STS-132 Atlantis 14/5/10

Beeker

Beeker

Some fantastic shots from the launch here http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=213

ynotdu

Great view just now from the flightdeck of of Atlantis,It was the second of two minor burns since lift-off to catch up with the station from the left OME,just 10 seconds long but the flame was clearly visible and brought the craft one mile higher to the orbit it needs for docking to the ISS.

At 13.30 the initial inspection of the Thermal protection(TPS) has just begun

and the latest update about Atlantis's full planned day for the 15th of May 2010:STS-132 Image below:


Space shuttle Atlantis’ crew of six are awake and ready to embark on their first full day in space for the mission. Today, the crew will focus on a routine inspection of the orbiter and preparations for their docking to the International Space Station.

The main focus of the day will be the six-hour-long inspection of Atlantis’ wing leading edges and nose cap. Commander Ken Ham, Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman and Piers Sellers will use the shuttle’s robotic arm and specialized cameras to downlink the detailed views of the thermal protection system for analysis by specialists on the ground.

Meanwhile, Michael Good and Steve Bowen are scheduled to unpack and ready the spacesuits that will be used for the three planned spacewalks. Later in the day, Bowen will join Reisman will perform a checkout of the tools needed for the rendezvous and docking to the station, which is planned for 10:27 a.m. EDT Sunday.

As part of the Daily Planning Conference, the Expedition 23 crew aboard the space station was informed of a possible debris avoidance maneuver. The team is still assessing if a maneuver will be required, but if so, they could implement it remotely during crew sleep Saturday evening. A final decision is expected to be made by 5 p.m. If a maneuver is executed, it would be a 0.5 meter-per-second retrograde burn at 9:08 p.m., and would not affect rendezvous with Atlantis on Sunday

ynotdu

Beeker wrote: »

Oh let it be:):)

Or may'be just let it go?:)

Interesting that they did not rule out the possible 135 as a Volunteer only mission,just like the 125 hubble repair mission was, as they would not be sure of a safety net on the ISS

I dont think the talk by the Russian representiive of a possible extension of the ISS was just [S]MIR[/S] mere talk either!

ynotdu

thecommander wrote: »

Evening. Just back from the launch. Quick shower and then out to meet 12april1981

Not sure really how to describe today, its beyond words. I know is a cliche to say something is spiritual but thats probably the nearest thing I could put it down as.

thecommander it is amazing when You read some of the Astronauts biographies how many of them found it to be a life changing event.

Some just remained their old selves,Others turned to drink,others became painters,and many found a God.

Wish You and 12april1981 would post when You's get a chance to tell us how morale around KSC seems now

ynotdu

Tenger wrote: »

Here we go, 2 shots taken from Cocoa Beach area:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tearbringer/4606997405/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tearbringer/4607608882/in/photostream/


I got a few shots of the launch pads as we flew into Orlando, we flew just to the North of KSC,great view of the entire complex. Will post them up in a day or two when I get back home.

Here an older one I have of the Enterprise in the Smithsonian in Washington-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tearbringer/3951802557/in/set-72157622327491171/

Tenger absoulutly great stuff,as Lord Lucan said "You dark horse"
This could turn out to be the best documented mission on boards ever!:)
It will always be there for anyone that wants to go over the archives!

thecommander

ynotdu wrote: »

Wish You and 12april1981 would post when You's get a chance to tell us how morale around KSC seems now

Alot of talk of STS135 in July next year. Dont quote me tho.

lord lucan

Great article on NASASpaceflight chronicling Atlantis' flight history and contribution to human spaceflight.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/05/25-years-atlantis-celebrates-final-time-orbit/

lord lucan

Excellent HD launch video from the causeway.

lord lucan

Good Burn!

ynotdu

lord lucan wrote: »

Great article on NASASpaceflight chronicling Atlantis' flight history and contribution to human spaceflight.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/05/25-years-atlantis-celebrates-final-time-orbit/

Great article LL,and no wonder You want Atlantis in particulor!
With its record you would never have to buy another form of transport ever again even if You live to be 150!

lord lucan

ynotdu wrote: »

Great article LL,and no wonder You want Atlantis in particulor!
With its record you would never have to buy another form of transport ever again even if You live to be 150!

She's been some workhorse for the programme. My 2 favourite missions involve her,STS-129(for obvious reasons!:)) and STS-125. Amazing machine,sad that she could be on her last spin around the earth at the moment.:(

ynotdu

lord lucan wrote: »

She's been some workhorse for the programme. My 2 favourite missions involve her,STS-129(for obvious reasons!:)) and STS-125. Amazing machine,sad that she could be on her last spin around the earth at the moment.:(

and dang it 125 had to be mine LL,as i had the luxury of watching or listening to all the EVA's.

Why i say dang it is i did not find a forum to share the thrill of it all!

I did eventually just as the final missions were underway:(

Once a few of us agreed that without the forum We were in a Minority of one having long giving up on discussing Shuttle flights with anyone we knew without their eyes glazing over or getting that look of= guy has three heads!:)

Dacian

thecommander wrote: »

Good work, it was amazing. We must have been on the same flight.

Arrived in Thursday on EI-121?

thecommander

Dacian wrote: »

Arrived in Thursday on EI-121?

yip.

thecommander

Taking the photos off the camera. First one.

Taken at T-20 and holding.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/complexvisuals/4610471002/

thecommander

Ahead of ourselves here, Leonardo module in clean room getting ready.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/complexvisuals/4610514312/

ynotdu

Crew of Atlantis were woken at 08.20 AM this morning to the tune of 'Sweet home Alabama'

a burn of both left and right OME's is due at 10.20 AM lasting over a minute and if caught on camera by Atlantis should be quite spectaculor.

There will be a series of further burns before the Terminal Initiation burn due at 12.40 PM{Irish time} which also if caught on camera can be quite a view.

Docking is still set for 3.27PM Irish time this afternoon.

Update:NASA have just confirmed that the one minute 24 Seconds burn was a success but would'nt You know it just as the ISS Camera's were panning like crazy to try catch a glimpse Video feed was lost and only graphics.

another burn is due at approx 11AM Irish time.

ynotdu

Atlantis is in clear view from an ISS Camera now as a white dot.

burn is due in less than eight minutes.{NC4}

ynotdu

the engines firing for the NH4 burn that lasted 1 min 3 secs and was a sucess!

ynotdu

ynotdu

Live pictures from Atlantis flight deck coming in now!

ynotdu

Hoi LL Your light is on, Beekers was for a short while also,Hey give us a hand out here guys not withstanding Sunday morning hangovers and visits to the Chapel of Joe Coleman!;):)

You's just see that ripple effect from the TIB? WOW!

ynotdu

The ripple effect from the Terminal initiation burn,not as good as i saw it once but some people thought i was deluded thinking it can in the right circumstances be seen from the ISS,the burn took place when Atlantis was 500.000 feet away from the ISS.

ynotdu

Fantastic image just in,the planet Venus beside the Moon as taken by the ISS during its present orbital nightime!

Beeker

Hi ynotdu good o see you holding the fort:)

ynotdu

they are so close together now they can see each other this clearly and as i type NASA have just said the final mid course correction has taken place.

ynotdu

OPP.s Beeker overlap,Ya's sure left me to hold the fort a long time:(:)

Beeker

Under 1000ft now

Beeker

ynotdu wrote: »

OPP.s Beeker overlap,Ya's sure left me to hold the fort a long time:(:)

Yeah had family stuff to do but got away for a while. Dont tell Mrs Beeker:D