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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!
