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Author Topic:   NASA space mission audio (Internet Archive)
Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 02-20-2010 09:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Has the website promised "in a couple of months or so" materialised yet? This was seven months ago. Keeping my fingers crossed...
[NASA's lead audio engineer John] Stoll said he and other NASA employees in Houston, Texas, are in the process of digitizing NASA's entire audio collection, most of which is on old-fashioned tape. The older tapes, like the ones from Apollo missions, are in great condition and are kept under strict environmental controls, he said. But newer tapes, like those from the 1980s, tend to gum up reel players. He has to heat those tapes to 130 degrees with a small oven before he can play them.

All of that work will soon culminate in a public Web site where people can listen to NASA audio from many other U.S. space missions.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 02-20-2010 11:04 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I hope this is true. I'd like to see more audio from the to and from the moon. I wonder about the Mercury and Gemini audio too. According to the list I've seen on the transcript cd the history office put out few years ago had them listed.

It would be interesting to hear Apollo 13 after the accident.

Pat Gleeson
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From: Limerick, Ireland
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posted 02-20-2010 03:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Pat Gleeson   Click Here to Email Pat Gleeson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When you consider the sheer volume of material NASA are presumably working on - the Apollo missions alone were in the region of 100-200 hours long (incl. dead air time) - I think we're in for a slightly longer wait.

I too am impatient for this.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 03-09-2010 03:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Has anybody heard anymore updates on this archive? This is one subject I want to see happen.

heng44
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From: Netherlands
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posted 03-10-2010 12:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for heng44   Click Here to Email heng44     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have been waiting for years for NASA to make their photo archives available electronically, but with the budget situation that probably has very low priority...

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 11-28-2010 06:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Anyone heard any more about this? I still live in hope this will materialise.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 11-28-2010 09:44 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Haven't heard any more. May NASA should look at some us you have private collections. I thought I seen a ISS archives but when I tried to find it again I couldn't find it.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 12-05-2010 03:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This appears to have already been under way for a while on the Internet Archive.

Most of the tapes so far appear to be Shuttle missions, but there are some Mercury/Gemini/Apollo tapes on there as well. They seem to have started with compilations which have been available for several years. But let's give 'em a chance, and see how things progress.

I have emailed John Stoll - the guy who looks after the NASA audio archive - to ask about the condition of the archive tapes. I'll post here if I receive an answer from him.

My initial feelings are of disappointment, as some of the early tapes appear in a fairly poor condition - loss of high frequencies etc. I hope others may be better. Let's keep fingers crossed.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 12-06-2010 04:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I see they just added to the Honeysuckle Tracking Station site the unreleased audio of the Apollo 11 launch from the network console in MCC. I already downloaded and made a cd.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 12-07-2010 06:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
John Stoll has confirmed that all the Mercury/Gemini/Apollo tapes exist, and that the project to place them all on the Internet Archive is proceeding - albeit fairly slowly, as it's a process that has to be done manually, using the original tape reels.

I think what they've done is post a lot of 1980s Shuttle audio first, as these tapes were causing a lot of problems on playback.

But so far it's looking like our dreams are at last coming true.

Be warned - many of the files are quite massive. I think this will be for the fanatics (like me)!

Fezman92
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posted 12-07-2010 07:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
How should I look for them on the Internet Archive?

hoorenz
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From: The Netherlands
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posted 12-07-2010 07:40 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for hoorenz   Click Here to Email hoorenz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Internet Archive: NASA Audio Collection

perssj
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From: Sweden
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posted 12-08-2010 02:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for perssj   Click Here to Email perssj     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What a wonderful place!

I enjoy listning to the voice of the technical talk of a space flight and real "Missile man". I really hope that this archive expands because this is a gold mine.

Can any people do something to help over the internet?

I know a long time ago I helped Glen Swanson at JSC historical office with the Apollo 11 transcripts with a review of the typed papers. This project was possible to do over the internet.

Can we "on the net" help with anything here - converting, organizing, whatever?

It would be an honour to help and expand the space history.

Saturn V
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From: Golden, Colorado, USA
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posted 12-08-2010 12:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Saturn V     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Not in response to the above post, but rather from the other end of this, I would pay someone to put them on a CD for me. I don't have the internet connections here at work or at home to actually download these things - they are just too big of files.

Any takers (helpers)?

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 12-08-2010 12:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I see they are about to add Apollo 11. I've had the entire mission for sometime. I made cds and MP3s as backups. I just hope they can make those Gemini missions in smaller MP3 files so cds can be made. I hope everybody takes a interest. I sure do.

perssj
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posted 12-08-2010 12:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for perssj   Click Here to Email perssj     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I am in the process of downloading everything, and will convert it to mp3 (where it is not available).

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
Registered: Jan 2005

posted 12-09-2010 04:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'd like to correct my earlier post, with its slighty pessimistic tone. I have just had a chance to play back some of the files I've downloaded from this site - this is indeed a dream come true for me! This site is FANTASTIC!!! All I've ever wanted!

For years I've had to put up with TV commentators yakking their way through Ed White's spacewalk. To hear it like this - in very good quality, and in its "pure" form direct from NASA is simply wonderful.

I see loads of other flights are about to come online as well. If you haven't yet looked at this site, do so now. You will definitely not be disappointed. And the files are in WAV form too - definitely the best way of preserving audio, in my opinion.

My only problem is how to find the time to download and preserve them all - but that is definitely what I'm already in the process of doing.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 12-15-2010 01:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Has nobody any comments to make on these audio files? Or are you all too busy downloading them?

I've just finished gathering almost the entire Gemini 4 flight (a few files are missing, but according to my list of NASA's audio archive, these tapes do exist).

What do you think of this incredible collection of audio? For me, this is the holy grail.

Colin Anderton
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Posts: 151
From: Great Britain
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posted 12-16-2010 04:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
John Stoll emailed me in response to a question about the Project Mercury tapes, and it is clear that there are still some valuable tapes missing. In particular, the live commentaries by Colonel John "Shorty" Powers.

Are any members here able to help out?

I have an excellent-quality recording of the MA6 launch, as covered by Col Powers. Also, a good tape of MR4. I do have the MA7/8/9 launches, but they are as broadcast by US TV, and therefore not "in the clear".

Can anyone help to complete the NASA records?

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 12-16-2010 08:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I got a lot of MA-9 flight taped from TV and radio. There is a lot of Shorty Powers comm and the air to ground being replayed. Most of the reporters are good about being quiet while they are played. It would take some heavy editing to do just NASA only.

I just wish they would make smaller MP3 files to download. This is a dream come true site. A lot of work going into it.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 02-05-2011 07:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There have been several new additions to this site; Apollo 12 and 13 are available for downloading, as well as some press conference material from Apollo 1 and 4. Also, there's the press conference introducing the third class of astronauts on October 18 1963.

It's wonderful to listen to Apollo 13 without intrusive TV commentators.

Incidentally, Apollo 13 can be a bit confusing. If - like me - you want the recordings that include the Public Affairs Officer commentaries, you need track 1 for the early tapes. Then it switches to track 3. I checked the splashdown, and I think that is track 5.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 02-05-2011 12:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This has been a dream come true. This site I check everyday. I'm currently downloading Apollo 12 and 13. STS-51F has been added as well as a few STS-7 and STS-49.

I'm not sure if anybody is aware of this or not, but when you click on keywords example (NASA) I've found a lot of video I've never seen like a 1963 film on LC-34 plans. We need let everybody know when something new is added.

On edit: One other thing. I think Apollo 12 begins on Day 3 then goes through splashdown.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 02-06-2011 05:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Apollo 8 audio has now been posted - great!!!

My problem is, I can't download them fast enough - I'm still getting the final parts of Apollo 13!

Also, I don't think anyone has mentioned that Gemini 9 has been posted for some time.

For some reason, the first day or so of the flight is missing, but according to my lists, these tapes exist.

Perhaps they'll turn up later...

DChudwin
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posted 02-06-2011 09:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for DChudwin   Click Here to Email DChudwin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks very much for informing us about this incredible resource.

Besides full mission recordings, there are also audio highlight reels. These are useful because not all of us want to listen to the entire mission and the downloads are not as huge. For example I just downloaded the Apollo 11 highlights in MP3 format with a file of 83.2 MB. It took me about 10 minutes to do the download.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 02-06-2011 11:44 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That's true, but the problem with many of the highlights tapes is that they were recorded using some kind of voice-actuated machine, that apparently stopped running until someone talks, then starts - but misses the beginning of the sentence. (Swigert & Lovell's report of Apollo 13's "problem" is a typical example.) That's a particularly horrible recording, that's been used many times in documentaries.

On the full recording, you can hear it all exactly as it sounded. I know the files are large, but I'd recommend the full audio any time. You can always make edited copies later.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 02-07-2011 12:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just to let people know you can download a audio converter if you want them on MP3. That's what I do.

I wonder about something. I wonder if the Apollo 1 A/G be added since it was on the Spacecraft Films set. I did see a list years ago at the National Archives audio of different loops.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 02-07-2011 09:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
One track of Apollo 14 has been added. This tape is not on my list. I don't know what it is til I download to see.

One other thing. I've tried to email John Stoll and my email keeps getting returned. Is the address listed right?

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 02-08-2011 09:30 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Gemini 5 now has some files there; I haven't had time to check them yet!

It appears that those of you who want mp3 files are in luck - a number of these are now posted alongside the wav files.

There's also a Gemini 8 pre-flight press conference.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 02-08-2011 01:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Gemini 8 preflight PC, Apollo 9 post flight PC, Apollo 14 post splash PC, and 3 tracks from Apolo 15 been added.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 02-08-2011 02:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
More Gemini 7/6 added. Man they are keeping us busy. Not complaining. Dream come true.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 02-16-2011 10:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
STS-69 audio is now online.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 02-22-2011 02:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Apollo Soyuz has been added.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 02-23-2011 03:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Apollo-Soyuz?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-23-2011 05:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ASTP is the first listing, before the other Apollo missions (or just click here).

hoorenz
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posted 02-23-2011 08:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for hoorenz   Click Here to Email hoorenz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kking:
STS-69 audio is now online.
Listening to STS-69 launch recording (509-AAP) and pleasantly surprised that it is in stereo. Right channel is A/G, left channel is PAO. Both channels do have some "echoing", were audio can be heard very faintly ahead of the actual calls, or are trailing the actual audio (there must be a technical term for it).

What a wonderful way to relive the Shuttle days!

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
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posted 02-24-2011 07:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I wanted to let everybody know that audio of STS-133 is being posted. All the pre-flight and countdown briefings and today's launch is posted.

kking
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From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 02-27-2011 01:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I hope somebody can help me. Is their a list of these tapes that are being put online? Each site has tape numbers but no dates or information of what's on the tracks. No info on any of the ASTP, Skylab or STS. I did see a list that goes up to Apollo 17 that was on the transcript CDs that the history office put out. I'd just like to find out from Skylab on.

Colin Anderton
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From: Great Britain
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posted 08-21-2011 08:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just thought you'd like an update.

There's been a number of new files posted recently:

  • Gemini 7/6 - more files posted
  • Apollo 8 - complete flight now online
  • Apollo 15 - the early part (pity - the launch tape is rather muffled)
  • Apollo 16 - first part of EVA 1
  • Apollo 17 - all tapes up to end of EVA 1 + part of EVA 2 (I think - I'm just about to download this one!)

kking
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Posts: 106
From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 08-23-2011 04:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for kking   Click Here to Email kking     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Two tracks of STS-37 been added. I sure wish I had a list of the shuttle tapes that get posted.

Colin Anderton
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Posts: 151
From: Great Britain
Registered: Jan 2005

posted 10-18-2011 06:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Man, you have to search to find these files as they're added! But you might like to know there are some more Apollo 13 tapes posted within the last 24 hours.

I'm on a break for the next few days, so I'll try to compile a list of all audio posted (Mercury/Gemini/Apollo), and keep the list updated.

I search this site almost every day, so I can keep members informed of any new tapes, saving you the bother of searching.

But can't say I'm too enthusiastic about the Shuttle, so perhaps another member might like to cover those missions?

Sound like a good idea?


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