sep, 2006 00:37
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starbird - 22/9/2006 3:55 PM
A year or more ago, someone posted a link to an ftp site that had some hd video of one of the shuttle launches. Looked awesome on a widescreen monitor. Would be nice if someone converted more of the HD video to h.264 or some such. Don't have to wait for hd dvd.
HD Net released a DVD and CD Rom for computer of the first RTF, the DVD is not actually HD but the CD Rom is Windows Media HD and it is superb.
Paul
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#156
by
nathan.moeller
on 23 Sep, 2006 01:10
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Ben - 22/9/2006 7:06 PM
Ok...let's straigten that up. First, Piper was the seventh American woman to walk in space. Second, Rhea Seddon is not on that list.
Then you forgot Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. And you also left out Peggy Whitson.
Sunita Williams will become the eigth in a few months.
I knew part of that sounded wrong but for some reason I thought it was Seddon that went outside on STS-41G. Reason I said six was because I had read it some place else and went from there and I already know that Williams is going to become the eighth next year.
Returning to the original question...when was Savitskaya's spacewalk?
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#157
by
MKremer
on 23 Sep, 2006 01:18
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#158
by
Rocket Guy
on 23 Sep, 2006 01:19
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#159
by
Fotopheak
on 23 Sep, 2006 19:33
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I captured this photo on the Sept 20th, 7:30 pm looking in the direction of southwestern-western sky? I have emailed this to a couple of newspapers and so far, noone has been able to help me identify it. One person seems to think it was the shuttle in orbit and another seems to think it is an astroid . I havent got any certain answers of as yet and was hoping someone here might be able to shed some light on my mystery shot. It looked as it were stationary in the sky I took as many as 15-20 shots. Only about 3 shots turned out focused. Please let me know if anyone knows for sure what this is...... Thanks IN Advance! Darla
Ive added an upcropped image file also.
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#160
by
hyper_snyper
on 23 Sep, 2006 19:43
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^^that looks like contrails coming off a commercial jet.
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#161
by
Jim
on 23 Sep, 2006 20:29
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I agree
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#162
by
Mark Dave
on 24 Sep, 2006 11:13
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Yeah, and we all know what a shuttle entry looks like, even the fatal STS-107 video shows what you'd see. Those photos are of a jet.
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#163
by
Jeff Bingham
on 24 Sep, 2006 12:51
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Also, the ground track of Atlantis was from the southwest, over Guatemala, a bit west of Cuba and up over the Keys, so I doubt it would be visible from anywhere in Texas, even Southeast Texas. Flights at 51.6 degree inclination don't overfly Texas on deorbit.
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#164
by
hyper_snyper
on 24 Sep, 2006 13:56
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Plus the fact that the shuttle didn't come back on the 20th.
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#165
by
nathan.moeller
on 24 Sep, 2006 14:08
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Definitely a jet. Contrails always appear in that shape and form. Plus the way the sun hits them can make them appear white, orange, red, purple, blue, etc. And 51DMascot is right. I live in central west Texas and my dad and I tried to get up one morning to see Discovery come back from STS-102 in 2001. We had no chance because flights with that high of an inclination do not overfly Texas during re-entry. Supposedly they could if they started their burn over the Pacific and came in over the Northwest United States like Washington or even Canada, but even then I doubt we'd see it. The only way Texas will ever see a re-entering orbiter again is when STS-125 Discovery comes back from servicing Hubble. STS-103 and STS-109 flew right over us and we never knew. Hopefully we can start anticipating that next month!
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#166
by
astrobrian
on 24 Sep, 2006 14:11
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51D Mascot - 24/9/2006 7:34 AM Flights at 51.6 degree inclination don't overfly Texas on deorbit.
they used to. Now about the only way you will see one come in while in Texas is probably on Galveston Island and at that if they have a one orbit go around
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#167
by
Jeff Bingham
on 24 Sep, 2006 14:14
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Oh, yeah...missed that obvious part...probably because the 20th was my birthday and being self-absorbed just figured every significant event revolves around me somehow...hehe. Nice shot of the reddish sunrise illuminating jet contrails, though!
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#168
by
psloss
on 24 Sep, 2006 14:27
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FWIW, here's the 51.6 inclination entry ground track graphic again (has to have been posted to several other threads); this is from the latest rev of the RTF implementation plan:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/150493main_rtf_imp_12th.pdf(Page 2-4; page 144 in my Adobe reader)
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#169
by
GioFX
on 24 Sep, 2006 17:30
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any news about the Atlantis' re-entry video took from the ISS?
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#170
by
psloss
on 25 Sep, 2006 22:13
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GioFX - 24/9/2006 1:13 PM
any news about the Atlantis' re-entry video took from the ISS?
The little bit in the mission highlights package is being re-run periodically on NASA TV; I didn't see the longer video replayed during today's ISS hour. FWIW, here are a couple of screen grabs with the contrast turned up...
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#171
by
psloss
on 25 Sep, 2006 22:26
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For comparison, I found an old STS-93 VCD that I could pull screen grabs off of...these are shots from Houston (I believe) that were broadcast live on NASA TV during the STS-93 re-entry. The first one is a wide shot to give an idea of the point of view:
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#172
by
GioFX
on 25 Sep, 2006 22:42
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thanks philip, cool!
they used to. Now about the only way you will see one come in while in Texas is probably on Galveston Island and at that if they have a one orbit go around