posted 11-04-2007 11:02 AM               

In today, execute package uplinked to the crew by mission control, flight controllers reminded the STS-120 crew to transfer two special items:

posted 11-04-2007 01:40 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
In today, execute package uplinked to the crew by mission control, flight controllers reminded the STS-120 crew to transfer two special items...

---

posted 11-04-2007 03:42 PM               

Before separating to their respective craft, the STS-120 and ISS Expedition 16 crews gathered in the Destiny lab to bid farewell to each other.

"We have an exciting stage ahead and we're looking forward to it," radioed ISS commander Peggy Whitson, turning her attention to her arriving and departing flight engineers, Dan Tani and Clay Anderson. "He's [Tani's] proven, he's stuck with robotics yesterday, I was very impressed and of course Clay, is somebody who has been extremely entertaining for me. I've had a great time in just the few weeks that we have been here together. It's been a great opportunity for us to share, and I want to hand over the mike to him."

"When Suni [Williams] came up, we kind of started a little tradition and so I'd like to do a couple of more dedications from K-I-S-S radio and the first one is sort of self-explanatory I think, so if you would just hold on for a minute," said Anderson, as he floated over to a laptop computer to begin playback of Bing Crosby's rendition of Danny Boy.

"Welcome aboard Danno!" he said as giving Tani a big hug.

Anderson continued, "And then for me, I've got a few words I would like to say to everybody on the ground. You know Clay doesn't like to talk very much but... (laughter) but in order to carry this off I kind of had to write it down. So, if I can find it [he doesn't]... we'll just use the computer."

"So, today's my last day on-board the International Space Station Alpha and about five months ago I was lying on my back in the middeck of the orbiter Atlantis preparing to launch into orbit for the first time and wondering what the heck I had gotten myself into. And now, I am poised to return to Earth after having served very proudly on-board this magnificent complex as part of two expedition and three shuttle crews. As my time draws to a close here, I'm filled with a lot of different emotions and I have a lot of blood, sweat and tears that I've left on-board the International Space Station, it's a very wonderful place. So I want to take this time to thank each and everyone of you, you've been my special family down there on the ground for quite some time. And as is true of families on Earth, I sincerely believe that we all created some very fond memories. You all kept me safe, you've shown me unwavering patience and professionalism, (chokes up) and you've all overlooked my shortcomings and it's my hope that maybe you even had a few laughs along the way. So what I would like to say is what we're all doing here is very important, very important for all of humankind. It's worth the risk, it's worth the cost, and you folks on the ground are the people that make it happen. So I want you to take pride in your work and constantly look toward the heavens for it is there you will see your future. To all the flight control, training and engineering teams in Houston, Huntsville and Moscow, (chokes up) I say thank you, you are indeed the best and the brightest that our world has to offer."

"Hey Clay," responded capcom Kevin Ford from Mission Control in Houston. "We appreciate the words (applause in the background), a big round of applause from your ground team here and behalf of all the ground support team, great work on your expedition. We're looking forward to having you back here at home."

"And I'd like to one last dedication from K-I-S-S radio," Anderson replied. "I probably don't have a second life as a DJ but I'd like to dedicate this song to you guys on the ground, to my family, and to me."

As Anderson began playing back Collective Soul's Reunion, the STS-120 crew behind him began swaying to the music.

"Congratulations, Clay," said Ford. "And Peggy, before you pick-up again, if we could, we'd like to give you a final sign-off from your Orbit 2 team. Is that okay? But we're going to stay and watch, of course."

"Absolutely," Whitson radioed.

"We just wanted to say it's been an absolute blast working with every one of you. You really did go places we've never been before and you absolutely nailed it. Congratulations. I'm going to put your flight director on, Derrick Hassmann, for a few words. He's going to give you a parting shot and we'll see you guys real soon."

"Alpha, Houston, on 1A, it's really great to see everybody together in the lab and I just wanted to echo Kevin's comments," Hassman began. "It was an honor and a privilege to watch you guys do your work and just what an unbelievably successful mission. When I released my team today, I asked them to spend a little bit of time going back and thinking about EVAs 1 through 3, which we all worked so hard to put down and plan, it seems like a month or so ago. But those went off unbelievably well, perfectly, and the last four or five days were a complete blur. But what a a way to end the mission. Great job guys, thanks."

"Thank you Derrick," replied STS-120 commander Pam Melroy, "it's wonderful to hear your voice. And thank you to all of the Orbit 2 team, you've been fantastic."

"Alright, and we'll see some of you guys very soon, I'm looking forward to it," Hassman said.

posted 11-04-2007 09:47 PM               

Besides Robert, you left out the best part from that last segment:

Clay: "There will be no 'Cities from Nebraska' during this dedication." :followed by applause being overheard in Mission Control:

and the encore:

Clay "There will be no 'Cities from Iowa' during increment 16." :followed by Peggy giving him a slight whack on the head:

posted 11-05-2007 04:39 AM               

"Houston and Alpha, Discovery has physical seperation," STS-120 commander Pam Melroy radioed.

"Shuttle departing," ISS 16 commander Peggy Whitson said while ringing the station's bell.

"Discovery copies, thanks Peggy," Melroy responded.

"Thank you guys for the module and all your help," Whitson continued, referencing Discovery's delivery of the Harmony Node 2.

posted 11-05-2007 06:16 AM               

"Drive safe now," radioed Dan Tani from aboard the ISS to Discovery's crew.

posted 11-05-2007 10:38 AM               

Just after closing the hatches yesterday separating Discovery from the International Space Station, Scott Parazynski radioed flight controllers of an MMOD 'ding' in one of the shuttle's windows. The three-pane, 2.5 inch thick window is not at risk by the damage.

posted 11-05-2007 01:32 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Philip:
...they'll have to replace it during KSC shuttle turnaround!

---

posted 11-05-2007 03:13 PM               

In return, the orbiter is landing with 2,020 pounds of cargo, including an S-band antenna assembly that spacewalkers Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock removed from the ISS.