Author
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Topic: Photo of the week 270 (January 2, 2010)
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heng44 Member Posts: 3387 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 01-02-2010 06:15 AM
This view of the launch of Shuttle mission STS-51I in August 1985 was made by mission specialist Ox van Hoften from inside Discovery's cockpit. He pointed the camera over his shoulder to shoot out the top cockpit windows and captured the steam cloud after main engine ignition. Ed Hengeveld |
robsouth Member Posts: 769 From: West Midlands, UK Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 01-02-2010 10:43 AM
Cool photo! |
Tom Member Posts: 1597 From: New York Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 01-02-2010 10:54 AM
Great shot, Ed...haven't seen that one before.I remember how dark it was for that launch. John Young had some comments later on as to the decision made to launch Discovery in those conditions. |
joe bruce Member Posts: 129 From: Spokane, WA U.S.A. Registered: Nov 2004
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posted 01-02-2010 06:17 PM
Very unususal photo. Great! Would love to have heard the sound from inside at that point. I am surprised that the photo does not show any distortion from vibration. When the solids kick in I thought there was a lot of movement for the crew. |
OV-105 Member Posts: 816 From: Ridgecrest, CA Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 01-02-2010 10:28 PM
They launched right through a hole in a rain storm. If I remember right it started raining at Pad 39A right after SRB sep. |
golddog Member Posts: 210 From: australia Registered: Feb 2008
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posted 01-02-2010 11:48 PM
quote: Originally posted by joe bruce: When the solids kick in I thought there was a lot of movement for the crew.
This photo appears to have been taken at the time of SSME ignition. Perhaps the solids had not yet ignited. |
ASCAN1984 Member Posts: 1049 From: County Down, Nothern Ireland Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 01-03-2010 03:31 AM
If anyone is going to see Ox talk or write to him would be terrific to ask as about the story behind this. Can't have been a easy photo to take and stow the camera before ignition. |
OV-105 Member Posts: 816 From: Ridgecrest, CA Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 01-03-2010 04:44 PM
quote: Originally posted by ASCAN1984: If anyone is going to see Ox talk or write to him would be terrific to ask as about the story behind this. Can't have been a easy photo to take and stow the camera before ignition.
It would not have been too bad back then, not being in the pumpkin suits they have now. Just being in the normal flight suit and vest (anyone remember what they were called?). I always liked the launch and entery helmets from 82 to 86. |
Greggy_D Member Posts: 977 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 01-04-2010 10:25 PM
Plus he and Mike Lounge just woke up from a nap, sprawled out on Discovery's Aft Deck. They didn't think they were going to fly because it was raining cats and dogs. The radio call came in "GO for launch" and they had to hurry up, get in their seats, and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime.STS-51-I will always hold a special place in my heart. Bill Fisher invited me down for the launch, and as a 15 year-old there was no finer experience. I had never met the man (and still haven't). We corresponded via mail starting in 1983. I need to dig some pics up from that weekend. The day before the launch, my family and I attended a pre-launch reception for family and friends at Patrick Air Force Base. Anna Fisher was the host of the party and Rick Hauck was also in attendance. This August will be 25 years since the launch. Seems like yesterday. |
hlbjr Member Posts: 475 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 01-05-2010 06:50 AM
quote: Originally posted by Greggy_D: Plus he and Mike Lounge just woke up from a nap, sprawled out on Discovery's Aft Deck. They didn't think they were going to fly because it was raining cats and dogs. The radio call came in "GO for launch" and they had to hurry up, get in their seats, and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime.
I didn't know they lounged around out of their seats and then strapped themselves into their seats before launch... Don't tell the closeout crew!! Harvey Brown Delray Beach, FL |