STS-121 - Space Shuttle Discovery

[STS-Chris]

Launch of STS-121:

T - 000 d 06 h 39 m
T - 000 d 03 h 00 m ... and holding!
Official NASA Countdown (built-in holds considered!)


Start:
Dienstag, 4. Juli
20:38 Uhr MESZ


Click to enlarge
Webcam: Discovery auf Startrampe 39-B





STS-121 Mission Status



12:30 CEST (6:30 a.m. EDT)

Good morning from Kennedy Space Center for this Fourth of July launch
of space shuttle Discovery. This third countdown attempt is going well so
far, with fueling of the external tank about two-thirds complete. The start
of fueling was officially clocked at 4:33 a.m. EDT (10:33 CEST).


12:55 CEST (6:55 a.m. EDT)

Testing of the space shuttle main engine controllers is now beginning in
the countdown.

A small rainshower moving from the Atlantic Ocean is passing near launch
pad 39B. That has meant the cumulus cloud, disturbed weather and flight
through precipitation weather rules have gone red temporarily while the
shower drifts by.

The weather forecast for launch time this afternoon calls for an 80
percent chance of favorable conditions.


13:05 CEST (7:05 a.m. EDT)

No leaks or concentrations of liquid oxygen or liquid hydrogen have been
detected in the shuttle's aft compartment during fueling this morning. And
the engine cutoff sensors that were a source of trouble during the last
mission are operating normally today.


13:18 CEST (7:18 a.m. EDT)

Initial checks of the main engine controllers and the pyro controllers for
the solid rocket boosters have been completed.


13:22 CEST (7:22 a.m. EDT)

Fast-fill of the liquid oxygen tank just concluded. Topping of the tank is
beginning. On the hydrogen side of things, loading continues.


13:26 CEST (7:26 a.m. EDT)

The liquid hydrogen tank is now fully loaded and the system has entered
into replenish mode to keep the tank topped off through the rest of the
count.


13:28 CEST (7:28 a.m. EDT)

Liquid oxygen has gone into replenish mode, completing the external tank
filling for launch.


13:29 CEST (7:29 a.m. EDT)

Filling of Discovery's external fuel tank was called complete at
7:28 a.m. EDT (13:28 CEST). The tank has been pumped full with 528,000
gallons of supercold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The process
started at 4:33 a.m. (10:33 CEST).

But given the cryogenic nature of the oxidizer and propellant, the supplies
naturally boil away. So the tanks are continuously topped off until the final
minutes of the countdown in a procedure called "stable replenishment."

With the hazardous tanking operation completed, the Orbiter Closeout
Crew and Final Inspection Team will be heading to the pad to perform
their jobs. The closeout crew will ready Discovery's crew module for the
astronauts' ingress in a couple of hours; and the inspection team will give
the entire vehicle a check for any ice formation following fueling.


13:30 CEST (7:30 a.m. EDT)

The weather rules that were being violated for a short time this morning
while a rainshower passes by pad 39B are now back in "go" status.

The launch time forecast calls for scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, visibility
of 7 miles, easterly winds from 070 degrees at 11 gusting to 16 knots at
the pad, a temperature of 82 degrees F, relative humidity of 79 percent
and possible showers in the area.

Meteorologists are setting the odds of acceptable weather for the
2:38 p.m. (20:38 CEST) launch time at 80 percent "go."


13:42 CEST (7:42 a.m. EDT)

T-minus 3 hours and holding. Countdown clocks have entered a
planned three-hour built-in hold in advance of today's launch of space
shuttle Discovery. This is a standard hold in every shuttle countdown.
However, NASA has extended it from the usual two hours to three hours
to give the Final Inspection Team more time to complete their ice and
debris checks of the shuttle after fueling.


13:45 CEST (7:45 a.m. EDT)

The Final Inspection Team team has arrived at pad 39B along with the
Orbiter Closeout Crew, which is the team that will assist the astronauts
during boarding.



Fortsetzung im MSN-Chat (sts_chris@yahoo.de)!





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



July 2, 2006



KSC-06PD-1368 (07/02/2006)
STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers is suiting up for a second launch
attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery.



KSC-06PD-1371 (07/02/2006)
STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is suiting up for a second launch
attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery.



KSC-06PD-1373 (07/02/2006)
STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly gets help with his helmet fitting during suitup for
a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery.



KSC-06PD-1377 (07/02/2006)
STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is still eager for launch after suitup
for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery.


Quelle: nasa.gov




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Start-Protokoll

20:29 Uhr MESZ (T-9 Min., laufend): Der Countdown wurde wieder gestartet. Die letzten Minuten sind angebrochen. Alle Stationen haben grünes Licht gegeben, das Wetter ist gut und DISCOVERY wurde freigegeben für den Start. Alle Systeme werden jetzt von dem Startsequenzerprogramm im Startleitzentrum gesteuert und geregelt.

20:31 Uhr MESZ (T-7 Min., laufend): Die Brücke mit dem Weißraum am Ende wird weggeschwenkt.

20:35 Uhr MESZ (T-3 Min., laufend): Die APUs sind gestartet und die Triebwerke durchlaufen ein Bewegungsprofil, mit dem ihre Steuerbarkeit verifizert werden soll. Die Brennstoffzellen werden auf interne Versorgung geschaltet.

20:38 Uhr MESZ (T-0 Sek., laufend): Start! DISCOVERY ist auf dem Weg in's All!

20:40 Uhr MESZ (T+2 Min., laufend): Die Triebwerke wurden planmäßig gedrosselt um den Staudruck und die aerodynamischen Kräfte zu begrenzen und und wieder hochgefahren.

20:41 Uhr MESZ (T+3 Min., laufend): Die Startraketen wurden abgesprengt. Die gefährlichste Phase des Fluges ist vorüber. Bis jetzt wurden keine Probleme festgestellt.

20:43 Uhr MESZ (T+5 Min., laufend): Halbzeit beim Aufstieg. Alle Systeme laufen normal.

20:47 Uhr MESZ (T+9 Min., laufend): MECO! Die Haupttriebwerke wurden abgeschaltet, nachdem alle hervorragend funktioniert haben. Kurz danach wurde der Außentank abgekoppelt. Als nächstes steht der erste Betrieb der OMS-Triebwerke an, mit denen DISCOVERY seinen Orbit etabliert. Das Feuern der OMS-Triebwerke ist für 21:15 Uhr MESZ vorgesehen.

20:49 Uhr MESZ (T+11 Min., laufend): Kommandant Lindsey steuert die Raumfähre so, daß die Kamera an der Unterseite des Orbiters den zurückfallenden Außentank beobachten kann. Mike Fossum und Stephanie Wilson schnallen sich von ihren Sitzen los um mit Video- und Photokameras ebenfalls Aufnahmen vom Tank aus den Fenstern heraus zu machen.

20:52 Uhr MESZ (T+14 Min., laufend): Der technische Direktor hat grünes Licht für das Abschalten der Hilfskraftanlagen (APUs) gegeben, die während des Aufstiegs den Hydraulikdruck für die Bewegung der Triebwerke und für die aerodynamischen Steuerflächen bereitstellen.

21:00 Uhr MESZ (T+22 Min., laufend): Zwei Klappen an der Unterseite des Orbiters werden geschlossen und decken damit die Treibstoffleitungsanschlüsse ab, über die während des Aufstiegs die Haupttriebwerke versorgt wurden.

21:15 Uhr MESZ (T+37 Min., laufend): Die OMS-Treibwerke haben gezündet und laufen normal.

21:17 Uhr MESZ (T+39 Min., laufend): DISCOVERY hat erfolgreich die Erdumlaufbahn erreicht. Der Betrieb der OMS-Triebwerke war erfolgreich und problemlos. Jetzt werden die Systeme überprüft und dann entschieden, ob DISCOVERY in der Umlaufbahn bleibt oder wieder zur Erde zurückkehren muß. Für den ersteren Fall, steht als nächstes das Öffnen der Ladebuchttore an.

21:23 Uhr MESZ (T+45 Min., laufend): DISCOVERY hat einen stabilen Orbit mit einem Hochpunkt (Apogäum) von 229 km und einem Tiefpunkt (Perigäum) von 156 km erreicht.

22:00 Uhr MESZ (T+1:22 Std., laufend): Die Besatzung hat sich erfolgreich durch die Checkliste nach dem Einschuß in die Umlaufbahn gearbeitet. Jetzt folgt die Besprechung für die Freigabe der Orbitoperationen. Sobald die Freigabe gegeben ist, werden die Astronauten ihre orangenen Fluganzüge ausziehen und den Orbiter für den Betrieb in der Umlaufbahn herrichten. D. h., daß u. a. die Ladebuchttore geöffnet werden und die Sitze (bis auf die von Kommandant und Pilot) verstaut werden. Sie werden erst wieder beim Wiedereintritt herausgeholt. Dann allerdings einer weniger, da Thomas Reiter nicht mit der Raumfähre zurückkehren wird.

22:15 Uhr MESZ (T+1:37 Min., laufend): Auf der Pressekonferenz nach dem erfolgreichen Start berichtet Wayne Hale, daß 2:37 Min. nach dem Abheben 3 oder 4 Stücke (vermutlich Isolierung) vom Außentank abgefallen sind, von denen man noch nicht weiß, woher sie kamen. Etwa 4 Min. nach dem Start seien zwei weitere Stücke beobachtet worden. Beide Ereignisse seien unbedenklich, da sie nach der Zeit geschahen, wo sie dem Orbiter hätten gefährlich werden können. Der Strömungsverhältnisse um den Orbiter-Tank-Verbund waren da bereits dergestalt, daß die Stücke neuralgische Stellen der Raumfähre (wie die Flügelvorderkanten) nicht mehr hätten treffen können.

22:38 Uhr MESZ (T+2 Std., laufend): Inzwischen wurde die Freigabe für den Beginn der Aktivitäten in der Umlaufbahn gegeben. Die Nutzlastbuchttore wurden geöffnet und die Astronauten haben die Fluganzüge abgelegt.
Die Besatzung wird heute Nacht um 2:38 Uhr MESZ schlafen gehen und gegen 10:38 Uhr zu ihrem ersten vollen Tag im All geweckt werden.


Quelle: Space-Science-Journal




Die „Discovery” ist gestartet

4. Juli 2006

Als erster Deutscher ist der Astronaut Thomas Reiter auf dem Weg zur
Internationalen Raumstation ISS. Die amerikanische Raumfähre
„Discovery” hob am Dienstag um 20.38 Uhr MESZ bei schönstem
Sommerwetter vom Weltraumbahnhof Cape Canaveral in Florida ab.
Zuvor mußten am Wochenende zwei Countdowns wegen Gewittern
abgebrochen werden.



Gute Reise! © REUTERS


Achteinhalb Minuten nach dem Start schwenkte die „Discovery” in einen Orbit um die Erde ein. Die Raumfähre wird am Donnerstag um 16.52 Uhr MESZ an der ISS andocken. Die Rückkehr der sechs amerikanischen Astronauten ist für den 17. Juli vorgesehen. Reiter bleibt dagegen als erster Astronaut der Europäischen Weltraumorganisation Esa zu einem Langzeitbesuch von mindestens sechs Monaten auf der ISS. Der 48jährige wird dort als Bordingenieur arbeiten, 25 Experimente - darunter acht deutsche - betreuen und zu einem Außeneinsatz in den Weltraum aussteigen.

Start am Unabhängigkeitstag

Reiter hat sich fünf Jahre lang auf den Flug mit der „Discovery” vorbereitet. Mit Reiter werden erstmals seit mehr als drei Jahren nach dem tödlichen Unglück der Raumfähre „Columbia” wieder drei Astronauten auf der Weltraumstation arbeiten. Es ist der erste Flug der „Discovery” seit knapp einem Jahr und erst der zweite seit dem tödlichen Unglück der Raumfähre „Columbia” am 1. Februar 2003. Die Nasa erklärte den Start der „Discovery” zu ihrem Beitrag für die Feierlichkeiten am Unabhängigkeitstag der Vereinigten Staaten, dem 4. Juli. Thomas Reiter und die Crew mußten bereits kurz nach 4 Uhr Ortszeit aufstehen. Beim gemeinsamen Frühstück waren die sieben Raumfahrer bester Stimmung.

Nach dem Kommandeur Steven Lindsey stieg Reiter als zweites Crewmitglied in den Orbiter ein. Der Deutsche hatte es dabei sichtlich eilig, winkte nur kurz und verschwand in der Raumfähre. Der Start des Spaceshuttles erfolgte unter größten Sicherheitsvorkehrungen. Mehr als 100 hochauflösende Kameras sowie drei Radarsysteme kontrollierten vom Boden und aus der Luft, ob und wie viele Stücke Isolierschaum vom Außentank abgefallen sind. Beim Start abplatzende Stücke Isolierschaum bleiben trotz aller technischen Änderungen am 47 Meter hohen Außentank ein Risiko, weil sie im ungünstigsten Fall wie ein Geschoß Hitzekacheln der Raumfähre beschädigen können.

Ein 700 Gramm schweres Schaumstoffstück hatte das das „Columbia”-Unglück ausgelöst. Wegen eines rund zwölf Zentimeter langen Risses im Isolierschaum stand der geplante Start des Spaceshuttles am Dienstag zwischenzeitlich in Frage. Nach mehreren Tests am Montag gab das Shuttle-Management jedoch einstimmig grünes Licht für den Countdown. Die „Discovery” bringt nach Nasa-Angaben mehr als zwölf Tonnen Ausrüstung, Wasser, Nahrung und Kleidung zur Weltraumstation. Während des zwölftägigen Aufenthalts sind mindestens zwei sechseinhalb Stunden lange Außeneinsätze für Reparatur- und Wartungsarbeiten vorgesehen.

Text: FAZ.NET mit Material von dpa
Bildmaterial: REUTERS, AP, dpa, REUTERS/NASA TV




NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[Spocky]

Na wenigstens hat etwas geklappt gestern, an dem ein Deutscher beteiligt war. Ich drücke natürlich alle Daumen, die ich habe, damit auch alles gut geht

[matrix089]

Jup. Eine erfreuliche Nachricht, die gerade recht kommt zur Aufmunterung Fortschritt und Technik sind immer wieder faszinierend.

Wünsche der Crew auch gutes Gelingen!

[EREIGNISHORIZONT]

Was für ein schöner Start. Gott, ich hätte gerne Dolby-SR 5.2 dabei!!!

Mit den Schaumstücken war wohl alles im grünen Bereich.
Dennoch erscheint mir das alles irgendwie zu sehr auf "gut Glück" getrimmt zu sein. Ist einfach nur so ein Eindruck.

Dieses kleine Stück (Schaum?), was beim Zünden der Haupttriebwerke runter fiel, was war das? Habe das in der Pressekonferenz nicht verstanden?

Nun drücke ich den allen die Daumen und besonders Thomas Reiter, der ja nun für eine lange Zeit die Aussicht genießen kann, so er denn Zeit dazu hat.

Danke wie immer an die schöne Aufbereitung an Chris Levitt!

[Harmakhis]

Warum braucht das Shuttle eigentlich noch so lange, bis es an der ISS andockt?

[Komodo]

Weil es erstmal dessen Höhe erreichen muss, und das geht nur, in dem es schwung hohlt.

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Next Event

Docking to ISS:
Donnerstag, 6. Juli, 16:52 CEST (10:52 a.m. EDT)





STS-121 Video Gallery


July 4, 2006

STS-121 - Discovery Fueling - Tuesday ... 9.27 MB

STS-121 - Crew Activities - Tuesday ... 13.2 MB

STS-121 - LAUNCH ... 14.1 MB

STS-121 - Post Launch News Conference ... 37.9 MB

STS-121 - Flight Day 1 Highlights ... 22.3 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



July 4, 2006



KSC-06PD-1387 (07/04/2006)
Trying a third time for launch, and still smiling, the STS-121 crew gathers
again for the traditional breakfast before suiting up. Seated left to right
are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Michael Fossum, Pilot Mark Kelly,
Commander Steven Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Lisa Nowak,
Stephanie Wilson and Thomas Reiter, who represents the European Space
Agency.



KSC-06PD-1404 (07/04/2006)
The STS-121 crew displays the spirit of the Fourth of July holiday with
their flags and their eagerness to launch as they stride out of the
Operations and Checkout Building. Leading the way are Pilot Mark Kelly
(left) and Commander Steven Lindsey (right). Behind them are Mission
Specialists (second row) Lisa Nowak and Michael Fossum; (third row)
Stephanie Wilson and Piers Sellers; and (at the rear) Thomas Reiter, who
represents the European Space Agency.



KSC-06PD-1405 (07/04/2006)
Waving flags for the Fourth of July, the STS-121 crew heads for the
Astrovan and the ride to Launch Pad 39B for a third launch attempt.
Leading the way are Pilot Mark Kelly (left) and Commander Steven
Lindsey (right). Behind them are, left and right, Mission Specialists
(second row) Lisa Nowak and Michael Fossum; (third row) Stephanie
Wilson and Piers Sellers; and (at the rear) Thomas Reiter, who represents
the European Space Agency.



KSC-06PD-1448 (07/04/2006)
During liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 on July 4, a
camera captured a small piece of debris (pointed to by the arrow) that is
believed to be a part of a shim used on the thermal protection system on
the orbiter. The piece did not cause any damage nor will the loss be a
concern for the mission or landing.


Liftoff Commentary:

15......12...11...10...9...8...7...6... go for main engine start, we

have main engine start...2...1...Booster Ignition...and...liftoff for the

Space Shuttle Discovery returning to the Space Station, paving the way

for future missions beyond.



KSC-06PD-1439 (07/04/2006)
Framed by palm trees, Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off Launch Pad 39B at
2:38 p.m. EDT. The fiery display fit the day: Fourth of July.



KSC-06PD-1443 (07/04/2006)
As the ground fills with smoke and steam, Space Shuttle Discovery
creates its own fireworks display, fitting for the first ever launch to be
made on Independence Day. It was the third launch attempt in four days;
the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff on mission
STS-121 was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT.



KSC-06PD-1414 (07/04/2006)
Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space
Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S.
holiday in its third launch attempt in four days. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38
p.m. EDT. The countdown clock on the grounds of the NASA News Center
shows 7 seconds into the launch. Media crowd the banks of the turn basin
to capture the sight of the launch.



KSC-06PD-1425 (07/04/2006)
Cameras are the accessory of the day at the Kennedy Space Center's
Banana River viewing site. All eyes and lenses are focused on Launch Pad
39B and the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission
STS-121.



KSC-06PD-1442 (07/04/2006)
Space Shuttle Discovery shoots into Florida's blue sky over the blue
Atlantic Ocean, kicking off Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery
display. History was made with the first ever launch on Independence
Day. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were
scrubbed due to weather concerns.



KSC-06PD-1432 (07/04/2006)
Shooting like a roman candle into Florida's blue sky, Space Shuttle
Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display
and makes history with the first ever launch on Independence Day.



KSC-06PD-1436 (07/04/2006)
Crowds along the NASA Causeway are excited as Space Shuttle
Discovery makes a perfect launch, shooting into the blue sky with its own
Fourth of July fireworks. The launch made history as it was the first ever
launch on Independence Day. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT.
During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new
equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver
supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is
scheduled for July 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility.
Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger



KSC-06PD-1447 (07/04/2006)
Following the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 on
July 4, images from onboard cameras capture very small pieces of
external tank foam that were liberated during the ascent phase. Engineers
are continuing to conduct analysis of these and other photos.



KSC-06PD-1452 (07/04/2006)
Following the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 on
July 4, images from onboard cameras capture very small pieces of
external tank foam that were liberated during the ascent phase. Engineers
are continuing to conduct analysis of these and other photos.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Next Event

Docking to ISS:
Donnerstag, 6. Juli, 16:52 CEST (10:52 a.m. EDT)




STS-121 TV-Tipps


Phoenix

Größtes deutsches Fernsehprojekt zur Raumfahrt / Rund 100
Sendungen / Live-Berichte zu Shuttle-Start, Andockmanöver und
Raumspaziergang

Den längsten Aufenthalt eines deutschen Astronauten im All wird PHOENIX
so umfassend wie noch nie zuvor im deutschen Fernsehen begleiten und
dokumentieren. Wenn Thomas Reiter zu seinem siebenmonatigen
Aufenthalt an Bord der Internationalen Raumstation ISS startet, wird
PHOENIX mit Sondersendungen, Live-Berichten und in Regelsendungen
dabei sein - insgesamt in rund 100 Sendungen.

Von allen spektakulären aber auch von vielen alltäglichen Aktionen an
Bord der Discovery, der Raumstation ISS und von den geplanten
All-Spaziergängen des deutschen Astronauten wird der Bonner Ereignis-
und Dokumentationskanal berichten - und das so oft wie möglich live.
Immer montags, mittwochs und freitags von 22.45 Uhr bis 23.00 Uhr
sowie samstags in einer 30-minütigen Sondersendung von 21.45 Uhr bis
22.15 Uhr wird PHOENIX den Alltag und die Arbeit des deutschen
Astronauten und seiner beiden amerikanischen und russischen Kollegen
auf der ISS dokumentieren.


TV-Programm:

Phoenix ... Mi. 5. Juli .... 22:45 bis 23:00 Uhr
ALL-Tag - Die Thomas-Reiter-Mission

Phoenix ... Do. 6. Juli .... ca. 16:30 bis 17:00 Uhr
ALL-Tag - Die Thomas-Reiter-Mission (Andocken an der Raumstation, LIVE)





STS-121 Mission Status



WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2006
14:00 CEST (8 a.m. EDT)

Discovery's astronauts are awake and ready to begin their first full day in
space. Today the crew will focus on thermal protection system
inspections, preparing for docking to the International Space Station and
getting spacesuits ready for two and perhaps three spacewalks.

Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Mike
Fossum, Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, Piers Sellers and Thomas Reiter
got their wakeup call at 5:08 a.m. EDT, allowing them an extra 30 minutes
of sleep after their first day in space ran long. The wakeup song was "Lift
Every Voice and Sing" performed by the New Galveston Chorale.


17:30 CEST (11:30 a.m. EDT)

Inspections of the starboard wing of space shuttle Discovery using the
laser and camera package on the Orbiter Boom Sensor System were
performed this morning. The crew is now beginning inspections of the
ship's nose cap.


19:10 CEST (1:10 p.m. EDT)

The nose cap examinations are complete, and the astronauts have set up
the centerline camera in the docking port that will help commander Steve
Lindsey during approach to the space station tomorrow. Also, the docking
ring has been extended into position for capture with the station.

The inspection data has to be downlinked to the ground for analysis. So it
is too early for any conclusions about what has been observed.





STS-121 Wakeup Calls

Flight Day 2 (July 5)





STS-121 Video Gallery


July 4, 2006

STS-121 - WB-57 Airborne Launch Video Replay ... 5 MB


July 5, 2006

STS-121 - RMS - OBSS Survey of Discovery ... 5 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



July 4, 2006



KSC-06PD-1457 (07/04/2006)
The moment of ignition is captured in this photo of Space Shuttle
Discovery being launched on mission STS-121 from Launch Pad 39B.



KSC-06PD-1458 (07/04/2006)
Under clear blue skies, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission
STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch
attempt in four days.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Next Event

Docking to ISS:
Donnerstag, 6. Juli, 16:52 CEST (10:52 a.m. EDT)

LIVE auf NASA TV und im MSN-Chat! (sts_chris@yahoo.de)


Discovery/ISS: Gegenwärtige Position

Discovery/ISS: Zeiten für Himmelsbeobachtung





STS-121 Mission Status


WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2006

After a full day of image analysis and inspections, NASA engineers are
increasingly optimistic that major changes to the foam insulation on the
shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank worked as required to minimize the
release of potentially catastrophic debris during the ship's Fourth of July
climb to space.

If they're right, and if preliminary indications are confirmed during
continued observations and around-the-clock analysis, NASA will move a
major step closer to putting its painful post-Columbia return-to-flight effort
behind it, shifting the focus instead to resuming assembly of the
international space station.

"We have in hand all the data we're going to get from the external tank
and the performance was very good," said John Shannon, chairman of
NASA's Mission Management Team. "And we got some good data, too,
which was really important. We really want to be able to verify what kind
of redesigns we were doing."


20:55 CEST (2:55 p.m. EDT)

Discovery's astronauts have wrapped up the initial scans of the heatshield
using the 50-foot inspection boom. The final portion of those activities
today was the port wing leading edge. The boom is being returned to its
cradle in the payload bay. The shuttle's robot arm will examine the upper
surfaces of the orbiter via its camera as the day goes on.


22:40 CEST (4:40 p.m. EDT)

The Discovery astronauts carried out painstaking, inch-by-inch inspections
of the shuttle's carbon composite nose cap and wing leading edge panels
today, using a laser sensor on the end of a long boom to look for signs of
ascent impact damage. White markings thought to be bird droppings were
spotted at one point, and a few other whitish streaks were visible, but no
obvious signs of significant damage were seen in downlinked TV.





STS-121 Wakeup Calls

Flight Day 2 (July 5)
Flight Day 3 (July 6)





STS-121 Video Gallery


July 5, 2006

STS-121 - Mission Status Briefing Day 2 ... 19.7 MB

STS-121 - Post-MMT Briefing Day 2 ... 31.4 MB

STS-121 - Flight Day 2 Highlights ... 16.4 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Cape Canaveral

For high resolution and more images go to KSC Multimedia Gallery
(Search for "STS-121", "Discovery" or the image number)



July 4, 2006



KSC-06PP-1459 (07/04/2006)
With rockets glaring behind it and hugging the orange external tank,
Space Shuttle Discovery leaps into the clear blue sky on mission STS-121.



KSC-06PP-1460 (07/04/2006)
Making history with the first-ever launch on Independence Day, Space
Shuttle Discovery rockets into the blue sky on mission STS-121, trailing
fiery exhaust and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles.



KSC-06PP-1461 (07/04/2006)
The moment of ign



KSC-06PP-1462 (07/04/2006)
Space Shuttle Discovery rockets off the mobile launcher platform on
Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-121. Despite the billowing clouds of
smoke and steam, the tail masts can still be seen. To the left is the White
Room at the end of the orbiter access arm, which is moved away from the
orbiter 7 minutes, 24 seconds before launch.



KSC-06PP-1463 (07/04/2006)
Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 lifts off Launch Pad 39B
beneath it with a fiery blaze from the solid rocket boosters. In the
background, clouds build over the Atlantic Ocean.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Next Event

MPLM Installation:
Freitag, 7. Juli, 11:48 CEST (05:48 a.m. EDT)


Discovery/ISS: Gegenwärtige Position



STS-121 Mission Status


THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2006
16:52 CEST (10:52 a.m. EDT)

CONTACT AND CAPTURE! Discovery has arrived to the International
Space Station, docking with the outpost to deliver fresh supplies,
equipment and a third member for the resident crew.

The relative motions of the shuttle and station will be allowed to damp out
over the next few minutes by the spring-loaded docking system. Later,
the hooks and latches will be closed to firmly join the two craft and
Discovery's Orbiter Docking System docking ring will be retracted to form
a tight seal.

The opening of hatches between the station and shuttle is expected in
about two hours. That will be followed by a welcoming ceremony and
safety briefing.


16:53 CEST (10:53 a.m. EDT)

Docking occurred right on time over the South Pacific west of Chile.


17:14 CEST (11:14 a.m. EDT)

The docking ring between the two craft has been retracted into
Discovery's Orbiter Docking System, pulling the station to a tight mating.
And now the hooks and latches have driven shut to firmly connect the two
spacecraft.

Pressure and leak checks will be performed by the crews before the
hatchway is opened.


18:30 CEST (12:30 p.m. EDT)

HATCHWAY OPENED! Expedition 13 crewmembers Pavel Vinogradov and
Jeff Williams are welcoming the seven Discovery astronauts aboard the
International Space Station, their first visitors in three months of living
aboard the outpost.

The crew members are together and beginning their busy timeline of joint
work. After an initial welcoming ceremony, station commander
Vinogradov will give a safety briefing. Then German astronaut Thomas
Reiter will transfer his seatliner to the Russian Soyuz spacecraft docked to
the station to signify the official transfer from the shuttle crew to the
station Expedition 13 long-duration crew.


19:40 CEST (1:40 p.m. EDT)

With commander Steve Lindsey at the controls, the shuttle Discovery
glided to a smooth, picture-perfect docking with the international space
station today as the two spacecraft sailed high above the South Pacific
Ocean.





STS-121 Wakeup Calls

Flight Day 2 (July 5)
Flight Day 3 (July 6)





STS-121 Video Gallery


July 6, 2006

STS-121 - Discovery Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver ... 8.9 MB

STS-121 - Discovery-ISS Docking ... 5.5 MB

STS-121 - Discovery-ISS Crew Hatch Opening and Handshake ... 8.8 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


July 4, 2006



S121-E-05011 (4 July 2006)
This picture of the STS-121 external tank was taken with a digital still
camera by an astronaut only seconds after separation from the Space
Shuttle Discovery on launch day. Engineers, managers and flight
controllers have carefully studied this image and other frames from this
series as well as a number of pictures showing the falling ET as
photographed from umbilical well cameras.



S121-E-05155 (4 July 2006)
This picture of the STS-121 external tank was photographed by a camera
positioned in Discovery's umbilical well seconds after separation from the
Space Shuttle Discovery on launch day. Engineers, managers and flight
controllers have carefully studied this image and other frames from this
series as well as a number of pictures showing the falling ET as
photographed by a handheld digital still camera in the shuttle's crew
cabin.



S121-E-05138 (4 July 2006)
This ice, floating freely several yards from Discovery, is believed to have
come from the orbiter's main engine nozzles and was photographed by
the STS-121 crew shortly after the spacecraft reached orbit on July 4. The
presence of similar ice has been seen on previous missions and is a
normal occurrence.



July 5, 2006



S121-E-05198 (5 July 2006)
Astronaut Piers J. Sellers, STS-121 mission specialist, smiles for the
camera as a crewmate photographs him on the middeck of the Space
Shuttle Discovery. This was among the first group of digital still images
showing the crewmembers onboard during their first full day in space.



S121-E-05202 (5 July 2006)
Astronaut Michael E. Fossum, STS-121 mission specialist, poses for a
photo on the middeck of the Space Shuttle Discovery. This was among the
first group of digital still images showing the crewmembers onboard
during their first full day in space.



S121-E-05206 (5 July 2006)
Astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson, STS-121 mission specialist, holds a drink
container and a procedures checklist on the middeck of the Space Shuttle
Discovery. This was among the first group of digital still images showing
the crewmembers onboard during their first full day in space.



S121-E-05215 (5 July 2006)
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter of Germany
floats on the middeck of the Space Shuttle Discovery. This was among the
first group of digital still images showing the crewmembers onboard
during their first full day in space.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121 Next Event

EVA 1:
Samstag, 8. Juli, 15:13 CEST (09:13 a.m. EDT)


Discovery/ISS: Gegenwärtige Position



STS-121 Mission Status


THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2006

Preliminary assessment of the shuttle Discovery's heat shield after a
dramatic end-over-end flip Thursday while approaching the international
space station shows no signs of appreciable damage to the ship's fragile
heat shield tiles from debris impacts during launch, officials said.


FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2006
12:15 CEST (6:15 a.m. EDT)

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with supplies and equipment is
being lifted out of space shuttle Discovery's payload bay this morning for
attachment to the International Space Station's Unity connecting node.
The module, named Leonardo, is being moved using the station's
Canadian-made robot arm. Mission Control announced at 5:42 a.m.
(11:42 CEST) that the arm had grappled Leonardo and then confirmed the
module was in motion at 6:12 a.m. (12:12 CEST).

Here is some background on the module from the STS-121 press kit:

Leonardo, built by the Italian Space Agency, is the first of three such
pressurized modules that serve as the station's "moving vans," carrying
laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies to and
from the ISS aboard the space shuttle.

Construction of the Leonardo module was the responsibility of Altec in
Turin, Italy, which is a subsidiary of Alenia Aerospazio. Leonardo was
delivered to Kennedy Space Center from Italy in August 1998 by a special
Beluga cargo aircraft. The cylindrical module is about 6.4 meters (21 feet)
long and 4.6 meters (15 feet) in diameter. It weighs about 9,500 pounds
(almost 4.5 metric tons). It can carry up to 10 metric tons of cargo
packed into 16 standard space station equipment racks.

Although built in Italy, Leonardo and two additional MPLMs are owned by
the U.S. They were provided in exchange for Italian access to U.S.
research time on the station. The unpiloted, reusable logistics module
functions as a cargo carrier and a space station module when it is flown.
To function as an attached station module as well as cargo transport,
Leonardo contains components that provide some life support, fire
detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions.
Eventually, the modules might also carry refrigerator freezers for
transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station.

Leonardo first flew to the space station aboard Discovery on
STS-102/5A.1 in March 2001. It flew again aboard Discovery on
STS-105/7A.1 in August 2001 and aboard Endeavour on STS-111/UF2 in
June 2002. Aboard Discovery, STS-121 will be its fourth flight.





STS-121 Wakeup Calls

Flight Day 2 (July 5)
Flight Day 3 (July 6)





STS-121 Video Gallery


July 6, 2006

STS-121 - Post-MMT Briefing Day 3 ... 30 MB

STS-121 - Flight Day 3 Highlights ... 38.5 MB

STS-121 - Mission Status Briefing Day 3 ... 25.2 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





STS-121 Image Gallery


Auf zwei der folgenden Fotos ist ein Füllstreifen zu sehen, der
zwischen den Hitzeschutzkacheln hervorsteht. Schaut doch mal nach, ob
ihr ihn findet.

Alle Links sind jetzt zu hochauflösenden Fotos verlinkt.


July 6, 2006



ISS013-E-47311 (6 July 2006)
The topside of Discovery's crew cabin is visible in this high angle scene
photographed by one of the Expedition 13 crewmembers onboard the
International Space Station during the RPM survey prior to docking of the
two spacecraft.



ISS013-E-47344 (6 July 2006)
The nozzles for Discovery's three main engines are visible in this close-up
image photographed by one of the Expedition 13 crewmembers onboard
the International Space Station during the RPM survey prior to docking of
the two spacecraft.



ISS013-E-47414 (6 July 2006)
A number of thermal tiles on the underside of Discovery are seen in this
close-up image photographed by one of the Expedition 13 crewmembers
onboard the International Space Station during the RPM survey prior to
docking of the two spacecraft.



ISS013-E-47433 (6 July 2006)
A number of thermal tiles on the aft of the underside of Discovery are
visible in this close-up image photographed by one of the Expedition 13
crewmembers onboard the International Space Station during RPM survey
prior to docking of the two spacecraft.



ISS013-E-47481 (6 July 2006)
A nadir view of Discovery's crew cabin as photographed by one of the
Expedition 13 crewmembers onboard the International Space Station
during the RPM survey prior to docking of the two spacecraft.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121

Next Event

EVA 1:
Samstag, 8. Juli, 15:13 CEST (09:13 a.m. EDT)


Discovery/ISS: Gegenwärtige Position



Mission Status


FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2006
14:15 CEST (8:15 a.m. EDT)

The Leonardo module has been mounted to the space station. Crews will
been opening the hatchway and entering the module through the Unity
node later today.


15:30 CEST (9:30 a.m. EDT)

Astronauts aboard the international space station, operating the lab's
Canadian-built robot arm, gently plucked a 10-ton cargo module from the
shuttle Discovery's payload bay today for attachment to the international
space station.


17:55 CEST (11:55 a.m. EDT)

Pilot Mark Kelly, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson are gearing up carry
out so-called focused inspections of Discovery's heat shield to double
check several areas of interest that were noticed during earlier
inspections.


20:55 CEST (2:55 p.m. EDT)

The astronauts opened the hatchway into the Leonardo cargo module at
2:55 p.m. (20:55 CEST), kicking off days of unloading chores. Meanwhile,
some of the crew is busy conducting the focused inspections on the nose,
wing edges and tile gap fillers of Discovery.


22:00 CEST (4:00 p.m. EDT)

With a one-day mission extension considered a done deal, the Discovery
astronauts are using a high-resolution camera to inspect a half-dozen
areas of the shuttle's heat shield for signs of damage during launch
Tuesday. Engineers at the Johnson Space Center, meanwhile, are starting
to think about whether the astronauts might need to remove one or two
protruding gap fillers during a third spacewalk expected to be added to
the mission now that engineers know Discovery will have enough power to
support the extra day in orbit.





Wake-up Calls

Flight Day 2 (July 5)
'Lift Every Voice and Sing' by the New Galveston Chorale played for
Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson.

Flight Day 3 (July 6)
'Daniel' by Elton John played for Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter.

Flight Day 4 (July 7)
'Good Day Sunshine' by the Beatles played for Mission Specialist
Lisa Nowak.





Video Gallery


July 7, 2006

STS-121 - MPLM Installation on Unity ... 11.5 MB

STS-121 - Mission Status Briefing Day 4 ... 42.5 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





Image Gallery


July 6, 2006



ISS013-E-47485 (6 July 2006)
The starboard wing of the Space Shuttle Discovery was one small section
of the orbiter that was photographed by the Expedition 13 crew aboard
the International Space Station during the July 6 RPM survey sequence.



S121-E-05286 (6 July 2006)
Backdropped against the blackness of space, the International Space
Station approaches the Space Shuttle Discovery, from which this digital
still image was recorded during rendezvous and docking activities on flight
day three.



S121-E-05287 (6 July 2006)
The International Space Station approaches the Space Shuttle Discovery,
from which this digital still image was recorded during rendezvous and
docking activities on flight day three.



S121-E-05352 (6 July 2006)
Solar arrays and a couple of Russian spacecraft docked to the
International Space Station appear very near in this digital photograph,
recorded by one of the STS-121 crewmembers onboard the Space Shuttle
Discovery prior to the docking of shuttle to the orbital outpost. A Progress
vehicle is near center and another is docked to the Zvezda service
module in the background.



S121-E-05532 (6 July 2006)
Astronaut Lisa M. Nowak logs data while temporarily occupying the
commander's station on the flight deck of Discovery. The mission
specialist and six crewmates were in the midst of one of their busiest days
in space.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[STS-Chris]

STS-121

Next Events

Joint Crew News Conference:
Sonntag, 9. Juli, 17:48 CEST (11:48 a.m. EDT)

EVA 2:
Montag, 10. Juli, 14:13 CEST (08:13 a.m. EDT)


Discovery/ISS: Gegenwärtige Position



Mission Status

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2006

With the Discovery astronauts chalking up a surprisingly successful
spacewalk, NASA's Mission Management Team today cleared the shuttle's
critical nose cap and wing leading edge panels for re-entry and expressed
optimism two final question marks about the ship's heat shield will be
resolved Sunday.





NASA TV Schedule

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2006 (FLIGHT DAY 6)

Event ............................................. EDT ............. CEST

Joint Crew News Conference ............ 11:48 a.m. ... 17:48
Mission Status Briefing ..................... 01:00 p.m. ... 19:00
EVA 2 Procedure Review .................. 02:08 p.m. ... 20:08
Joint Crew News Conference
(Replay with translation) .................. 02:30 p.m. ... 20:30
Post-MMT Briefing ............................ 05:00 p.m. ... 23:00
Discovery/ISS Crew Sleep begins ..... 06:08 p.m. ... 00:08
Flight Day 6 Highlights ..................... 07:00 p.m. ... 01:00
Post-MMT Briefing (Replay) .............. 08:00 p.m. ... 02:00


MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006 (FLIGHT DAY 7)

Event ............................................. EDT ............. CEST

Discovery Crew Wake-up ................ 02:08 a.m. ... 08:08
ISS Crew Wake-up ......................... 02:38 a.m. ... 08:38
EVA 2 Preparations begin ................ 03:23 a.m. ... 09:23
EVA 2 begins .................................. 08:13 a.m. ... 14:13
EVA 2 ends ..................................... 02:43 p.m. ... 20:43
Mission Status Briefing ..................... 03:30 p.m. ... 21:30
Post-MMT Briefing ............................ 05:00 p.m. ... 23:00
Video File ........................................ 06:00 p.m. ... 00:00
Discovery/ISS Crew Sleep begins ..... 06:08 p.m. ... 00:08
Flight Day 7 Highlights ..................... 07:00 p.m. ... 01:00
Post-MMT Briefing (Replay) .............. 08:00 p.m. ... 02:00





Wake-up Calls

Flight Day 2 (July 5)
'Lift Every Voice and Sing' by the New Galveston Chorale played for
Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson.

Flight Day 3 (July 6)
'Daniel' by Elton John played for Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter.

Flight Day 4 (July 7)
'Good Day Sunshine' by the Beatles played for Mission Specialist
Lisa Nowak.

Flight Day 5 (July 8 )
'God of Wonders' by Mark Byrd and Steve Hindalong played for Mission
Specialist Mike Fossum.

Flight Day 6 (July 9)
'I Had a Dream' by ABBA for Shuttle Pilot Mark Kelly.





Video Gallery

July 4, 2006

! HOT TIP !
STS-121 - Booster Separation as viewed from a camera on a SRB
(stunning shots of Discovery climbing uphill to orbit!) ... 4.5 MB Quicktime movie


July 7, 2006

1. STS-121 - MPLM Installation on Unity ... 11.5 MB

2. STS-121 - Mission Status Briefing Day 4 ... 42.5 MB

3. STS-121 - Post-MMT Briefing Day 4 ... 42.2 MB

4. STS-121 - Flight Day 4 Highlights ... 47.9 MB


July 8, 2006

1. STS-121 - EVA 1 ... 470 MB

2. STS-121 - Mission Status and Post-MMT Briefing Day 5 ... 46.1 MB

3. STS-121 - Flight Day 5 (EVA 1) Highlights ... 40.5 MB


Quelle: space-multimedia.nl.eu.org / NASA





Image Gallery

July 6, 2006


ISS013-E-48767 (6 July 2006)
The Space Shuttle Discovery flies a short distance from the International
Space Station for docking but before the link-up occurred, the orbiter
"posed" for a thorough series of inspection photos. Leonardo Multipurpose
Logistics Module can be seen in the shuttle's cargo bay. Discovery docked
at the station's Pressurized Mating Adapter 2 at 9:52 a.m. CDT,
July 6, 2006.



ISS013-E-48783 (6 July 2006)
The Space Shuttle Discovery flies near the International Space Station for
docking but before the link-up occurred, the orbiter "posed" for a
thorough series of inspection photos. Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics
Module can be seen in the shuttle's cargo bay.



ISS013-E-48788 (6 July 2006)
The Space Shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station
for docking but before the link-up occurred, the orbiter "posed" for a
thorough series of inspection photos. Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics
Module can be seen in the shuttle's cargo bay.



ISS013-E-48869 (6 July 2006)
Astronauts Stephanie D. Wilson (left) and Lisa M. Nowak, both missions
for STS-121, check out camera gear during their personal inaugural space
flights and during their first day onboard the International Space Station.



ISS013-E-48665 (6 July 2006)
European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter (left) and astronaut
Steven W. Lindsey work in the Quest airlock aboard the International
Space Station during their first day on the orbital outpost. Lindsey,
STS-121 commander, will spend a little over a week there, and Reiter is
scheduled for a six month stay. Astronaut Piers J. Sellers' extravehicular
mobility unit space suit for the scheduled July 8 space walk is in the
background.


Quelle: nasa.gov



NASA TV
Wikipedia: STS-121

[EREIGNISHORIZONT]

Die gerade erfolgte Pressekonferenz mit der STS-121 Crew und der ISS Crew war interessant.
Erstaunlich, dass die europäischen Medien so viel Raum bekommen haben. Laut Vorankündigung der Sprecherin bei Nasa-TV sollten es nur 15 Minuten für die ESA sein. Aber das war mit Sicherheit fast eine halbe Stunde.
Eigentlich waren es ausschließlich deutsche Medien, die Fragen gestellt haben und Thomas Reiter hatte viel zu antworten.
Eine komische Frage kam von einem Reporter der Bundeswehr. Er fragte, ob denn auch Experimente mit militärischem Hintergrund gemacht werden. Naturgemäß wies Reiter auf den friedlichen Aspekt der ISS-Forschung hin. Allerdings, was soll er denn sonst auch antworten? Es würde sicherlich nicht publik gemacht werden, wenn es solche Experimente gäbe.
Eine ziemlich merkwürdige Frage, und dann halt auch noch von der BW.

Das er dann allerdings nach Abschluss seinen Allerwertesten in die Kamera hielt, bleibt mir ein Mysterium! Wer weiss, vielleicht ein geheimes Experiment oder Zeichen?