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Author
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Topic: STS-134: Viewing, questions, and comments
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Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 05-02-2011 06:02 PM
   
STS-134 is a 14 day mission right? If they launched on the 10th, they would land the day of the Expedition 27 landing. How much does that weigh in deciding the launch date? If they launch after the 10th, will they have enough time to get everything done since all of the EVAs and such were planned with a 6 person ISS crew? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-02-2011 08:07 PM
STS-134 is a 14-day mission, though managers have been planning to add two more days of docked operations once Endeavour is at the station (similar to how STS-133 was extended).The Soyuz TMA-20 undocking scheduled for May 24 does however, complicate matters. Due to the need for the station crew to sleep shift to support the Soyuz undocking, if Endeavour does launch on May 10, then the extra days will not be available. If the shuttle launch is delayed a day or more, then the extension may again be possible. |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 05-02-2011 11:27 PM
Just got back from the two postponements -- a 13-hour drive today covering 900 miles. I did have a great KSC day on Friday with Jeff, Jennifer, and Abba Bang. Four days in Florida can't be all that bad! |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 05-03-2011 06:21 AM
Would they consider launching around the time of the Expedition 27 docking? |
crash
Member Posts: 318
From: West Sussex, England
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 05-03-2011 01:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
According to space shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach, at this time, the delay to STS-134 has no affect on STS-135.
I think it's beginning to have an effect as I believe they are now looking at the 4th of July, cue fireworks, as the possible new date for STS-135. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-03-2011 01:13 PM
July 4 was under consideration for STS-135 before the slip to the STS-134 schedule, so if it moves to then, it won't (necessarily) be because of Endeavour. |
DC Giants
Member Posts: 135
From: Kansas City, MO USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted 05-03-2011 09:03 PM
It was very disappointing to make the trip and experience a scrub, but at least my tour bus made it out to the causeway and I got some good video of Endeavour on the pad. I got some beach time, toured KSC and met some nice people including the wife of Konrad Dannenberg. So all in all I am glad I went and I wish the crew of STS-134 all the best when the countdown resumes. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 05-05-2011 01:34 PM
I'm getting a bit worried that I may not be able to make it down again if they launch the week of the 10th. I have finals next week and all but two of my professors have finals that are essays which I can email in... fingers crossed that they push it back to the 15th or so... |
SpaceAngel
Member Posts: 307
From: Maryland
Registered: May 2010
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posted 05-06-2011 07:38 AM
When will the decision for Endeavour's next launch attempt be announced? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-06-2011 07:44 AM
Per NASA: STS-134 launch date will be announced early this afternoon after senior NASA managers meet to review shuttle Endeavour's repairs |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 05-06-2011 08:22 AM
Leroy Chiao is tweeting May 15 as the new date. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-06-2011 12:51 PM
Space shuttle Endeavour's launch of the STS-134 mission is now officially no earlier than May 16 at 8:56 a.m. EDT. Managers will reevaluate technicians work after the weekend and plan to hold a news briefing on Monday. |
SpaceAngel
Member Posts: 307
From: Maryland
Registered: May 2010
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posted 05-06-2011 01:53 PM
Could the launch be delay once more due to the departure of ISS crew members Dmitry Kondratyev, Paolo Nespoli and Catherine Coleman on May 23rd; therefore delaying until sometime in June, not to mention delaying STS-135... This is a worse case scenario. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-06-2011 02:04 PM
NASA has confirmed that the Soyuz TMA-20 undocking will proceed as scheduled. They have re-planned the STS-134 mission such that all its scheduled goals will be met, even though they will be without the three station crew members for part of the mission. STS-134 is also now officially a 16-day mission. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 05-06-2011 02:38 PM
So glad they had the delay. I'm going down |
brianjbradley
Member Posts: 114
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 05-06-2011 02:42 PM
If they fly on May 16, it will be 19 years to the day of Endeavour's first landing. |
issman1
Member Posts: 1042
From: UK
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 05-06-2011 03:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
NASA has confirmed that the Soyuz TMA-20 undocking will proceed as scheduled.
Surely this offers the best opportunity for that flyabout cancelled from STS-133? Plus it's historic in that no expedition crew has ever departed the ISS while a shuttle crew was present. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-06-2011 03:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by issman1:
Surely this offers the best opportunity for that flyabout cancelled from STS-133?
Actually, according to NASA, no. The flyabout remains planned for STS-135. Soyuz TMA-20's undocking will occur when the lighting isn't optimal and further, as it will be configured for reentry, the window in the orbital module will be blocked by equipment. |
irish guy
Member Posts: 287
From: Kerry Ireland
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 05-08-2011 10:13 AM
Happy birthday to Greg Box Johnson!!Only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but he has to be one of the nicest astronauts you ever met. |
SpaceAngel
Member Posts: 307
From: Maryland
Registered: May 2010
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posted 05-09-2011 07:56 AM
I understand that management have extended the mission for two days, leading to a landing on June 1st. What's the reason for the extension? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-09-2011 08:07 AM
Managers had always planned to extend the STS-134 mission by two days to give the shuttle crew additional time to assist the station crew on maintenance activities, but previously those days were only to be added after Endeavour reached the space station. Managers went ahead and approved the extension in advance of the launch as part of their process of re-planning the order of the mission activities given the departure of three station crew members on May 23. |
Joe sunday
New Member Posts:
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Registered:
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posted 05-09-2011 08:09 PM
Hi everyone,
Newbie here, We will be vacationing in Cocoa Beach on launch day. Been reading some and it appears the Causeway is the best viewing, but it is out of my price range(E-Bay), Astronaut Hall of Fame viewing tickets are a bit more in my range, is this a good option? My other option is just watching it in from near the pier. |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 05-10-2011 12:23 AM
On the Gator Tours site - STS-134 Causeway Viewing - VIP Package Small number of tickets may be available May 10th, after 10:00 am. |
crash
Member Posts: 318
From: West Sussex, England
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 05-10-2011 02:16 AM
Alternatively you can go to the Gator Facebook page, hit 'discussions', and there is a whole stack of people selling their tickets at face value.Gator/G-L have no problems at all with the reselling of the tickets and fully understand that people will be getting on the buses under a different name. I know because I watched in action on the 29th. They just don't want to see people get ripped off. The tickets sold for $165 (adult) but because they were used to get to the Causeway the owner needs to pay another $35 to cover the second bus journey. Make sure that the seller has paid this or only pay $130 for the tickets. But make sure that Gator are happy for you to pay the $35 at this late stage. Technically the window closed last Friday. Hope this is of some use. |
Joe sunday
New Member Posts:
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Registered:
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posted 05-10-2011 05:33 AM
Thanks for the Gator tour info, with these I would have to drive to Orlando to meet the bus? I am traveling with three women, wife and two adult daughters (one who is 5 months pregnant) I know they would not go. I was totally clueless on how much time and expense is involved, to see a launch! We are just casual observers, so maybe my only option is watching from the condo. |
drjeffbang
Member Posts: 110
From: Virginia
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 05-10-2011 08:23 AM
You could always just try viewing from Titusville. |
Go4Launch
Member Posts: 542
From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 05-10-2011 05:34 PM
I second that. Space View Park, although crowded, would be better than your condo for sure (unless it's in Titusville). |
Joe sunday
New Member Posts:
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Registered:
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posted 05-10-2011 06:56 PM
I will have to check Space View park out when I get there. This maybe be a viable option. I have read they expect a half a million people to attend, can this be true? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-10-2011 07:09 PM
There won't be 500,000 people at Space View Park but yes, that's the local authorities' estimate for the immediate surrounding area for a 9 a.m. launch on Monday, May 16 (and that's down from 750,000 when the launch was on a Friday at 4:30 p.m.). |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-10-2011 07:40 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announcement For Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and NASA Causeway launch ticket holders, please arrive seven (7) hours earlier than the time originally listed on your placard. (For example, if your original arrival time was 9:30 a.m. please arrive by 2:30 a.m.) For U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame ticket holders, you will receive an email with arrival and viewing information by Thursday, May 12.
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Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 05-10-2011 09:44 PM
(For example, if your original arrival time was 9:30 a.m. please arrive by 2:30 a.m.) And I thought I had to get up early. With the Congressional tickets, I have to be at the pickup/drop off site 4 hours before launch. Our hotel is around 20 miles from the Titusville area. Any advice on when we should wake up to go to the site? I don't have the name of the hotel (my dad does), but I know at the latest we should get up around 2:30-3:00AM. |
Joe sunday
New Member Posts:
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Registered:
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posted 05-11-2011 09:42 AM
Has anyone done the Island Boat Lines tour for a shuttle launch? |
lunarrv15
Member Posts: 1355
From: Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 05-11-2011 12:52 PM
I am suggesting arrive at Space View Park 24 hours before the launch for parking. Parking is available at Municipal Marina, which is walking distance north from the park. Or pay $20-$30 for parking on a business property or private property.I was in awe seeing streams of people and cars flowing through this small area eight hours before launch as when I stopped for a visit before STS-122 there were 10 or less there. As for STS-134, the marina was booked full for parking. The bridge was shut down for vehicle traffic, so people were walking on the bridge for viewing. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 05-11-2011 03:41 PM
Ok, I have what may be a dumb question: because we'll be arriving at KSC in the very wee hours, will anything actually be open once we arrive, or will we have to find our own way of amusing ourselves? |
lunarrv15
Member Posts: 1355
From: Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 05-12-2011 01:12 AM
Gas stations along exit ramp from I-95 are open. The Waffle House in southern Titusville, west from route 50 and 405, is open 24 hours.The Supersize Walmart at the corner of 50 and 405 I believe is open 24/7, unsure. What bars are open those wee hours? You may be entertaining each other. |
crash
Member Posts: 318
From: West Sussex, England
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 05-12-2011 06:07 AM
AJ, I'll be there too and from previous experience, STS-131, everything at the Visitor Centre will be open. Store, IMAX, food, coffee, exhibits etc. If you are heading out to the Causeway be prepared for a long wait in the queue to get back on the bus.Be seeing you. |
crash
Member Posts: 318
From: West Sussex, England
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 05-12-2011 08:49 AM
Oh, and the queue for drinks and food, and the queue in the store, and the queue...You get the picture.  |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 05-14-2011 11:28 AM
Well my dad and I are leaving for the drive down this afternoon. Can't wait. See you all in FL! |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 05-14-2011 03:50 PM
Oh! forgot to say that the last time I was there, we went to AHOF the day before the (scheduled) launch. as we were leaving I saw a car with cool stickers on it. the next thing I noticed was the STS134 license plate! it was cool to see real proof of a fellow board member.  |
Team140
New Member Posts:
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Registered:
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posted 05-14-2011 08:07 PM
I was emailed instructions to pick up tickets in person no later than Sunday by 3PM. I'm three hours away and probably won't make it there until 2PM. Would the lines to buy tickets be too long to try and get through in an hour or should I bite the bullet and take two vehicles so I can get there early? (Wife has to work in the morning.) |
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