This thread is intended for reader comments and questions regarding the STS-125 mission and the reports published as part of collectSPACE's Flight Day Journal.
Tickets to view the STS-125 launch from the NASA Causeway and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. EDT, Friday, April 3 on the KSCVC website, as well as by phone at +1 321-449-4400.
As STS-125 was originally scheduled to launch in October 2008, a limited number of viewing tickets have already been sold.
Atlantis is scheduled to launch the STS-125 mission on May 12 at 1:31 p.m. EDT to service and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope one last time.
posted 04-01-2009 04:43 PM
I spoke with KSC and those with car placards for STS-125 should receive an email stating your new arrival time.
According to KSC's ticket site all Launch Transportation Tickets (LTTs) to the NASA Causeway are already sold out because they first went on sale back in September. Only the visitor complex viewing tickets are available online April 3rd.
But keep in mind that some LTTs may be released on launch day at the ticket plaza only, just as they were for STS-119. I understand a couple hundred were sold that afternoon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-06-2009 03:23 PM
NASA release
NASA Astronaut Tweets Provide Inside Look at Mission Training
NASA astronaut Mike Massimino is using Twitter to provide a unique, behind the scenes peek at the last weeks of his training for the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
Massimino, whose Twitter username is Astro_Mike (@Astro_Mike), will fly aboard space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist and spacewalker during the STS-125 mission, targeted to launch May 12. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade Hubble with state-of-the-art science instruments. After the astronaut's visit, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its lifetime extended through at least 2014.
This will be Massimino's second trip to space. He first flew on the STS-109 mission to Hubble in 2002. During that flight, he performed two spacewalks.
Along with Massimino, the crew of Atlantis includes Commander Scott Altman, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel, Michael Good, John Grunsfeld and Megan McArthur.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-21-2009 09:15 AM
I will be interviewing STS-125 pilot Greg Johnson from 4:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. CDT today. His replies will be aired live on NASA TV.
If you have a question about his upcoming mission to the Hubble Space Telescope that you'd like me to ask, e-mail or post your question to this thread.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-21-2009 06:21 PM
Here is my interview with Greg Johnson from earlier today. I'll be transcribing from this for future articles to run closer to the May mission.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-23-2009 09:41 AM
I will be interviewing STS-125 commander Scott Altman and lead spacewalker John Grunsfeld from 5:10 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. CDT today. Their replies will be aired live on NASA TV.
If you have a question about the upcoming mission to the Hubble Space Telescope that you'd like me to ask, e-mail or post your question to this thread.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-23-2009 03:44 PM
Q&Astronaut: How do you Twitter from space?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-23-2009 09:09 PM
My interview with Scott Altman and John Grunsfeld:
ASCAN1984 Member
Posts: 1049 From: County Down, Nothern Ireland Registered: Feb 2002
posted 04-25-2009 01:21 PM
Is it just me or does Greg Johnson in that video look, sound and act similar to Willie McCool? Probably just me.
ASCAN1984 Member
Posts: 1049 From: County Down, Nothern Ireland Registered: Feb 2002
posted 04-30-2009 08:11 AM
Now that Atlantis is scheduled to go to Hubble does that mean every orbiter excluding Challenger would have visited her?
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 04-30-2009 10:32 AM
quote:Originally posted by ASCAN1984: Now that Atlantis is scheduled to go to Hubble does that mean every orbiter excluding Challenger would have visited her?
I believe it does.
Concerning the press site, given that it is right behind the clock, you will be plenty close. They just make sure on launch day that nobody blocks the view of the clock by cameras watching the launch from the press area itself.
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 04-30-2009 12:00 PM
Just spoke with KSC regarding the new arrival times of those with car placards for STS-125 bought back in September last year.
I explained my original time was 7pm and was told my new time is 7am. So simply be there 12 hours earlier than your original time.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2475 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 04-30-2009 12:45 PM
Thanks, I was planning on calling this week and find out. Is there anything special to do (like get your name on some list) or just use your 12 hour rule. We will be there and hope to see you.
StarDome New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 05-05-2009 09:53 AM
Are the foreign media bussed to the crew walkout then bussed back to the press site? I'd like to see them all come out and get in the transfer van and then head to the press site proper.
This is the first (and won't be the last hopefully) time I will have attended so any pointers will be greatly received.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-05-2009 10:01 AM
There will be a sign-up sheet at the media center (usually the day before launch), where the press can sign-up to go to the crew's walkout to the AstroVan. Depending on the turnout, it may be limited to one person per news organization.
The buses depart from the press site about an hour before walkout is scheduled (for May 11, walkout is at 10:16 a.m. EDT) and return to the press site soon after.
The press site opens on launch day at 6:00 a.m.
StarDome New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 05-05-2009 10:14 AM
Looks like we will miss that then as we don't arrive until Sunday afternoon.
I'd ideally like to collect my pass Sunday afternoon but doubt we will make it to the right place in time. We land at 2:30 p.m. and the office closes that day at 4:00 p.m., I believe. Damn!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-05-2009 10:21 AM
You may still be able to sign up on launch day, just get there early...
StarDome New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 05-05-2009 10:38 AM
I aim to be there by 6:00 a.m. at the latest, I hope to be there before to be at the head of the queue. I guess traffic is a nitemare on launch day?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-06-2009 06:04 PM
NASA release
NASA Television to Provide HD Coverage of Space Shuttle Launch
NASA Television will provide live high definition coverage of Monday's scheduled launch of space shuttle Atlantis on its STS-125 mission to upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope.
The NASA Television HD feed (Channel 105) will be available beginning Friday at 12 p.m., EDT, with live images from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch coverage begins Monday, May 11, at 8:30 a.m. Liftoff is slated for 2:01 p.m.
NASA TV Downlink Parameters are: Uplink provider = Americom Satellite = AMC 6 Transponder = 17C 72 Degrees West Transmission Format: DVB-S Downlink Frequency: 4040 MHz Polarity: Vertical FEC= 3/4 Data Rate= 36.860 MHz Symbol Rate = 26.665 Ms/s
For NASA TV HD Programming: HD Program = 105 Video PID = 82 AC-3 Audio PID = 238 MPEG-1 Layer II Audio PID =83
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 05-06-2009 09:33 PM
Kind of playing with the idea of maybe going. Yeah, late I know, but tickets from SEA to MCO are $197.
The only place not sold out is the Astronaut hall of fame, but reading Ben's site, seems that Titusville is the place to go. Any tips on that if the launch is at 2pm?
Can you go to KSC after the launch to look around (or see Star Trek!) after? How is the traffic between Titusville and KSC visitor center after a launch?
I'm thinking leave here Saturday have a day at KSC Sunday, launch Monday, and come home Tuesday.
I'm just doing some quick calculations and figuring if there is a way to do this or just try another launch. I'm just getting pretty depressed here in Seattle. The weather has been cold, cloudy, rainy, and the worst winter/spring I've seen ever. I need a break and a shuttle would cheer me up!
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 05-07-2009 03:55 AM
If you don't have a Launch Transportation Ticket the next best place to watch is from Titusville along U.S. 1. Though about 12 miles away you'll be able to see it lift off the pad. You can't from KSC. Keep in mind that LTTs for this delayed mission may be released on launch day just as they were for STS-119.
Since this is a daytime launch departing KSCVC traffic shouldn't be a problem as the visitor complex will still be open for at least another 3 1/2 hours. Traffic leaving Titusville for KSCVC after the launch will be almost non-existent.
Star Trek will be playing at the IMAX theatre there from May 7-24 at 4:30,7:00 & 9:30. You can purchase tickets online at the KSC site.
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 05-07-2009 01:15 PM
quote:Originally posted by Rob Joyner: Though about 12 miles away you'll be able to see it lift off the pad.
I was looking at the distances in Google Earth, not too far apart between the places. Probably won't go this time anyway. I was just sitting around feeling frustrated with our "spring" weather here and got the urge to check it out. I guess there are 8 more to go after this one that I can try for.
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 05-08-2009 02:19 AM
The Science Channel will be showing the launch on Monday with coverage beginning at 1:30pm EST. Encore airing at 9pm EST.
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 05-08-2009 02:24 AM
quote:Originally posted by Rob Joyner: The Science Channel will be showing the launch on Monday with coverage beginning at 1:30pm EST. Encore airing at 9pm EST.
I have NASA TV through DirecTV. I'm all set to see it all. Nothing like seeing it in person though. I might look into the June 13 launch instead. I gotta see another one!
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 05-10-2009 10:13 AM
Robert, I'd just like to express my thanks for your regular updates to each upcoming shuttle mission. I don't comment on them often, but I do follow them... your efforts are much appreciated!
------------------ John Capobianco Camden DE
tncmaxq Member
Posts: 287 From: New Haven, CT USA Registered: Oct 2001
posted 05-10-2009 12:02 PM
I saw the ABC news story with a preview of the flight. Said they have been following the progress of the crew's training and would be covering the mission. I wonder if this means they would actually show the launch live on regular broadcast TV tomorrow. There is a TV at work but I don't think it has cable so the only way I would be able to see it is on the local ABC station. Otherwise I guess I will have to watch online on NASA TV.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-10-2009 12:21 PM
ABC had planned to have Charlie Gibson here broadcasting live, but that didn't come together. I've seen some of the footage they shot leading up the mission. It's excellent. They will be making available an appropriate clip for a collectSPACE article to run later during the mission.
I've suggested they put together a DVD for the mission...
Mike Z Member
Posts: 451 From: Ellicott City, Maryland Registered: Dec 2005
posted 05-11-2009 11:54 AM
Has anyone seen the NASA STS-125 timline and flight plan on any of the NASA web pages?
ejectr Member
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 05-11-2009 01:27 PM
quote:Originally posted by Mike Z: Has anyone seen the NASA STS-125 timeline...
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 05-11-2009 01:30 PM
As I watched Atlantis lift off the pad and soar to orbit, I gave a tip of the hat and a "thanks Mike" to Mike Griffin who deserves the thanks.
robsouth Member
Posts: 769 From: West Midlands, UK Registered: Jun 2005
posted 05-11-2009 01:39 PM
Just watched the Shuttle launch, beautiful! Go Atlantis!
OV-105 Member
Posts: 816 From: Ridgecrest, CA Registered: Sep 2000
posted 05-11-2009 01:41 PM
I think this flight had the best ET camera of the launch so far. Too bad it didn't cover the ET sep.
gliderpilotuk Member
Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
posted 05-11-2009 04:06 PM
The NASA live launch coverage was some of the highest definition I've seen. You just can't tire of seeing this again and again. Outstanding.
mikej Member
Posts: 481 From: Germantown, WI USA Registered: Jan 2004
Last night, I uploaded to my web site pictures of the SSDIF High Bay Clean Room, with some flight hardware and engineering mockups; several Hubble mockups; and the Space Environment Simulator, the thermal vacuum chamber which was testing the Wide Field Camera 3 at the time.
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 05-11-2009 08:20 PM
Excellent images and timeline Robert. We are all grateful for the work you do for the rest of us. I know that it is a labor of love but we all appreciate it.
Eamonn and Siobahn: I hope that you made it over for the launch.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-11-2009 09:07 PM
Thanks Garry! A couple of videos taken on launch day:
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 05-11-2009 11:33 PM
Nice! I like that sound, but it seems that it over loaded the microphone.
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 05-12-2009 01:49 AM
Yep, this launch was quite loud even though the wind seemed to be blowing toward the pad and away from the causeway.
It was VERY crowded at KSC... and HOT! They dropped the ball by not having security set up off U.S. 1, or at least not by 7:15 a.m. Anyone without car placards could just drive on through, and apparently they did. When I made my way through the already crowded parking lot the multiple lines of people waiting to get through the indoor security were literally spilling out into the parking lot area itself. It didn't help a lot that they had emlpoyees out in the ticket plaza area handing out free water and apologizing profusely about the wait.
This is not the first time this has happened with the lack of security at the entrance causeway at U.S. 1. You really never know if there will be security there or not. Had I known this I could have slept another three hours and not had to wait those three hours trying to stay out of the heat while waiting to board the bus to the viewing causeway. It reminds of when school teachers would announce a test for later in the week only not to give it stating they just wanted to make sure we studied the material.
Anyway, our bus driver was Rich and he was fantastic, telling some interesting facts about KSC and asking some trivia questions. He also said there were around 8,000 people there at the causeway, and it sure seemed like it. That may have been the most crowded launch I've been to, save Glenn's STS-95 launch in '98. I was lucky enough to spot an empty seat under one of the few tents so I didn't have to deal with the direct heat of the Sun until about T-10 minutes.
And then she lit! A very bright and clear launch but then Atlantis went in and out of a few sparse clouds and I didn't see the SRB separation itself.
There were no suprise astronaut autograph sessions like they've had in the past but Jon McBride, John Fabian and Mark Lee were scheduled to speak different times at the outside stage north of the Rocket Garden.
ejectr Member
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 05-12-2009 06:40 AM
I thought they didn't give out car passes to the causeway anymore.
mjanovec Member
Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 05-12-2009 07:58 AM
I believe Rob was referring to the causeway west of KSC that everyone coming from the direction of Orlando has to pass in order to get to KSC... not the causeway to the east (within the restricted area) that leads to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Complex (where people view launches from).
posted 04-01-2009 04:42 PM
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