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Everything Else => Off Topic => Topic started by: Steven Roy on December 05, 2007, 03:08:44 PM

Title: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 05, 2007, 03:08:44 PM
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

For those of us who grew up watching Apollo going to the moon space missions are still something not to be missed.  The space shuttle Atlantis will take off tomorrow (Thursday) to deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station.  The launch will take place at 4:31pm EST (9:31pm GMT).  It can be viewed at the link above.  For best coverage select the 'other viewing options' menu on the right of the video and select 'Windows Media (best for full screen)'.

Remember the launch is at the time shown so you need to tune in before that for the build up.  I have watched quite a few launches of different vehicles on NASA TV and they are still as exciting as those grainy black and white pictures of the Apollo missions.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Wizzo on December 05, 2007, 03:17:45 PM

Excellent suff Steven!   :good:

I've always wanted to view a shuttle launch 'live'. Has anyone else ever seen one?
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on December 05, 2007, 05:57:43 PM
Nope, but I'm gonna watch this one too Wiz, nice one Steven.  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: cosworth151 on December 05, 2007, 06:25:33 PM
I just left the east coast of Florida Monday morning. This is about the third time I missed one by a few days.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 05, 2007, 06:34:24 PM
http://science.nasa.gov/realtime/

If you want to know where all the bits of metal that are whizzing about up there you will find something on this page to show you.

It will also tell you when you can see the International Space Station.  It is clearly visible and recognisable from the ground with the naked eye although it is only visible for a few minutes on some days just before the sun comes up or goes down.  The first time I saw it I had just left work and there was a very odd shaped star in the sky.  I could tel what it was even though I didn't know it was visible from the ground.

The nearer the equator you are the more often you will see it and the longer you will see it for.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 06, 2007, 03:35:03 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/12/06/space.shuttle.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest

The launch of the shuttle has been postponed for at least one day.  Unbelievable as it may seem the reason for the postponement is a faulty fuel gauge.  Even more unbelievably this is not the first time a shuttle has been delayed due to this fault.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 06, 2007, 08:35:14 PM
New lauch time is Friday 4:09pm Eastern - 9:09pm GMT
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 07, 2007, 06:53:29 PM
It has been postponed again.  New time is Saturday 3:45pm Eastern - 8:45pm GMT.  I guess fixing a shuttle fuel gauge is a bit more complicated than a Ford Focus.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 08, 2007, 03:09:14 AM
The launch has been postponed.  Again.

It is now Sunday 3:21pm eastern - 8:21pm GMT.  Launch coverage on NASA TV starts 10:00am eastern 3pm GMT.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: cosworth151 on December 08, 2007, 04:11:09 AM
Remember, it is about 25 years old. And high mileage, too! ;)
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 09, 2007, 05:25:49 PM
They have run into problems with engine cut off sensors.

The launch will now be on 2nd January.  I will post times whne announced.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on December 31, 2007, 07:11:59 PM
I am sure this will come as no surprise to anyone.  The January 2nd launch was delayed to Jan 10th.  The Jan 10th launch has now been postponed too.  No date or time has been set.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on January 27, 2008, 06:33:08 PM
The space shuttle will now definitely, almost certainly, probably, maybe(delete as appropriate) be launched on February 7th.  The have changed the faulty bits and apparently all is now well.  They need to launch it soon or they will hav to stack it with the next mission due to launch April 8th.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 06, 2008, 06:07:14 PM
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

Latest NASA update.  The countdown is progressing and they hope to hit the 10 minute launch window tomorrow.  However there is only a 30% chance of the weather being good enough.  If they miss the window there is a 60% chance of acceptable weather on Friday and 70% on Saturday.  SO if my adding is correct there is a 160% chance of a launch by Saturday.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Wizzo on February 06, 2008, 09:37:05 PM

Thanks for keeping us updated Steven  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 07, 2008, 11:58:15 AM
NASA TV is currently showing the shuttle preparations.  The main tank is no 40-50% full so they are past the stage where they have hit problems during previous launch attempts.

Looks like we will get a launch today unless the weather screws it up.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on February 07, 2008, 08:22:11 PM
Steven, top marks for that, superb to watch it for so long live, gonna have another look later.  :yahoo:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: cosworth151 on February 08, 2008, 03:18:42 PM
Hey, Dare - that Little Buddy Radio tool bar has Labpixies TV in the Gadgets section. You can set it for NASA TV and park it in the corner of your display. That's what I'm doing right now.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 08, 2008, 08:13:34 PM
I had NASA TV on in the lab all day yesterday and spent half the day explaining to people what was going on.  I went back to my hotel and paid T-Mobile their rip-off price for the only hot spot available.  2 minutes before lift off I lost the pictures and didn't get them back until 2 minutes into the flight.

All that build up and I still didn't see it.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 11, 2008, 03:24:12 PM
First of three spacewalks in the next weeks live on NASA TV now
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: cosworth151 on February 11, 2008, 03:29:21 PM
Thanks. SR. I just brought it up on labpixies.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 11, 2008, 08:45:38 PM
I am surprised the health & safety people are not up on the space station.  I have just watched one of the astronauts traverse along a couple of the main trusses.  There are an incredible number of exposed edges and potential hand traps.  You would never allow anyone to build something like that on the ground.  How it can be done in space is incredible.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: cosworth151 on February 19, 2008, 05:49:20 PM
Shuttle Atlantis has undocked from the International Space Station and is scheduled to touch down at the Kennedy Spaceport tomorrow (Wed, 20 Feb) at 09:06 edt, 14:06 gmt.

NASA TV will carry the landing.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 19, 2008, 05:55:18 PM
There are four landing opportunities tomorrow.  The first one Cos has detailed the next one at the same location one orbit (1 hour 30mins ish) later.  Three and four are on the next two orbits at Edwards Air Force base in California.  If none of those happen they have to wait until Thursday.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on February 19, 2008, 07:42:58 PM
Just been watching NASA TV, the Earth looks fabulous, I will certainly watch touchdown tomorrow.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 20, 2008, 12:04:17 PM
It looks like the first landing opportunity will happen.  Weather is good and the crew are suited up and strapping in for landing. If they fail to make either of the first two attempts they may have to wait until tomorrow as the weather forecast for Edwards is less than promising.

The runway they will use at Kennedy is within site of launch pad 39A where the Shuttle Endeavour is preparing for its mission to the ISS scheduled to take off in three weeks time.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 20, 2008, 01:13:40 PM
http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/tracking/index.html

You cabn get live data from the shuttle on the link above.  Normally it gives live data from the ISS.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on February 20, 2008, 02:37:54 PM
Brilliant, been watching since about 1pm, great HUD on cockpit with a pilot's view. Smashing stuff Steven.  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on February 20, 2008, 04:40:36 PM
I have seen a few of these landings and I never cease to be amazed.  8 minutes before landing it was still at an altitude of 20 miles.

The HUD view is fabulous.

They now have to turn Atlantis so that it is ready to blast off in August to go to the Hubble Space Telescope.  The shuttle Endeavour should take off to the ISS in 3 weeks time.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on March 02, 2008, 11:15:55 PM
Unlike the previous mission so far everything is going according to plan for the launch of Endeavour.  The launch is scheduled for 2:28am EST/7:28am UK.  What a stupid time for a launch?
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Alianora La Canta on March 02, 2008, 11:29:34 PM
Perhaps there are some Russians who really, really want to see the launch... ...or someone's directing an Armageddon 2 film and needs a night launch for cinematic reasons. Note that these are both wild guesses and probably not rooted in any sort of fact.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on March 09, 2008, 06:59:55 PM
Anyone who wants to see the launch on this side of the Atlantic is going to have to get up earlier than I realised.  USA switched to summer time this weekend so until we switch 2:28am is actually 6:28am in the UK.  There is an extremely good chance I will miss it.

Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on March 11, 2008, 08:53:06 PM
Another great launch Steven. Some great shots from above, love it.  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on March 12, 2008, 10:10:33 AM
I slept through it so I didn't see it.  The next significant event is docking with the ISS which is due to happen at around 3 am tomorrow morning UK time.  It looks like this whole mission will take place in the middle of the night.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on March 12, 2008, 09:05:29 PM
I'm gonna miss the docking too Steven, bummer ain't it.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on March 25, 2008, 09:39:25 PM
Steven, this was superb thread you started, I'm still watching it and there have been some wonderful camera views, orbital sunrises, the shuttle coming down through the clouds from the pilots view, and now Endeavour coming down with views from a camera in the cargo bay of Endevour. Well done  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on March 26, 2008, 10:46:53 AM
Thanks Ian.  I love NASA TV but I really wish they would publicise is more.  I don't get space agencies.  ESA run web TV progrms when they have a launch but I have yet to see one because they don't publicise launches in the news media.  With the old Sky analogue system every Ariane launch was covered on on of the high numbered channels and was publicised in advance.  I guess I am going to have to regularly visit the ESA site.

IMPORTANT PART
The shuttle is scheduled to land at Kennedy tonight at 7:05pm EDT which I think means 11:05pm UK as our clocks don't change until Saturday.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2008, 09:51:25 PM
1st shuttle landing waved off because of cloud cover
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Dare on March 27, 2008, 03:29:18 AM
video of the night landing


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=23819267&#23819267
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on March 27, 2008, 02:10:31 PM
Watched it live Dare, was pretty good too.  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on May 04, 2008, 05:30:59 PM
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

The Space Shuttle Discovery was rolled out to lanch pad 39A a few days ago for pre-f;ight tests.  Its cargo will be loaded while it is on the pad.  The cargo consists of the second module of the Japanese kibo lab and its robotic arm.  The launch is scheduled for 11:47 EDT / 16:47 BST on Saturday May 31st.

The crew will arrive at Kennedy on May 6th for the three day Countdown Demonstration Test.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on May 18, 2008, 07:57:52 PM
All checks have been OK so far and it looks like the launch will go ahead on schedule. 

For reasons I don't understand the launch time appears to have been changed to 5:02pm EDT/ 10:02pm BST on Sunday 31st May.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: CrazyHorse on May 18, 2008, 09:07:52 PM
thanks steven, wouldnt have known about nasa tv if it wasnt for u

 :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on May 18, 2008, 09:27:05 PM
Great ain't it pleiades.  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: CrazyHorse on May 18, 2008, 10:19:07 PM
certainly is mate  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on May 29, 2008, 03:03:14 PM
According to NASA everything is going perfectly for the launch.  There doesn't seem to have been a single problem right down the line with this one.

Launch is still 5:02pm EDT/10:02pm BST Saturday.  NASA are predicting 80% chance of favourable weather for the first launch window.

There is a pre-launch news conference on NASA TV at 11am EDT/6pm BST today which like everything NASA has done recently I will miss.  Still I saw the Mars landing so you can't have everything.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: CrazyHorse on May 29, 2008, 03:47:58 PM
thanks steven  :good: 
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on May 29, 2008, 07:11:00 PM
Thanks for all the updates Steven, great stuff.  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on May 29, 2008, 11:52:47 PM
There has been a minor addition to the shuttle mission.  The toilet in the ISS is broken so a pump for it has been flown from Russia to Florida to be put on board the shuttle.  7 highly trained astronauts, countless millions of dollars to launch them into space and they have to fix a toilet.  And you thought your plumber was expensive?
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: cosworth151 on May 30, 2008, 01:29:05 PM
I heard about this. The ISS crew is using the one on the Soyuz escape vehicle.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: CrazyHorse on May 30, 2008, 02:12:12 PM
i heard that they had filled one of the escape vehicles with all their rubbish n stuff and they'll going release it into the earths atmosphere so that it burns up on re-entry

is the ISS still under construction or are they still using the old soviet mir one?
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on May 31, 2008, 06:53:01 PM
NASA TV currently showing astronauts being loaded into the shuttle.  Everything still on schedule.

There are three kind of vehicles that fly to the ISS.  The shuttle, the Soyuz and the ESA Progress module which is unmanned and carries only cargo.  I assume the Progress module is allowed to burn up on re-entry.  It is probably cheaper to do that than engineer it to be recoverable and re-useable.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Scott on May 31, 2008, 09:56:06 PM
9 minutes and counting
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Ian on May 31, 2008, 10:16:57 PM
Perfect launch and separation,  :good:
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on June 02, 2008, 07:09:46 PM
The shuttle has successfully docked with the ISS.  Currently they are running checks before they open the hatches.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: Steven Roy on June 14, 2008, 01:01:29 AM
The shuttle landing is due at 11:15 EDT / 16:15 BST on Saturday 14th.  NASA TV will start coverage a few hours before.
Title: Re: Space Shuttle Launch
Post by: CrazyHorse on June 14, 2008, 06:17:24 AM
 :good:
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