[sideus]

(04/06/2005) --- INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION � Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao used a digital camera April 6 to photograph the rollout of the Space Shuttle Discovery at NASA�s Kennedy Space Center from an altitude of 220 statute miles. Chiao captured the rollout at 4:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time as the Station flew directly over the launch site. Visible in the image are the Shuttle�s two launch pads at Launch Complex 39. Discovery�s launch pad, 39-B, is on the left.

[sideus]

(04/06/2005) --- INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION � In the waning twilight, the service structures on Launch Pad 39B (left) and the Mobile Launcher Platform carrying Space Shuttle Discovery glow with lights. The Shuttle began rollout to the pad at 2:04 p.m. EDT from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA�s Kennedy Space Center, marking a major milestone in the Space Shuttle Program�s Return to Flight. Launch of Discovery on its Return to Flight mission, STS-114, is targeted for May 15 with a launch window that extends to June 3. During its 12-day mission, Discovery�s seven-person crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve Shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

[His Dudeness]

Oh, what I would give up to fly on that thing.

[CollinG3G4]

Hardly.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4418693.stm[list]

[badidea]

Great pictures!!!
(I really hope that space tourism will be affordable in the next 20 years)

[sideus]

Originally posted by CollinG3G4:
Hardly.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4418693.stm[list]

Problem has been looked at and determined to be of no concern.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/0...out/index.html

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by sideus:
Problem has been looked at and determined to be of no concern.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/0...out/index.html

Isn't that what they first said about Columbia? Great pictures btw.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally posted by His Dudeness:
Oh, what I would give up to fly on that thing.

Probably just your life . . . but I understand the desire to go into space. I want to as well.

[sideus]

Astronaut Story Musgrave hates the shuttle. Says it is the most unsafe vehicle every built. But he flew on it because for him, it was the only way into space, where he loved to go.

[budster101]

If I had to choose how to die, it would be on re-entry with the space shuttle....

To hang out in space and look down on the earth. Too cool.
I'd have to be 80 years-old-too at the time.

[sideus]

(04/06/2005) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. � Space Shuttle Discovery has arrived at Launch Pad 39B, completing a major milestone for Return to Flight of America's Space Shuttle program. First motion from the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 2:04 p.m. EDT April 6, and the Shuttle was hard down on the pad at 1:20 a.m. EDT April 7. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the Crawler-Transporter underneath. Launch of Discovery on its Return to Flight mission, STS-114, is targeted for May 15 with a launch window that extends to June 3. During its 12-day mission, Discovery�s seven-member crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve Shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

[powerbook867]

I pray the launch actually occurs on the 15th....I'm going to be there and would love to get a bunch of pictures!!

Even if it doesn't launch that day, we'll still take a tour...

Thanks for the pics!!!

[wdlove]

Those are awesome pictures, thank you for posting them.

[nredman]

damn columbia was in 2003 - seems like yesterday to me

[Zimphire]

I remember the Space Shuttle in it's early days. I used to be obsessed with it

I had space shuttle toys and models before it even flew.

[His Dudeness]

I remember when they used to paint the main fuel tank in white.

[Zimphire]

Yeah me too.

I remember when they went over to orange.

All the model boxes had to be reprinted.

[demograph68]

Will these be used anytime soon?

[iDriveX]

Anyone remember the space shuttle game for the original Nintendo where you had to put pieces of the vaporware "Alpha" space station together from your shuttle and you couldn't run out of oxygen or manuvering nitrogen in your little suit and then you had to go through all those little boxes on re-entry? That game ruled.

[rozwado1]

depending on the launch day, I may go to the station and take pics with my 300mm lens.

[iDriveX]

OMG you can actually play the game right here:

http://www.everyvideogame.com/ninten...le_Project.htm

[calamar1]

Originally posted by iDriveX:
Anyone remember the space shuttle game for the original Nintendo where you had to put pieces of the vaporware "Alpha" space station together from your shuttle and you couldn't run out of oxygen or manuvering nitrogen in your little suit and then you had to go through all those little boxes on re-entry? That game ruled.

there was a similar game for the apple ][ called 'project space station'. it ruled. but even so, it was far too easy to lose astronauts. it prepared aspiring spacefarers to be more accepting of risk than nasa seems to be today. still pretty fun, though. a good cross between sim and action and educational game, although hopelessly dated now, i guess.

[discotronic]

Check this one out:

http://www.atariage.com/manual_thumb...areLabelID=466

I had it on my Atari 2600. It came with an overlay that went on the switches of the console for controlling the Shuttle. IIRC every single one of them was used for something. I believe it was the most challenging game ever for the 2600.

[The Godfather]

Originally posted by iDriveX:
OMG you can actually play the game right here:

http://www.everyvideogame.com/ninten...le_Project.htm

So S-L-O-W! I wish I had a PC!

[The Godfather]

Originally posted by sideus:

(04/06/2005) --- INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION � Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao used a digital camera April 6 to photograph the rollout of the Space Shuttle Discovery at NASA�s Kennedy Space Center from an altitude of 220 statute miles. Chiao captured the rollout at 4:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time as the Station flew directly over the launch site. Visible in the image are the Shuttle�s two launch pads at Launch Complex 39. Discovery�s launch pad, 39-B, is on the left.

Which place should be better to watch the launch? Indian river bridge or Titusville, FL? It is a good thing I am off school by that time

[Gator Lager]

Originally posted by The Godfather:
Which place should be better to watch the launch? Indian river bridge or Titusville, FL? It is a good thing I am off school by that time

The 405 bridge will be closed. Doesn't matter, it's a couple of miles further south, and the view from T'vill is better. Just drive up U.S. 1 and find a place to park, also watch your speed. T'vill po'leece just love handing out free tickets (speeding, parking..etc).

Oh, come early. The beeline (528) and U.S. 1 gets packed really quick.

[Weyland-Yutani]

The Space Shuttle has lived beyond its usefulness. It is far too dangerous to use and the next shuttle that goes can effictively put an end to the manned space age. Not in a dramatic way, just that before Challenger exploded people were really excited with the idea. After Challenger the mood became quite somber. NASA has had to cut back because their funds are directly linked to the public image and enthusiasm. After Columbia exploded things have become dire indeed. Most people agree that being on one of the Space Shuttles is at best russian roulette, at worst suicide. That is not an image that will improve after the next shuttle explodes and that will happen. These things just aren't any better than that.

If NASA doesn't effectively replace the Space Shuttle with something much more safe, effective and reliable then this is indeed the evening twilight of manned space missions. The Space Shuttle has to be scrapped and replaced. It was designed in the 60s for crying out loud. The improvements in hull structure, integrity, metalurgy, aerodynamics and design of aircraft have increased exponentially since the Space Shuttle was designed.

Look at the aircraft designed today and compare them to the aircraft designed in the 60s. On one hand there is the Airbus A380 of today and on the other the Boeing B747-100 of the 60s. The A380, a significantly larger machine (50% compared to the B747-100) can be controlled by 2 pilots, compared to 3 on the B747-100. The wings are made of composits and aluminum as opposed to aluminum only, making them much lighter but retaining the strength.

Compare the Airbus A300 to the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. The A300 designed in the 70s. The bleedless engines and incredibly light composite fusilage, tail and parts of the wing of the B787 make the B787 seem like science fiction in comparison. Honestly, I could not, with clear concience send astronauts up in those hunks of junk that are commonly called the Space Shuttle. It needs to be replaced and the hopes and dreams of a manned space age refueled. The Space Shuttle will only bury them. Perhaps indefinetely.

[The Godfather]

So, anyone is going to Titusville on that Sunday morning?

[The Godfather]

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches...114_delay.html

It was delayed to the next Sunday, May 22. The article says that there are only 5 minutes of the day when the Shuttle could launch. What is that time period?

I didn't know there were launch windows for Earth orbit missions. I though those only applied to interplanetary missions (e.g. go to Mars).

[Gator Lager]

Originally Posted by The Godfather

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches...114_delay.html

It was delayed to the next Sunday, May 22. The article says that there are only 5 minutes of the day when the Shuttle could launch. What is that time period?

I didn't know there were launch windows for Earth orbit missions. I though those only applied to interplanetary missions (e.g. go to Mars).

Heck, I work on the shuttle's and I can't keep track of the launch schedule?

As for the launch window, we're going to the Station. They have to time it just right, to match the same orbit as the station.

[sideus]

(05/02/2005) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins takes her turn at driving an M-113, an armored personnel carrier that is used for speedy departure from the launch pad in an emergency. Standing behind her is Capt. George Hoggard, who is astronaut rescue team leader. On the left is KSC videographer Glen Benson. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities.

[sideus]

(05/04/2005) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – Following the mock countdown and emergency egress practice from the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 crew members come together for a group photo on the 225-foot level. Pictured, from left, are Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Charles Camarda and Wendy Lawrence, Commander Eileen Collins, Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson and Soichi Noguchi, and Pilot James. Kelly. This culminates the pre-launch training known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities.

[His Dudeness]

More Orbitors are being built right? What are they going to be named?

[sideus]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

More Orbitors are being built right? What are they going to be named?

I doubt more are being built. A whole new shuttle is being designed but we won't see it for probably another 15+ years.

[Gator Lager]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

More Orbitors are being built right? What are they going to be named?

nope. we're supposed to fly the remaining shuttles till 2010. (till we get station done).
there are several shuttle replacements being proposed.

i'll try to post some links later.

[IFLY2HIGH]

Anyone catch the "Return to flight" show on discovery last night Sunday? Played several times all day, at least on my cable. Very intersting story of the two shuttles for this launch, the first scheduled one didn't get to go cause they had to remove the rear air brakes to get to the big gears box to inspect them, put them behind so the other one, the current one on the platform gets to go first now. Also worked on the new solid fuel container and should of fixed all foam debries that has caused the last problem on re entry, and they are also ready with reapir kits if in the event of tile or wing damage occurs so they can get safly back though the atmosphere, and the reasone why they have the other shuttle to be ready in the event if they can't make it back they stay on the space station and they send the second one up to get everyone back, lol.

You would think they would be working on a new shuttle to use. I can't see them just giving up to the space program. These people should know they have a dangerous job and they are the lucky ones that get to go into space. I'd do almost anything myself to get the chance to fly to space, even if it means I might not make it in either directions, I got to do something most people don't and would just be plain awesome to be up there.

[starman]

When I was a kid my grandfather was going to take me to see the Apollo 13 launch. I didn't go because my sister was born then. It would be cool to see a shuttle launch.

Mike

[finboy]

Originally Posted by Gator Lager

(till we get station done).

And then what? Doesn't the station depend upon the shuttle to maintain orbit?

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Zimphire

I had space shuttle toys and models before it even flew.

Yeah, NASA had that, too

-t

[residentEvil]

the new ships will simply be called CEV (Crew Exploration Vehicle). Griffin wants to eliminate the gap of ending the shuttles flights of 2010 to the first flight of the CEV in 2014. he wants the CEVs to be ready to fly in 2010.

"Griffin and other NASA spaceflight officials said the agency will accelerate plans for the shuttle’s successor, dubbed the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), in hopes of minimizing – if not completely closing – any gap in NASA’s human spaceflight capability. NASA had previously expected the first human-carrying CEV flight no earlier than 2014."

from space.com

[Gator Lager]

Originally Posted by finboy

And then what? Doesn't the station depend upon the shuttle to maintain orbit?

yep, the orbiter gives the station a boost to a higher orbit. but the russians do the same with zvezda. matter of fact they just did it last month.

[finboy]

Originally Posted by Gator Lager

yep, the orbiter gives the station a boost to a higher orbit. but the russians do the same with zvezda. matter of fact they just did it last month.

I figured there was some contingency, but I didn't know what it was. Zvezda is the cargo ship (Progress), right?

[Gator Lager]

Originally Posted by finboy

I figured there was some contingency, but I didn't know what it was. Zvezda is the cargo ship (Progress), right?

sorry, zvezda is the russian module (part of i.s.s) and yes progress is the resupply ship and soyuz is the people transporter.

i work on the space shuttle(s) and i know their names

[Weyland-Yutani]

Space shuttles.. I'd rather use a rocket. Safer. Much safer.

cheers

W-Y