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Author
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Topic: STS-133: Viewing, questions, and comments
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-18-2011 08:06 AM
   
NASA is still targeting Feb. 24 for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch. From the space agency's Twitter feed: Shuttle program, Mission Ops flight directors and all [Flight Readiness Review] attendees agree STS-133 can launch 6 hours after ATV docks on Feb. 24. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-18-2011 04:49 PM
Space shuttle managers have scheduled Discovery's launch for 4:50 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 24.The launch will occur six hours after the planned docking of the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle-2 "Johannes Kepler" to the space station. |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-20-2011 02:12 PM
How many from collectSPACE are going to be there? Bryan McKay emailed me trying to set a gathering, but he said not many responded.I'll be there 23rd to 27 or 28th if anyone would like to meet up somewhere and put a face behind the names.  |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 2896
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 02-20-2011 03:34 PM
I say we all gather at Shuttles Wednesday night no later than 6pm.What does everyone say? |
BMckay
Member Posts: 3219
From: MA, USA
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 02-20-2011 06:17 PM
Good idea Tim, I was just going to suggest it. Shuttles is fine, especially if you are a Boston fan... I'm in. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-21-2011 09:45 AM
Looking at the crew photo in front of the T-38 make me wonder: Is Barratt going to be the last person awarded the Mach 25 patch? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-21-2011 09:58 AM
While they have flown in space before, both Roberto Vittori and Mike Fincke will be making their first space shuttle flight -- and therefore be eligible for their first Mach 25 patch -- on STS-134. |
dom
Member Posts: 855
From:
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 02-21-2011 11:50 AM
Does anyone know if the shuttle will be visible in the night sky in the UK and Ireland just after launch? |
dabolton
Member Posts: 419
From: Seneca, IL, US
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 02-21-2011 12:48 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
Is Barratt going to be the last person awarded the Mach 25 patch?
What was the returning Apollo velocity? Someone should make them patches. Not to diminish the Mach 25 Club in any way. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-21-2011 12:50 PM
quote:
Originally posted by dom:
Does anyone know if the shuttle will be visible in the night sky in the UK and Ireland just after launch?
It has been in the past, depending on the sun angle at altitude and any other visual obstructions. A couple cS members have even managed to shoot footage of a nice bright white shuttle flying formation with a very orange external tank "star". |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 02-21-2011 01:09 PM
Those with Gator Tour reservations - the deadline to confirm a pick-up site reservation is today. They say those going must call 72 hours before launch to confirm or they may not can guarantee you a seat on their bus. Those of you still wanting a causeway ticket should call them to see if they have or will have any available causeway tickets due to non-calls or refunds. Couldn't hurt. |
issman1
Member Posts: 1042
From: UK
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 02-21-2011 02:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by dom:
...if the shuttle will be visible in the night sky in the UK
ISS is due to make its only pass on February 24 in the SW at 1919 GMT. Discovery lifts off at 2150 GMT, so I doubt it. However, if the launch slips to March 4, 5 or 6 then it's possible. I had the good fortune to see Discovery and its ET pass overhead just 20 minutes after its launch on mission STS-128. And they were a stunning sight even at 0520. |
dom
Member Posts: 855
From:
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 02-21-2011 03:39 PM
Yes, I've also had the good fortune to see the shuttle fly over Ireland a few times just after launch. Spectacular!Fingers crossed we get another chance. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 02-21-2011 05:50 PM
Dom, there may be a few folk gathering in Florida who will be hoping you DON'T get a chance...at least, not THIS time! (Maybe next time or the one after...?) |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 2896
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 02-21-2011 06:23 PM
For those going to Shuttles Wednesday evening, I'll have some of my new 50th anniversary patches with me and available for purchase.I'll be wearing my collectSPACE black polo. |
DCCollector
Member Posts: 227
From: Washington, DC USA
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted 02-21-2011 08:27 PM
I'll be at the launch with Gator Tours as well, but I will be staying in Orlando so I won't be able to make the Wednesday evening Shuttles rendezvous. I look forward to meeting other cS-ers with Gator Tours tickets. |
FullThrottle
Member Posts: 93
From: Seattle, WA, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 02-21-2011 09:33 PM
Tim, I'll see if I can find you at Shuttles. I'm dragging my mother to the launch again... I really enjoyed my multiple visits to Shuttles, the food was great every time, and the waitress was attentive, friendly and easy on the eyes! Between Shuttles and Florida's Best I think that I spent most of my off time gorging my face!Will you have any other patches with you? If so we might load up on a few more! |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-22-2011 01:01 AM
I'll try to get over to Shuttles for dinner also. You'll recognize me FullThrottle - we met in the Fry's lot to trade the space box!Probably can't stay too late, gotta get up early the next day for the launch! |
dom
Member Posts: 855
From:
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 02-22-2011 12:50 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
Dom, there may be a few folk gathering in Florida who will be hoping you DON'T get a chance...at least, not THIS time!
Of course, I apologise! For those of you who are gathering in Florida, I hope it lifts off on schedule. |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 2915
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 02-22-2011 01:58 PM
It would be fun to meet with fellow space enthusiasts here on the Florida Space Coast this week, where I am located, but I just can't commit to any function(s) at the moment. Could someone outline for me a brief schedule of planned events; time, day, and locations? I'll do my best to attend, or at least stop in for a quick visit, and would be happy to distribute complimentary space goodies for everyone in attendance. |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-22-2011 05:14 PM
I'm planning on being a the Walk of Fame museum on Wednesdeay afternoon for the book signing, probably after 2pm or so. After that I'm wide open for suggestions!I'll have my computer along, so I can see if anyone has some ideas for a gathering. Would be fun to see you again Ken! |
SpaceAngel
Member Posts: 307
From: Maryland
Registered: May 2010
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posted 02-23-2011 09:36 AM
Tomorrow's the big day! Looking forward to watching Discovery's last launch and into the history books! |
OV-105
Member Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 02-23-2011 01:16 PM
Being a scanner radio person one of the shops I have made radio purchases from sent me this link on Twitter today. Nice to hear what is going on at KSC for the launch and will be interesting on launch day. |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 02-23-2011 04:10 PM
Will not be able to make tomorrow's launch due to a funeral today. But I do hope all of my friends get to see a spectacular launch tomorrow.However, if there would be a two day delay -- I hope not -- I could be there. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-23-2011 04:55 PM
NASA release Playstation® Home Users Can Watch NASA's Shuttle Launch TogetherNASA's final liftoff of space shuttle Discovery will be available in a unique "social viewing" environment available through Sony Computer Entertainment America's PlayStation Home for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Discovery's launch on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 4:50 p.m. EST is the first live streaming event to be offered by Sunset Yacht, a premium personal space from LOOT, Sony DADC's interactive entertainment development team. Users will be able to chat via Bluetooth headsets with others watching the launch - all from inside the PlayStation Home social gaming environment. "We're excited about this new way for people to experience the exhilaration of human spaceflight as part of a larger community," said David Weaver, NASA associate administrator for the Office of Communications. "In addition to the other two shuttle launches planned for April and June, NASA looks forward to sharing more of our endeavors with PlayStation users." In addition to live streamed events, the Sunset Yacht's NASA TV channel will offer hundreds of videos offering spectacular views of the universe from past and current NASA missions. A gallery of podcasts showcasing several missions including the Mars Science Laboratory and Voyager spacecraft also will be available from the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. "The launch of the space shuttle Discovery provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce people to the fun of social viewing," said LOOT Managing Director David Sterling. "Users can share this experience with their friends, regardless of where those friends happen to be in the world." |
lunarrv15
Member Posts: 1355
From: Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 02-24-2011 01:29 AM
A Clarion Hotel closed last year in Titusville on Route 1 and 503(?), across the waters from the launch pads. I am curious, are the owners charging for parking for viewing the launch. Is the block closed?This is to the members who live in the town or drive by the area. |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 2896
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 02-24-2011 05:11 AM
You'll have to drive by to check. The new owners are a religious organization and the old hotel is now a retreat.But no worries, there's a LOT of great parking for ten miles along US#1 in Titusville. |
328KF
Member Posts: 1234
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 02-24-2011 01:18 PM
Miles O'Brien's usual great telecast is on Spaceflight Now, and he just put out a request for Tim Kopra to call in and give his thoughts about today's launch.We'll see if he takes up the offer. |
JPSastro
Member Posts: 170
From: Tucson, Arizona
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 02-24-2011 01:20 PM
Found this interesting link to listen to ground communications at the Cape in real time. It requires Java to work. This has been some real great listening so far today. I highly recommend this! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-24-2011 01:25 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 328KF:
Miles O'Brien's usual great telecast is on Spaceflight Now...
I'll be Miles' guest on the show coming up at 2:45 p.m. (EST) sharing some of the more unusual and fun items aboard Discovery. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-24-2011 03:39 PM
I find the timing of the East Range's command and control computer going off-line at this time VERY suspicious (i.e. a hack or something worse). Lets hope it can be resolved properly. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-24-2011 04:00 PM
Good launch it seems, THANK YOU! Go Discovery you big beautiful... thing you!  |
moorouge
Member Posts: 2454
From: U.K.
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 02-24-2011 04:08 PM
What seemed to fall off about 5 minutes into the launch? It seemed like a few black tile shapes. |
buckeyecal
Member Posts: 90
From: soon to be Boise, ID USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 02-24-2011 04:09 PM
What was that doink off the shuttle belly? |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 02-24-2011 04:11 PM
I saw that also but did not know what it was. Great launch coverage on NASA TV. |
fireflyer21
Member Posts: 35
From: Evansville, IN
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 02-24-2011 04:14 PM
quote:
Originally posted by moorouge:
What seemed to fall off about 5 minutes into the launch?
It was foam; you could see some other smaller pieces as well. I think it was well past the time frame for damage concern. |
OV-105
Member Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 02-24-2011 04:15 PM
Looked like they lost a chunk of foam right under the bipod at about 4 minutes. |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-24-2011 04:27 PM
If it was at the 4 to 5 minute mark, that is usually past the point where atmospheric pressure would cause the foam to accelerate relative to the shuttle due to drag. Given the repairs to the ET for this mission, I am not surprised some foam came off, but the stuff did its job where it needed to.Still, it will likely be a focused point of inspection tomorrow. |
OV-105
Member Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 02-24-2011 04:39 PM
Just watched the replay during the OMS 2 of the ET camera. You can see it pop off a little left of the right bipod leg near the intertank. Looked like it hit near the nose wheel door or just aft of it then hit the tank and went back aft. Didn't look like any damage to the tiles in the area, still all black. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-24-2011 05:12 PM
NASA associate administrator Bill Gerstenmaier said during the post-launch press conference (still on-going) that there were four foam losses observed, "all within family" and "well after the area of concern from an impact to the orbiter standpoint." |
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