LIVE: STS-117 Flight Day 13 - Pre-entry check-outs

LIVE: STS-117 Flight Day 13 - Pre-entry check-outs by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 11:48
On the agenda today is cabin stowage, FCS check-outs, RCS hot-fires and stowing the KU band antenna(no more live video from the orbiter!) and in-flight media interviews.

We should have a good live video of the FCS checkout through TDRS-Z starting at 1400 UTC with a 5 minute gap at 1505 UTC. Since there will be a good solid KU coverage, we should be able to see the elevons move during the FCS check-out.

Entry strategy and weather from the FD13 Execute Package:

Entry Plan: Entry Flight Director/Norm Knight briefed the entry plan at today’s MMT.
Thanks to your power conservation, we have EOM+3 and a 2-3-3-2 deorbit capability with 2
deorbit opportunities on EOM and EOM+3 and 3 opportunities on EOM+1 and EOM+2. The
limiting consumable for deorbit opportunities will be supply water with at least 7 deorbit
opportunities available over four days. The plan for EOM and possibly EOM+1 will be to
target KSC only. There are only two opportunities to KSC on EOM on orbits 202 and 203.
In the event of an EOM wave-off, EDW may be considered on EOM+1 pending the latest
weather forecast with all three sites (KSC, EDW, NOR) activated on EOM+2.

Entry Landing Sites/Weather: All three landing sites are ready with nominal convoy
support, landing aids, and navigation aids. Both the EDW and NOR lakebeds are green.
There is a low pressure trough over Florida that may produce showers at KSC over all three
days. As of today, the EOM forecast calls for a ceiling of 5,000 ft and thunderstorms within
30 at KSC, which is typical for this time of day in June. KSC looks slightly better on Friday
and Saturday based on the preliminary models. EDW has clear skies for all three days with
winds right down EDW-22. Obviously, we’ll have to watch the winds which are forecast to
be within limits on both EOM and EOM+1 for both opportunities.
#1 by Chandonn on 20 Jun, 2007 11:57
I believe crew wakeup was at 6:08 ET this morning.

Any specifics from the detailed inspections yesterday?

As usual, I guess, no news should be good news!
#2 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 12:05
Quote
Chandonn - 20/6/2007 1:57 PM

I believe crew wakeup was at 6:08 ET this morning.

Any specifics from the detailed inspections yesterday?

As usual, I guess, no news should be good news!

Actually, the wake-up call was delayed to 6:14 am EDT due to poor comm.
#3 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 13:29
APU-1 is the APU of choice today.
#4 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 13:45
Entry team's orbit map:
#5 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 13:54
Houston ready for FCS check-out.
#6 by psloss on 20 Jun, 2007 14:03
Landing ground track page:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/main/landing.html
#7 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 14:05
Houston ready for APU-1 prestart.

Atlantis passing over the east coast of Brazile.
#8 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 14:14
Go for APU shutdown. Aerosurface check complete.
#9 by Lee Jay on 20 Jun, 2007 14:25
What was the conclusion of the propellant usage situation? Was a leak found or anything like that?
#10 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 14:28
Quote
Lee Jay - 20/6/2007 3:25 PM

What was the conclusion of the propellant usage situation? Was a leak found or anything like that?

No, systems are fine (no leak).
#11 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 14:29
APU-1 and FCS checkouts were successful.
#12 by Lee Jay on 20 Jun, 2007 14:30
Quote
Chris Bergin - 20/6/2007 8:28 AM

Quote
Lee Jay - 20/6/2007 3:25 PM

What was the conclusion of the propellant usage situation? Was a leak found or anything like that?

No, systems are fine (no leak).

Hmmm...so the prop usage was more than expected, but they aren't sure why?
#13 by mark147 on 20 Jun, 2007 14:36
Quote
DaveS - 20/6/2007 2:45 PM

Entry team's orbit map:
What's that crinkly blue blob West of the SAA? I can't read what it's labelled.
#14 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 14:40
EDIT: What I had was already posted.. Just another image.
#15 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 14:42
Quote
Gary - 20/6/2007 4:38 PM

What does the RCS 'Hot Fire' actually do?
Simply fires all RCS jets, including the verns.
#16 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 14:59
#17 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 15:01
Ready for the RCS hotfire test.
#18 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 15:19
RCS test complete. Sounded like everything (so far) is ready to go for tomorrow.
#19 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 15:19
RCS hotfire complete!
#20 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 15:20
#21 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 15:25
#22 by ApolloLee on 20 Jun, 2007 15:32
Quote
Ford Mustang - 20/6/2007 7:40 AM

EDIT: What I had was already posted.. Just another image.

For the record, I like this old school, Apollo-style blue map a lot better.... Easier to see the position of shuttle, ISS and the TDRS system....
#23 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 15:40
Yeah. I can see the TDRS on my STSPLUS. STSPLUS is a wonderful tool. But, I woke up and hit my monitor a couple of times, didn't know what it was!
#24 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 15:42
Weather at KSC
#25 by JimO on 20 Jun, 2007 15:46
Quote
mark147 - 20/6/2007 9:36 AM

Quote
DaveS - 20/6/2007 2:45 PM

Entry team's orbit map:
What's that crinkly blue blob West of the SAA? I can't read what it's labelled.

I asked Bill Jeffs (at JSC PAO), since it seemed to read 'AGO'.. his answer:

It is a communications site in Santiago, Chile, but we do not use it. It is on the map for situational awareness only.
#26 by Joffan on 20 Jun, 2007 15:54
Quote
mark147 - 20/6/2007 8:36 AM
What's that crinkly blue blob West of the SAA? I can't read what it's labelled.
I think it's labelled AGOS ... I don't know what it stands for, but it's probably not the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society.

ETA: beaten by JimO... thanks.
#27 by mark147 on 20 Jun, 2007 16:00
Quote
JimO - 20/6/2007 4:46 PM
It is a communications site in Santiago, Chile, but we do not use it. It is on the map for situational awareness only.
Great - thanks! There's not much this forum doesn't know or can't find out!

M.
#28 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 16:35
Talking about Ken Patterson. Famous Patterson maneuver, I caught 'Thanks, Ken, for all you've done.' Retiring after supporting human flight for 44 years. 94 shuttle flights under his belt.
#29 by Jason Davies on 20 Jun, 2007 17:35
It's really nice how a lot of names have been mentioned by the crew. Must be amazing to hear your name mentioned from space.
#30 by Super George on 20 Jun, 2007 18:31
When is the next MSB?
#31 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 18:33
Press briefing between crew and some mass media channels coming up in 30 minutes.

Jim, are you doing NBCs?
#32 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 18:35
Tracking station tests coming up in 15 minutes.
#33 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 18:52
In-Flight interviews coming up!
#34 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 18:59
Good comms through MILA.
#35 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:04
PAO Event starting with NBC:
#36 by USFJoseph on 20 Jun, 2007 19:07
Great troubleshooting all around but an Apollo-13 moment? Come on now...
#37 by lcs on 20 Jun, 2007 19:11
I turned it off after the question about Sunni "designing her dream misson".
#38 by Davie OPF on 20 Jun, 2007 19:13
Where do they find these idiots asking the questions? Father's day questions?
They'll be asking them which football team they support next!
#39 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 19:15
That comparision question about the ISS was pretty ok (remember, this event was always going to be dumbed down for the the general public. They won't be asking about RCS checkouts ).
#40 by marsavian on 20 Jun, 2007 19:16
I think the saying "any publicity is good publicity" is applicable here ;-).
#41 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 19:17
Miles is doing the CNN segment. This guy knows Shuttle.
#42 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:17
Smiling crew up there!
#43 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:18
Seems as if they lost the CNN reporter!
#44 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 19:18
Uh oh, someone cut him off!!!
#45 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 19:18
I give Gina, the interviewer from ABC News some credit, at least she has been attending the MSBs at JSC during the mission, unlike the other "interviewers" from the other networks who don't know what they are talking about half the time.

Richard
#46 by Andy USA on 20 Jun, 2007 19:19
CNN need to pay the phone bill
#47 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:20
CNN is back. He put his elbow on the wrong button!

Good job, Miles.
#48 by Andy USA on 20 Jun, 2007 19:21
Who the hell of Flat Gorby?
#49 by Flightstar on 20 Jun, 2007 19:22
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Andy USA - 20/6/2007 2:21 PM

Who the hell of Flat Gorby?

No idea. This is all very dumb.
#50 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 19:22
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Andy USA - 20/6/2007 8:21 PM

Who the hell of Flat Gorby?

No idea!
#51 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:23
Gorby is Suni's dog, dunno what the hell it has to do with 'flat'!
#52 by USFJoseph on 20 Jun, 2007 19:24
Great interview by Miles
#53 by triddirt on 20 Jun, 2007 19:24
Quote
Chris Bergin - 20/6/2007 3:22 PM

Quote
Andy USA - 20/6/2007 8:21 PM

Who the hell of Flat Gorby?

No idea!
OOhh This one I know... Gorby is Sunni's dog of which she has discussed at lenght... The reference's I believe to flat Gorby are photographs of Gorby in Various locations one of which is in the NASA underwater expedition (name escapes me)
#54 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 19:26
Thank goodness the crew can come up with intelligent answers to these stupid PAO interviews, they (the crew) make these interviews watchable after the network reps shut ups. I really dislike these PAO events, they are getting worse every flight! (example what is more important to cover, Suni's dog or the success of the STS-117 mission, the press thinks the dog story is important???!!!)

Richard
#55 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 19:27
Quote
Ford Mustang - 20/6/2007 9:23 PM

Gorby is Suni's dog, dunno what the hell it has to do with 'flat'!
Read this NASAWatch article: http://www.nasawatch.com/archives/2007/05/gorby_update.html
#56 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:28
PAO event over.
#57 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 19:28
Thank goodness that's over. Notice Miles made a reference to Tie Fighters

Quick, let's get back to mission updates!!
#58 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 19:29
Quote
Chris Bergin - 20/6/2007 9:28 PM

Quick, let's get back to mission updates!!
OK, coming up a LOS period, Entry team signing off for the day handing over to Orbit 2.
#59 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:31
#60 by collectSPACE on 20 Jun, 2007 19:48
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sts1canada - 20/6/2007 2:26 PM

(example what is more important to cover, Suni's dog or the success of the STS-117 mission, the press thinks the dog story is important???!!!)
Right, because heaven forbid anyone care that there are real humans up there, with real feelings and interests. We should only focus on the technical details, after all, the human experience of flying in space is superfluous; were it possible we should replace the astronauts with drones.

Sigh.

At the end of the day, if we can't see past computer crashes and insulation blankets for the way in which space flight has touched our culture and in turn, our culture has touched on space flight, then we're really lost. Ground the shuttle, shutdown the ISS, scrub the Vision and send robots instead.

There are millions of dog owners, most of whom have a hard time relating to the lives of astronauts in space. If hearing about how one such woman has 'brought' her dog to space makes just some of those people take notice, than I would say that's a better and more important job done than any technical or mission-specific question than you can suggest.
#61 by JimO on 20 Jun, 2007 19:52
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Andy USA - 20/6/2007 2:21 PM

Who the hell of Flat Gorby?

Some kind of space gimmick over at www.nasawatch.com.

When you have substance, you play substance. Le voila, ici!!

When you opt for style, do gimmicks.
#62 by STS Tony on 20 Jun, 2007 19:55
Your saying Taco lovers and Dog owners will all be looking for NASA news now? Come on Robert!
#63 by STS Tony on 20 Jun, 2007 19:57
Quote
JimO - 20/6/2007 2:52 PM

Quote
Andy USA - 20/6/2007 2:21 PM

Who the hell of Flat Gorby?

Some kind of space gimmick over at www.nasawatch.com.

When you have substance, you play substance. Le voila, ici!!

When you opt for style, do gimmicks.

HEAR HEAR!!!
#64 by collectSPACE on 20 Jun, 2007 19:58
Quote
JimO - 20/6/2007 2:52 PM

Some kind of space gimmick over at www.nasawatch.com.
Double sigh. Flat Gorby was neither invented by, the idea of, or even popularized first by NASA Watch.

Flat Gorby was an idea by Suni's friends and family, as well as Suni herself about how to involve her dog, for whom she cares deeply, in her flight. Suni had several pictures of her dog on-board and her friends sent her some pictures of where 'Gorby' had visited in her absence from Earth.

That NASA Watch took notice and extended the invitation for others to participate was nice, but it was neither their first doing nor was it a gimmick (see my earlier reply above).
#65 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 19:58
Calm down about the media event and look at the venting from the water dump.

Now tell me the US public wouldn't find this interesting........no? oh well
#66 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 19:59
Waste water dump!
#67 by JWag on 20 Jun, 2007 20:02
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STS Tony - 20/6/2007 2:55 PM Your saying Taco lovers and Dog owners will all be looking for NASA news now? Come on Robert!
He said nothing of the sort, and you know it.

I think he's got a good point.
Most people think "this whole space thing" is just a boring waste of tax dollars. They don't have the education or inclination to relate to it in any meaningful way. So a little bit of "color" can go a long way into helping "Joe Sixpack" relate to "this whole space thing".
And I would think Jim Oberg of all people would be on board with relating the space program to the population.
#68 by STS Tony on 20 Jun, 2007 20:04
Quote
MondoMor - 20/6/2007 3:02 PM

Quote
STS Tony - 20/6/2007 2:55 PM Your saying Taco lovers and Dog owners will all be looking for NASA news now? Come on Robert!
He said nothing of the sort, and you know it.

I think he's got a good point.
Most people think "this whole space thing" is just a boring waste of tax dollars. They don't have the education or inclination to relate to it in any meaningful way. So a little bit of "color" can go a long way into helping "Joe Sixpack" relate to "this whole space thing".

So can Robert tell us how many Longhorn fans are now converted followers of NASA?

http://www.nasawatch.com/archives/2006/07/a_dumb_question.html
#69 by collectSPACE on 20 Jun, 2007 20:06
Quote
STS Tony - 20/6/2007 2:55 PM

Your saying Taco lovers and Dog owners will all be looking for NASA news now? Come on Robert!
Not sure what Taco lovers have to do with this, but no, they might not be overnight converts, but perhaps, for a few minutes, they might smile at something familiar to them. They might even mention "Flat Gorby" to their friends at work or family at home. And of course, "Flat Gorby" is just one example of a much bigger need: we, the space community, sometimes work so hard to take the human experience out of the equation, that we lose sight of the bigger picture. And then we wonder why the public-at-large doesn't take an interest.

All it takes is a small gesture, a "Flat Gorby" or a moving speech delivered from space, or even a lighthearted comparison of the ISS to a TIE fighter, to get the general public to take a moment's notice and from there, who knows? How many might then visit NASA's website, learn something new and perhaps develop a new interest? I would stand to bet that it's a number that is a whole lot more than anyone listening to the news and hearing about late mission inspections being completed (for example).

Quote
STS Tony - 20/6/2007 3:04 PM

So can Robert tell us how many Longhorn fans are now converted followers of NASA?
Well, considering that my question (and its resulting answer) was noticed and picked up by both universities (Longhorns and Aggies), as well as by other media, it would seem to have reached a rather sizable audience, and remember, I was asking it for our audience, which is no small number either. Besides, it was the crew that raised the good-natured rivalry to the press before the flight and they were not shy about displaying their school pride in photographs released post-flight. I stand by my question.
#70 by jackyg on 20 Jun, 2007 20:06
I think that for people who are not following this mission like you all do, it doesn't matter what kind of questions are being asked.
This is my first time that I'm following a mission from day to day. Now I understand why these question for you all are rare.
I think for people that only watch the news it is not rare.
Sorry if my english is not correct, I speak better english then I write.
By the way, thanks for all of you to write youre commentary here its amazing to follow the ISS end Atlantis on Nasa tv and this forum.
I'm a happy dutch woman.
#71 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 20:08
Rob, what bugs me is the not the story about Sunni's dog, sure it is a nice human interest story, I am not saying it should not be covered a little bit, the problem is that is about the only story that the general public is going to hear about, concerning this mission (Public reads & hears from news media that NASA flies multi million dollar mission to pick up a woman to reunite with her dog?). Sure, the public doesn't need to know about SARJ joints, thermal blankets on OMS pods etc., and I agree with you there, thats right, but this mission and the space program in general has more going for it than what the general news media reports. I have been following these missions, every one of them since STS-1, for the past 25 years and the news media is not reporting the real news of spaceflight (whatever everyone's opinion on that is) but focus too much on human interests (shuttle has a torn blanket, therefore it is doom and gloom, Columbia situation again, we saw that reported in the news from FD 2 to EVA 4), we have had that focus in the media for the past couple of missions (STS-114 torn blanket by commander's window, STS-115 debris during RCS hot fire, and STS-117 OMS blanket ascent damage). I am tired of it, the general public will never care for the space program like we do, no matter how many human interest stories the media reports, tomorrow the news will be about something else.

Sorry for my rant, I apologize for taking this thread off topic but this have been a pet peeve of mine since RTF and every mission, and with the general media it is getting worse.

Richard
#72 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 20:12
Hmm, we can't cut this thread up for some reason.

Let's move any further comments about the media event into this one (and I'll change the title).

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8417&start=61&posts=65

Back to mission updates here please.
#73 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 20:18
Thanks Chris, I did not expect nor wanted my comment to turn into a new thread, and I don't want to continue on that discussion, everyone has their opinions on it, that is fine by me.

I agree, let get back to mission coverage everyone, I did not want to start a debate here, that was not my intention!

The orbiter is about to start orbit 189 of the mission as it passes the equator over the Pacific Ocean, today's mission status briefing will be at 5:00 PM EDT (9:00 PM GMT).

Richard
#74 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 20:20
Grapple point on the OBSS. Nice shot!

Pic 2: Great shot down the OBSS!
#75 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 20:25
Now deactivating the WLES (Wing Leading Edge Sensors) that detect debris hits during launch.
#76 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 20:27
Looking out at the Mexican/Californian coast!
#77 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 20:33
Passing over Chicago now, thumb of Michigan and Lake Huron, great views!

Richard
#78 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 20:42
We are now about two to two half hours away from having the KU antenna on Atlantis (that was providing some great down link video of Newfoundland and Labrador) being turned off and stowed for entry, so when that happens we will have no more live video from the shuttle, we are 10 minutes to sunset on this pass, so enjoy the last couple of hours of KU video while we have it.

Richard
#79 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 20:42
KU band antenna dish visible in this view from PLB cam "D".
#80 by jackyg on 20 Jun, 2007 20:44
Did you see the shadow of the shuttle on the clouds? AMAZING!!
#81 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 20:48
Quote
jackyg - 20/6/2007 4:44 PM

Did you see the shadow of the shuttle on the clouds? AMAZING!!

Yes, by the way, Jackyg welcome to our forum and supporting spaceflight in general, I hope you enjoy your stay here!

4 minutes to sunset on this pass, on orbit 189 of the STS-117 mission, the next Mission Status Briefing with Entry Flight director Norm Knight and MMT chair John Shannon is coming up in 10 - 15 minutes.

Richard
#82 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 20:49
KU LOS for 30 minutes.
#83 by jackyg on 20 Jun, 2007 20:51
Thank you for youre welcome. I really enjoy this forum and learning a lot from you all.
I hope that someone took a picture of the shadow, i was to late to push my print screen button.
#84 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 21:02
#85 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 21:03
#86 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 21:07
#87 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 21:08
#88 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 21:11
Weather will be watched carefully tomorrow, Norm has a "challenge" ahead of him.
#89 by adamase on 20 Jun, 2007 21:28
I'd just like to say thanks to all you guys that document everything in these threads. It's a great learning experience to find out what all the acronyms and things mean from guys in the know, so thanks a lot
#90 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 21:31
MSB over. Back to the water dump!
#91 by bsegal on 20 Jun, 2007 21:33
Not one of them thought to ask about manifest impacts if they land at Edwards. I would think not much given that the next couple of flights are scheduled for the other orbiters, but it would have been nice to hear that from Shannon. Oh well.
#92 by psloss on 20 Jun, 2007 21:38
Quote
bsegal - 20/6/2007 5:33 PM

Not one of them thought to ask about manifest impacts if they land at Edwards. I would think not much given that the next couple of flights are scheduled for the other orbiters, but it would have been nice to hear that from Shannon. Oh well.
A ferry flight could have a direct impact on processing schedule margins for Atlantis' next flight, particularly given that weather has to cooperate for the ferry, too.
#93 by j2_ on 20 Jun, 2007 21:43
Why do they stow the KU antenna so early? Seems kind of insensitive to us addicts! :laugh:

(Kidding, I'm sure there's a good reason.)
#94 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 22:00
Quote
j2_ - 20/6/2007 11:43 PM

Why do they stow the KU antenna so early? Seems kind of insensitive to us addicts! :laugh:

(Kidding, I'm sure there's a good reason.)
Probably because they'll have one less thing to worry about not working.
#95 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 22:04
Having some issues with echoes during the comm checks through Dryden.
#96 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:14
Quote
DaveS - 20/6/2007 6:00 PM

Quote
j2_ - 20/6/2007 11:43 PM

Why do they stow the KU antenna so early? Seems kind of insensitive to us addicts! :laugh:

(Kidding, I'm sure there's a good reason.)
Probably because they'll have one less thing to worry about not working.

Yes that is right, if the KU antenna does not fold back in line with the payload bay sill, then either it will be jettisoned or a EVA needed to fold it back so the payload bay doors can be closed the day of entry. KU is soon to end when the KU antenna is stowed sometime early this evening after MCC-H is done using it to download some data.

Richard
#97 by Chris Bergin on 20 Jun, 2007 22:15
Name the place:
#98 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:16
Northern coast of Newfoundland, Canada, Chris, sunset on this pass is in 6 minutes!

Richard
#99 by gordo on 20 Jun, 2007 22:17
Quote
Chris Bergin - 20/6/2007 11:15 PM

Name the place:

SLC6?
#100 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:21
This could be our last KU pass for the mission or 2nd last one if we are lucky, the crew is ready to deactivate the KU system on board when MCC-H is done using it.

Richard
#101 by DaveS on 20 Jun, 2007 22:24
Quote
gordo - 21/6/2007 12:17 AM

Quote
Chris Bergin - 20/6/2007 11:15 PM

Name the place:

SLC6?
Nope. Richard has it right: the coast of Newfoundland.
#102 by ApolloLee on 20 Jun, 2007 22:26
Quote
jackyg - 20/6/2007 1:44 PM

Did you see the shadow of the shuttle on the clouds? AMAZING!!

Whoa...shadow on the clouds? Is this possible?

Well, let me rephrase that... of course it’s possible for something moving in front of light to create a shadow…. I think some Cro Magnon scientist proved that 100,000 years ago…..

But wouldn’t the shuttle’s shadow on Earth be no more than a smaller-than-a-pixel speck from the shuttle. Otherwise, we would not only be talking asbout Atlantis sightings at night, but Atlantis eclipses of the Sun during the day…
#103 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:29
Thanks Dave, 21 minutes left of this TDRS-East comm pass, 7 minute ZOE coming up, 31 minutes to sunrise, now on orbit 190.5 of STS-117.

Richard
#104 by jackyg on 20 Jun, 2007 22:32
Quote
ApolloLee - 21/6/2007 12:26 AM

Quote
jackyg - 20/6/2007 1:44 PM

Did you see the shadow of the shuttle on the clouds? AMAZING!!

Whoa...shadow on the clouds? Is this possible?

Well, let me rephrase that... of course it’s possible for something moving in front of light to create a shadow…. I think some Cro Magnon scientist proved that 100,000 years ago…..

But wouldn’t the shuttle’s shadow on Earth be no more than a smaller-than-a-pixel speck from the shuttle. Otherwise, we would not only be talking asbout Atlantis sightings at night, but Atlantis eclipses of the Sun during the day…

I don't understand you, but I think I realy saw the shadow of the shuttle reflected on the clouds, and I think I have a picture of it too, but don't know how to put it here.
#105 by George CA on 20 Jun, 2007 22:35
Quote
jackyg - 20/6/2007 5:32 PM

Quote
ApolloLee - 21/6/2007 12:26 AM

Quote
jackyg - 20/6/2007 1:44 PM

Did you see the shadow of the shuttle on the clouds? AMAZING!!

Whoa...shadow on the clouds? Is this possible?

Well, let me rephrase that... of course it’s possible for something moving in front of light to create a shadow…. I think some Cro Magnon scientist proved that 100,000 years ago…..

But wouldn’t the shuttle’s shadow on Earth be no more than a smaller-than-a-pixel speck from the shuttle. Otherwise, we would not only be talking asbout Atlantis sightings at night, but Atlantis eclipses of the Sun during the day…

I don't understand you, but I think I realy saw the shadow of the shuttle reflected on the clouds, and I think I have a picture of it too, but don't know how to put it here.

Very simple! New post, click "Attach a file after posting" post and add the image. However, what you are claiming is impossible, so it'll be interesting to see what this image was.
#106 by jackyg on 20 Jun, 2007 22:37
#107 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:37
13 minutes to the ZOE, 23 minutes to sunrise on this pass, still no word from the crew or MCC-H on the deactivation status of the KU antenna, it was time lined to occur in about 20 minutes, comm will then occur through the S-band antenna system (voice only) for the remainder of the mission.

Richard
#108 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:43
A shadow on the clouds is not so impossible as you may think, sure it won't be huge, but the sun was low in the "sky" compared to the orbiter as the shuttle was entering a night pass with a large blanket of smooth white clouds below, a very small shadow could be seen at the time. If you remember from STS-115 after the FCS and RCS checkouts were completed, one of the gap fillers came out of the belly of the shuttle and the INCO officer could spot it against a large white cloud field, so why not a shadow if the sun angle is right?

Richard
#109 by ApolloLee on 20 Jun, 2007 22:44
Quote
George CA - 20/6/2007 3:35 PM

Very simple! New post, click "Attach a file after posting" post and add the image. However, what you are claiming is impossible, so it'll be interesting to see what this image was.

If the shuttle sees its shadow, does it mean an extra day in orbit?
#110 by Rocket Guy on 20 Jun, 2007 22:45
I'm not sure what it is that are you seeing. This is a view from the ISS, not the shuttle. And there is no shadow of the shuttle on the clouds, as that would be impossible.
#111 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:48
In this case Apollo, I think you are right, the weather forecast for KSC tomorrow looks bad, if she can't make it in on the first rev opp., I think it will be impossible for the next rev. opp., so Atlantis could be up for another day. A KSC landing will be great if it is safe to keep the manifest is good order for the rest of the year, (unless other technical or weather issues come up).

Richard
#112 by Rocket Guy on 20 Jun, 2007 22:49
The shuttle's "shadow" on the clouds is akin to Mercury's shadow when it transits the sun. Essentially it is nonexistent but using spectral analysis, the loss of light could be detected :-)
#113 by Ford Mustang on 20 Jun, 2007 22:50
Go for KU Band Antenna stowage. No more TV from Atlantis.

Next time we'll see anything from Atlantis is probably the HUD during landing tomorrow, or a high-distance camera.
#114 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:50
The KU will be stowed during this ZOE pass starting now and it last for the next 7 minutes, comm with TDRS-West on S-band only & will resume in 7 - 10 minutes but the comm will be ratty (static sounds) for a while, so no more TV coverage for this mission.

Richard
#115 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:54
There is no need for a NC 6 burn this evening that could have been used to adjust the orbit to line up tomorrow's landing opps. as the last waste water dump provided the necessary orbital adjustments as reported by MCC-H PAO Kelly Humphries.

Richard
#116 by jackyg on 20 Jun, 2007 22:54
I'm a rookie about this all, but I called my daughter to let her also see it. I was to late to take the first time the picture, but I think I really saw the shadow of the shuttle, it also moved at the same speed as the shuttle .
But I could be wrong and I appologize for the confusion I made.

jacqueline
#117 by stockman on 20 Jun, 2007 22:55
The KU coverage has been great. thanks to NASA for having it and thanks to sts1canada and others for updating us throughout!
#118 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:55
1 minute to TDRS-West S-Band only comm coverage, 4 minutes to sunrise on this pass but we won't see it.

Richard
#119 by jmjawors on 20 Jun, 2007 22:58
Yeah, I think you grabbed the wrong screen shot, but there were some remarks about the shadow being seen in the clouds. Wish I'd been watching then.
#120 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 22:59
Quote
stockman - 20/6/2007 6:55 PM

The KU coverage has been great. thanks to NASA for having it and thanks to sts1canada and others for updating us throughout!

Thank you stockman and thank you everyone who provided me with their compliments during this mission, I hope see you all again for coverage on STS-118 if I am available for it (that depends on launch date & time), it has been fun!

My updates have come to end for this mission (KU and sunrise/sunset times are no longer needed) as we can't see anything on orbit now!

Richard
#121 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 23:02
I forgot to mention that we will still get KU from the ISS as we are right now, but the camera on the S0 truss I believe is pointing up at the folded up P6 array, not much to see there!

Richard
#122 by Rocket Guy on 20 Jun, 2007 23:03
It is possible it was another visual effect. Perhaps it was during the water dump? Perhaps a camera artifact too. A speck of dark matter on the camera lens could appear to be a dark spot moving across the clouds, I have seen that before.

The shadow of the shuttle was also cast on the ISS' solar panels during undocking yesterday, if they were talking about or replaying that.
#123 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 23:18
The crew on Atlantis should be soon starting into their pre-sleep period and setting up the recumbent seat on the middeck so Sunni can lie flat on her back during the deorbit, entry and landing to ease the force of gravity on her system after being in microgravity for 6 months. I suspect, barring a problem, the air to ground comm between MCC-H and Atlantis will now be very quiet before the crew goes to bed at 9:38 PM EDT (1:38 AM GMT).

Trivia note, if Atlantis is waved off tomorrow's landing attempt and then lands at KSC on Friday, a landing on June 22nd at the SLF, landing on the SLF will occur exactly 6 months later to the day that Discovery landed there on STS-116 last December 22nd, 2006. If my dates are off, sorry but it is close.

Richard
#124 by sts1canada on 20 Jun, 2007 23:27
We just started orbit 191 of the STS-117 mission, we are 11 minutes away from a mission elapsed time of exactly 12 days, and we are 11 orbits away from the first de-orbit opportunity tomorrow, that is all from me tonight everyone, see you later for Entry Day Attempt 1 tomorrow!

Richard
#125 by rdale on 20 Jun, 2007 23:29
It's not possible for the shadow of the shuttle to be seen in the clouds... WAY too far away for the resolution of the camera for one, and wouldn't exist for two.
#126 by ApolloLee on 20 Jun, 2007 23:45
Quote
sts1canada - 20/6/2007 3:48 PM

In this case Apollo, I think you are right, the weather forecast for KSC tomorrow looks bad, if she can't make it in on the first rev opp., I think it will be impossible for the next rev. opp., so Atlantis could be up for another day. A KSC landing will be great if it is safe to keep the manifest is good order for the rest of the year, (unless other technical or weather issues come up).

Richard

Yes.... but Atlantis didn't see its shadow, so I say it's coming home tomorrow....

Jacky: No worries.... nothing wrong with being excited and who knows what you'll see in the images being beamed down....
#127 by DwightM on 20 Jun, 2007 23:47
Quote
sts1canada - 20/6/2007 3:18 PM

Trivia note, if Atlantis is waved off tomorrow's landing attempt and then lands at KSC on Friday, a landing on June 22nd at the SLF, landing on the SLF will occur exactly 6 months later to the day that Discovery landed there on STS-116 last December 22nd, 2006. If my dates are off, sorry but it is close.

Richard

Another bit of trivia - if Atlantis is waved off till Friday, then she will surpass her mission duration record of 12d 21h 21m set on STS 98.
#128 by JJ.. on 21 Jun, 2007 00:00
Quote
jackyg - 20/6/2007 11:54 AM

I'm a rookie about this all, but I called my daughter to let her also see it. I was to late to take the first time the picture, but I think I really saw the shadow of the shuttle, it also moved at the same speed as the shuttle .
But I could be wrong and I appologize for the confusion I made.

jacqueline

it sort of looks like a shadow
#129 by Mark Max Q on 21 Jun, 2007 00:06
If you stare at it long enough, it looks like a bit like clouds
#130 by DaveS on 21 Jun, 2007 00:07
The MMT had a late meeting regarding a few outstanding questions regarding the TPS and the word on that is that those issues have been laid to rest and the TPS has been fully cleared for entry.
#131 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jun, 2007 00:08
Some great crew "bios" coming up!
#132 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jun, 2007 00:09
#133 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jun, 2007 00:09
#134 by Ford Mustang on 21 Jun, 2007 00:10
#135 by haywoodfloyd on 21 Jun, 2007 00:20
Where can I find the pictures taken by the austronauts yesterday during the fly-around?
Thanks.
#136 by sts1canada on 21 Jun, 2007 00:32
Quote
haywoodfloyd - 20/6/2007 8:20 PM

Where can I find the pictures taken by the austronauts yesterday during the fly-around?
Thanks.

There are some posted at this link for photos for flight day 12 (undocking day) for STS-117:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts117/multimedia/fd12/fd12_gallery.html

Richard