Today, March 28, 2009, 59 minutes ago
Excitement and a sense of accomplishment was evident among the Discovery crew members as they spoke with the media after landing today.
Commander Lee Archambault introduced five of the seven members of the STS-119 mission crew. Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus remained at crew quarters accompanied by Richard Arnold.
Archambault described the demanding mission that included three spacewalks to install the S6 truss increasing the electrical capability of the station, and how well space shuttle Discovery handled throughout the mission.
"It was an exciting mission … and we're very happy to be back at the Kennedy Space Center," Archambault said.
Archambault also mentioned the call from President Barack Obama and how honored the crew at the station was to speak with him and answer his questions.
Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba said he was amazed at the views from the space station.
"It was kind of surreal to look out the window and see your two buddies out there that you've been training with for a long time and see them out there…it was a special moment," said Acaba.
As Pilot Tony Antonelli maneuvered Discovery away from the station other crew members snapped some amazing shots of the orbiting outpost that they said will stay with them for a long time.
"We worked a long time training for this mission and I was so proud to be a part of it," said Mission Specialist Steve Swanson.
The crew is expected fly back to Houston's Ellington Field Sunday. After arrival they'll be honored with a homecoming celebration for the successful STS-119 mission.
NASA Managers Praise the STS-119 Mission and Crew
Today, March 28, 2009, 2 hours ago
NASA officials congratulated the entire mission team for an extraordinary effort put forth for the successful launch of Discovery and achievements of the STS-119 mission.
NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier expressed his appreciation to the international teams working together to accomplish a very ambitious mission integrating hardware made in different countries that work together."It really took all the countries working together to pull this off," Gerstenmaier said. "I also can't say enough about the people that work on the shuttle," referring to the enormous effort to prepare the shuttle and resolve the issues that delayed the launch.
NASA Space Shuttle Program Deputy Manager LeRoy Cain remarked how extremely well the teams worked together on a very complex mission. "I think we left the station in a configuration we can all be very proud of. It's an amazing team that makes these missions happen," said Cain. "There isn't anything that this team can't accomplish."
NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach congratulated the team for how well Discovery performed. "It's good to have Discovery home, it looks great," said Leinbach. "The crew was ecstatic about how it performed on orbit, and we're ready to get on with the next one."
Leinbach was referring to the next two space shuttles being prepared: Atlantis for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing mission and Endeavour's STS-127 mission to the International Space Station.
Discovery Waits for a Tow
Today, March 28, 2009, 4 hours ago
While space shuttle Discovery waits to be towed to its orbiter processing facility, the STS-119 crew members climbed into NASA's silver Astrovan for a short trip back to Kennedy Space Center's crew quarters. There, they'll receive a thorough medical checkup and reunite with their families.
The crew is expected fly back to Houston's Ellington Field, departing Kennedy about 5 p.m. on Sunday. After arrival they'll be honored with a homecoming celebration for the successful STS-119 mission.
A post-landing news conference is set for no earlier than 5:30 p.m. EDT and will air live on NASA Television. The participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, LeRoy Cain and Mike Leinbach.
Spacecraft Walkabout
Today, March 28, 2009, 4 hours ago
The STS-119 astronauts walked around and beneath space shuttle Discovery, taking a last look at the spacecraft that served them well in orbit and brought them safely home to Kennedy Space Center in Florida this afternoon.
Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus also returned to Earth today with the STS-119 crew. Magnus spent 129 days aboard the International Space Station as flight engineer for Expedition 18. Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata took her place on the orbiting laboratory and will return to Earth with the STS-127 crew.
A post-landing news conference is set for no earlier than 5:30 p.m. EDT and will air live on NASA Television. The participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, LeRoy Cain and Mike Leinbach.
Welcome Home!
Today, March 28, 2009, 5 hours ago
NASA officials and Kennedy Space Center employees, are preparing to greet Commander Lee Archambault and his STS-119 crew as they exit the crew transport vehicle, or CTV.
A post-landing news conference is set for no earlier than 5:30 p.m. EDT and will air live on NASA Television. The participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, LeRoy Cain and Mike Leinbach.
Crew Transport Vehicle on the Scene
Today, March 28, 2009, 5 hours ago
Following purge and cooling system connections, the crew transport vehicle, or CTV, will move into position alongside the orbiter access hatch on space shuttle Discovery's port, or left, side.
When the crew hatch is opened, the astronauts will exit the orbiter and enter the CTV, which contains beds and comfortable seats for a physician to conduct a brief preliminary examination of the STS-119 astronauts.
The post-landing news conference is set for approximately 5 p.m. EDT and will air live on NASA Television. The participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, LeRoy Cain and Mike Leinbach.
Recovery Convoy Arrives
Today, March 28, 2009, 6 hours ago
The recovery operations convoy arrived at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida.
When the space shuttle is considered safe from all potential hazards and free of toxic gases, the purge and coolant umbilical access vehicle will move into position at the rear of the orbiter.
Astronauts Removed Flight Suits
Today, March 28, 2009, 6 hours ago
Inside space shuttle Discovery, the astronauts were given permission by Mission Control to take off their orange pressure suits.
After the final steps in "safing" the vehicle are complete, which usually takes about 45 minutes, the STS-119 crew will exit the orbiter.
Going Through the Safety Checklist
Today, March 28, 2009, 6 hours ago
It's been just a few minutes since space shuttle Discovery and its STS-119 crew touched down at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida.
Work to safely shut down Discovery's systems continues. Crew members are going through a detailed checklist and preparing to deplane the orbiter.
A landing convoy will assemble around the vehicle to work on exterior "safing" procedures.
Space Shuttle Discovery Returns Home
Today, March 28, 2009, 6 hours ago
Space shuttle Discovery rolled to a stop at Kennedy Space Center, completing its 13-day journey of more than 5.3 million miles in space.
The post-landing news conference is set for approximately 5:15 p.m. EDT and will air live on NASA Television. The participants are Bill Gerstenmaier, LeRoy Cain and Mike Leinbach. The crew's return to Houston's Ellington Field is expected about 5 p.m. Sunday.
STS-119 was the 125th space shuttle mission, the 36th flight for Discovery and the 28th shuttle visit to the station.
Discovery is "Go" for Second Landing Opportunity
Today, March 28, 2009, 7 hours ago
Mission Control has given space shuttle Discovery a "go" for the deorbit burn. The burn lasts three to four minutes, slowing Discovery enough to begin its descent. The deorbit burn will occur at 2:08 p.m. EDT, leading to a 3:14 p.m. landing at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Weather For Second Landing Opportunity Favorable
Today, March 28, 2009, 8 hours ago
The weather is looking more favorable for the 2nd landing attempt at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew has been given the "go" to begin drinking fluids that will help them readapt to gravity.
Weather "No Go" for First Landing Opportunity
Today, March 28, 2009, 9 hours ago
The weather forecast is "no go" today for the first landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The next Kennedy landing opportunity is at 3:14 p.m. EDT, with a deorbit burn of 2:08 p.m.
Today, March 28, 2009, 13 minutes ago
The payload bay doors on space shuttle Discovery were closed a little after 10 a.m. EDT and the shuttle’s astronauts are in the process of deactivating Discovery's navigational star trackers and closing the associated doors on the ship's nose. NASA astronaut Brent Jett has just taken off from Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in a Shuttle Training Aircraft for weather reconnaissance. Weather officers are looking at whether headwinds may exceed our 28 mph rule for landing.
Astronauts Prepare for Landing
Today, March 28, 2009, 2 hours ago
Discovery’s crew of seven is preparing for a 1:39 p.m. EDT landing today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The crew was awakened this morning at 5:13 a.m. to the song “I Have a Dream” performed by ABBA. The song was played for Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus.
Flight controllers reported to the space shuttle crew that weather conditions are forecast to be acceptable for their return home and that they could begin deorbit preparations. Discovery will fire its engines at 12:33 p.m. to begin the descent to Florida on a northeasterly track that will cross over Central America and Cuba.
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:17:39 GMT
The astronauts on space shuttle Discovery are preparing to spend what is planned to be their final night in orbit, with wake up set for 5:13 a.m. EDT Saturday to ready for a 1:39 p.m. landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Weather conditions are forecast to be acceptable for the shuttle's return home to Florida.
Discovery's crew will go to sleep at 9:13 p.m. Following wake up on Saturday, they will begin deorbit preparations at 8:33 a.m. Discovery will fire its engines at 12:33 p.m. to begin the descent to Florida. A second opportunity is available if needed for Discovery to land at Kennedy on Saturday, beginning with a deorbit burn engine firing at 2:08 p.m. leading to a 3:14 p.m. touchdown.
Astronauts Prep Shuttle for Saturday Landing
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:49:09 GMT
The crew’s wakeup song, "Bright Side of the Road" by Van Morrison, was played at 5:13 a.m. EDT for Mission Specialist Richard Arnold.
The STS-119 crew is scheduled to stow items in the crew cabin this morning and complete a check out Discovery’s flight control surfaces. These surfaces will guide the orbiter’s unpowered flight through the atmosphere to a landing.
Landing is scheduled for 1:39 p.m. Saturday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a second opportunity one orbit later at 3:14 p.m.
Crew Inspects Shuttle, Prepares for Saturday Landing
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:02:21 GMT
The STS-119 crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 9:13 p.m. EDT and awaken tomorrow at 5:13 a.m. to begin deorbit preparations, including cabin stowage and check out of the flight control surfaces. Those surfaces will guide the orbiter’s unpowered flight through the atmosphere to a landing.
Earlier today, Pilot Tony Antonelli used the shuttle's robotic arm to grapple the Orbiter Boom Sensor System enabling the cameras and laser sensors to scan Discovery for signs of damage from orbital debris. The five-hour inspection included the nose cap and wing leading edges.
Imagery experts will review the data and report their assessment to the Mission Management Team tomorrow to formally clear the orbiter for re-entry. Landing is scheduled for 1:39 p.m. Saturday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a second opportunity one orbit later at 3:14 p.m.
Late Inspection Underway
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:37:36 GMT
Space shuttle Discovery's crew is continuing to perform the late inspection of the shuttle's heat shield. The operation should conclude later this afternoon and the Orbiter Boom Sensor System reberthed in Discovery's payload bay at about 3:43 p.m. EDT. Today's mission status briefing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Landing time is now 1:38 p.m. EDT on Saturday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, 5 minutes earlier than previously calculated.
Inspections Today for Discovery Crew
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:11:05 GMT
The crew was awakened at 6:13 a.m. EDT today with the song “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, played for Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba. Within a few hours he and Pilot Tony Antonelli will use the shuttle's robotic arm to grapple the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) to kick off today’s inspection.
Starting with the reinforced carbon-carbon panels that line the leading edge of the shuttle’s starboard wing, the crew will guide the OBSS so its cameras and laser sensors can examine the orbiter for signs of damage from orbital debris. The inspection moves from the starboard wing, to the nose cap, to the port wing. The OBSS should be returned to its berth on the starboard sill of the payload bay starting at 3:43 p.m.
Discovery Crew Undocks, Starts Journey Home
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:24:03 GMT
Space shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station at 3:53 p.m. EDT Wednesday. At 5:09 p.m., the first of two separation burns was performed to move Discovery away from the station to start the journey home. The final separation burn occurred at 5:37 p.m.
The STS-119 crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 10:13 p.m. EDT. They will wake at 6:13 a.m. Thursday and perform a late inspection of Discovery’s thermal protection system using the shuttle robotic arm and the Orbital Boom Sensor System around 10:28 a.m.
Discovery's first landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., will be Saturday at 1:43 p.m.
Shuttle Discovery Undocks From Station
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:00:59 GMT
Space shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station at 3:53 p.m. EDT. The shuttle spent 9 days, 20 hours and 10 minutes docked to the station. Sandy Magnus spent 129 days at the station and 134 days in space.
After completing a fly around of the space station, shuttle Discovery will perform a maneuver to separate from the station.
Today's mission status briefing is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Hatches Officially Closed
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:12:58 GMT
Crew members from space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station have closed their respective hatches at 1:59 p.m. EDT, ending the joint portion of the STS-119 mission.
The astronauts will now do a series of leak checks.
Undocking from the space station is scheduled for later this afternoon.
Crews Gather For Hatch Closing Ceremony
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:00:37 GMT
The 10 crew members of STS-119 and Expedition 18 have gathered in the Harmony module for a farewell ceremony before shuttle Commander Lee Archambault leads his crew back into Discovery. He and station Commander Mike Fincke will close the hatches between their two vehicles.
Crews Prepare for Undocking, Talk to President
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:15:35 GMT
The International Space Station crew goes to sleep at 9:43 p.m. EDT Tuesday followed by the space shuttle Discovery crew at 10:13 p.m. Wake up comes at 5:13 a.m. Wednesday to start the final hours of the joint mission. Discovery is set undock from the station at 3:53 p.m. after the crew bids farewell to its temporary home and the Expedition 18 crew, leaving behind Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata and bringing home Sandy Magnus after four months aboard the station.
All the crew members aboard Discovery and the space station gathered in the station's Harmony module Tuesday morning and spoke to the President of the United States, members of Congress and students. The president was joined in the White House's Roosevelt Room by Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Bill Nelson, along with Reps. Gabrielle Giffords, Bart Gordon, Parker Griffith, Suzanne Kosmas and Alan Mollohan. The schoolchildren were from the Boys and Girls Club of Washington, D.C., Southeast Elementary Academy of Washington, the Louise Archer Elementary School and Thoreau Middle School in Virginia, and the Parkland Magnet Middle School for Aerospace Engineering in Maryland.
Crews Speak to U.S. President and Reporters
Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:58:26 GMT
All the crew members aboard space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station gathered in the station's Harmony module Tuesday morning and spoke to the President of the United States, members of Congress and students. The president was joined in the White House's Roosevelt Room by Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Bill Nelson, along with Reps. Gabrielle Giffords, Bart Gordon, Parker Griffith, Suzanne Kosmas and Alan Mollohan. The schoolchildren were from the Boys and Girls Club of Washington, D.C., Southeast Elementary Academy of Washington, the Louise Archer Elementary School and Thoreau Middle School in Virginia, and the Parkland Magnet Middle School for Aerospace Engineering in Maryland. The call will air again on NASA Television at 6 p.m. EDT.
The shuttle and station crews fielded questions from reporters during a 1:05 p.m. joint crew news conference. At 3 p.m. NASA Television played views of Discovery's launch from cameras mounted on the Solid Rocket Boosters.
U.S. President Speaks to Shuttle and Station Crew Members
Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:20:19 GMT
All the crew members aboard space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station gathered in the station's Harmony module Tuesday morning and spoke to the President of the United States, members of Congress and students.
Later today they will field questions from reporters during a 1:05 p.m. joint crew news conference. At 3 p.m. NASA Television will play views of Discovery's launch from cameras mounted on the Solid Rocket Boosters.
Crews to Speak to U.S. President
Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:19:05 GMT
All the astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station will gather in the station's Harmony module at 9:49 a.m. EDT to speak to the President of the United States.
Later today they will field questions from reporters during a 1:05 p.m. joint crew news conference. At 3 p.m. NASA Television will play views of Discovery's launch from cameras mounted on the Solid Rocket Boosters.
Crews Prepare for Joint Crew News Conference
Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:26:07 GMT
Today's wakeup music was "Andrew's Song" played at 6:15 a.m. EDT for Discovery astronaut John Phillips by his daughter's band Treestump.
Astronauts aboard Discovery and the space station will participate in a televised downlink event at 9:49 a.m. and a joint crew news conference at 1:05 p.m. and enjoy some off duty time in the afternoon. At 3 p.m. NASA Television will play views of Discovery's launch from cameras mounted on the Solid Rocket Boosters.
Astronauts Wrap Up Third Spacewalk
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:13:47 GMT
Astronauts Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold ended the mission's third spacewalk at 6:04 p.m. EDT. They helped robotic arm operators relocate the Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) cart from the Port 1 to Starboard 1 truss segment, installed a new coupler on the CETA cart, lubricated snares on the "B" end of the space station's robotic arm and performed a few "get ahead" tasks.
They were unable to deploy the Port 3 unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system (UCCAS) and tied it safely in place while engineers evaluate the problem. Because the issue is not yet understood, Mission Control cancelled the installation of a similar payload attachment system on the starboard side.
Today's spacewalk lasted six hours, 27 minutes. It was the second spacewalk for both Acaba and Arnold and the 123rd spacewalk in support of station assembly and maintenance, totaling 775 hours. The three STS-119 spacewalks totaled 19 hours, 4 minutes. Steve Swanson has performed four spacewalks totaling 26 hours, 22 minutes. Acaba has two spacewalks totaling 12 hours, 57 minutes. Arnold has two spacewalks totaling 12 hours, 34 minutes.
NASA Television will carry a news briefing at 7 p.m. with STS-119 Lead Space Station Flight Director Kwatsi Alibaruho and STS-119 Lead Extravehicular Activity Officer Glenda Laws-Brown.
Spacewalkers Secure Cargo Carrier
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:17:11 GMT
Spacewalkers Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold have secured the Unpressurized Cargo Carrier Attachment System (UCCAS) in place and are preparing for their next tasks. Acaba will install a new coupler on the Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) cart and Arnold will lubricate the snares on the "B" end of the space station's robotic arm. Lubrication will help keep the snares in their grooves and ensure proper operation of the system. The "A" end was lubricated on STS-126 in November 2008.
Spacewalkers Unable to Fully Deploy Cargo Carrier
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:35:49 GMT
Spacewalkers Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold have been unable to fully deploy the Port 3 unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system (UCCAS). This is the system that Acaba and Steve Swanson previously attempted to deploy during Saturday's second spacewalk. Mission Control has advised the spacewalkers to cease deployment attempts and secure the UCCAS in place using long-duration tethers. This will protect the hardware until another attempt can be made sometime in the future.
Because the problem is not yet understood, Mission Control cancelled Acaba and Arnold's installation of a similar payload attachment system on the starboard side.
CETA Cart Move Complete
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:19:16 GMT
Robotic arm operators John Phillips and Koichi Wakata, guided by spacewalker Joseph Acaba, moved the Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) cart from the Port 1 truss segment to the Starboard 1 segment. Acaba and fellow spacewalker Richard Arnold will latch the cart to its new location.
Arnold and Acaba Participating in Mission's Third Spacewalk
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:38:40 GMT
Astronauts Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold began the last of three STS-119 spacewalks at 11:37 a.m. EDT when they switched their spacesuits to internal battery power. After they exit the hatch, they will move a cart along the rails of the station's truss from the Port 1 segment to Starboard 1, attempt again to deploy the problematic Port 3 unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system (UCCAS), install a similar payload attachment system on the starboard side, lubricate the space station arm's end effector snare and reconfigure some cables that power the station's gyroscopes.
This is the second spacewalk for both Acaba and Arnold and the 123rd in support of space station assembly and maintenance. The spacewalk is expected to last 6.5 hours.
Astronauts Prepare for Third Spacewalk
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:29:21 GMT
Today's wakeup music was "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens" by Louis Jordan played for Discovery astronaut Steve Swanson at 6:43 a.m. EDT, suggested by his children.
Astronauts aboard Discovery begin the mission's third spacewalk at 11:43 a.m. During the 6.5 hour excursion, Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold will relocate a cart that moves along the rails of the station's truss, attempt again to deploy the unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system, install a similar attachment system on the starboard side, lubricate the space station arm's end effector and reconfigure some cables that power the station's gyroscopes.
Astronauts Preparing for Monday's Spacewalk
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:25:17 GMT
In preparation for Monday's spacewalk, STS-119 mission specialists Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold reviewed spacewalk procedures at 7:13 p.m. EDT and will "camp out" overnight in the Quest Airlock beginning at 9:08 p.m. The station crew goes to sleep at 10:13 p.m. followed by the shuttle crew at 10:43 p.m.
Shuttle and Station Complex Resuming Normal Attitude
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:04 GMT
At 7:23 p.m. EDT, space shuttle Discovery began reorienting the shuttle-space station stack 180 degrees back to the normal attitude, placing Discovery behind the space station as they travel through space.
Debris Avoidance Maneuver Status
Today, March 22, 2009, 5 hours ago
At 4:31 p.m. EDT, space shuttle Discovery completed maneuvering the shuttle-space station stack 180 degrees to the "undock attitude," placing Discovery in front of the space station as they travel through space. Discovery and the station will stay in this orientation long enough for the natural drag to slow the stack by about a foot per second, estimated to take three hours. This will lower the orbit very slightly over time, enough to avoid a piece of orbital debris whose erratic orbit makes it a potential threat.
The debris is estimated to be about four inches in diameter, part of a spent Chinese satellite upper stage. It is in a similar altitude as Discovery and the station, but in a 98 degree inclination rather than 51.6 degrees. This would have allowed the debris to cross the shuttle-station orbit repeatedly for several days, and the maneuver eliminates that risk. Had we not taken this action, the first time of closest approach would have been about two hours into Monday's spacewalk.
Space Station Urine Processor Assembly Processing Resumes
Today, March 22, 2009, 6 hours ago
International Space Station Commander Mike Fincke just replaced a filter assembly in the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA). Mission Control hopes this will increase the rate of urine flowing into the UPA, after a slower-than-expected rate was noted earlier today. This issue is not related to the newly-installed Distillation Assembly.
Fincke is filling the UPA with urine and, if all goes well, will begin to process a sample. It takes four to five hours to process a complete sample.
Station and Shuttle Complex to Perform Debris Avoidance Maneuver
Today, March 22, 2009, 7 hours ago
At about 4 p.m. EDT, space shuttle Discovery will maneuver the shuttle-space station stack to the "undock attitude" and stay there for about three hours. That attitude will create more drag, slowing the stack by about a foot per second. Over several hours, this will lower the orbit very slightly, enough to avoid a piece of orbital debris whose erratic orbit makes it a potential threat.
Station and Shuttle Complex Prepares for Possible Debris Avoidance Maneuver
Today, March 22, 2009, 8 hours ago
Mission Control in Houston is preparing for a possible debris avoidance maneuver sometime today due to a piece of orbital debris whose erratic orbit makes it a potential threat.
At 2:28 p.m. EDT, Capcom Steve Robinson informed space shuttle Discovery Commander Lee Archambault that Mission Control has decided to perform a maneuver at Mission Elapsed Time 20:46, or 4:30 p.m. Discovery will maneuver the vehicles to the appropriate attitude in the event a debris avoidance maneuver becomes necessary.
Space Station Urine Processor Assembly Work Terminated
Today, March 22, 2009, 9 hours ago
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station and engineers in Mission Control, Houston, are evaluating an issue with the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA). The rate of urine flowing into the UPA is slower than expected. This issue is not related to the newly-installed Distillation Assembly. Mission Control has decided to end troubleshooting the UPA for today.
Space Station Urine Processor Assembly to Begin Sample Processing
Today, March 22, 2009, 9 hours ago
Mission Control in Houston gave International Space Station Commander Mike Fincke a "go" to begin processing the first Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) sample since a new Distillation Assembly was installed in the UPA earlier in the mission. It will take four to five hours to process the sample.
Astronauts Begin New Day Aboard Station
Today, March 22, 2009, 15 hours ago
Today's wakeup music was "Alive Again" by Chicago played for space shuttle Discovery Commander Lee Archambault at 7:14 a.m. EDT.
Astronauts aboard Discovery will enjoy some off duty time beginning at 10:18 a.m. before participating in a media interview and planning for Monday's third spacewalk. At 6:12 p.m., Discovery Commander Lee Archambault, Pilot Tony Antonelli, Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, John Phillips and Sandra Magnus and International Space Station Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata will talk to reporters from CNN Espanol, CBS and WOFL-TV in Orlando, Florida. At 7:13 p.m., Acaba and Richard Arnold will review Monday's spacewalk procedures and at 9:09 p.m. they will camp out in the Quest airlock.
Astronauts Complete Second STS-119 Spacewalk
Yesterday, March 21, 2009, 7:29:45 PM
Astronauts Steve Swanson and Joseph Acaba ended the mission's second spacewalk at 7:21 p.m. EDT. They prepared a worksite so that the STS-127 spacewalkers can more easily change out the Port 6 truss batteries later this year. On the Japanese Kibo laboratory they installed a second Global Positioning Satellite antenna that will be used for the planned rendezvous of the Japanese HTV cargo ship in September. They photographed areas of radiator panels extended from the Port 1 and Starboard 1 trusses and reconfigured connectors at a patch panel on the Zenith 1 truss that power Control Moment Gyroscopes.
After struggling with a balky pin that kept an unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system (UCCAS) from fully deploying, they tied UCCAS safely in place. Engineers will evaluate the issue.
Today's spacewalk lasted six hours, 30 minutes. It was Swanson's fourth spacewalk and Acaba's first, and the 122nd spacewalk in support of station assembly and maintenance, totaling 768 hours, 33 minutes.
NASA Television will carry a news briefing at 8 p.m. with STS-119 Lead Space Station Flight Director Kwatsi Alibaruho and STS-119 Lead Extravehicular Activity Officer Glenda Laws-Brown.
Spacewalkers Postpone Installation of UCCAS
Yesterday, March 21, 2009, 4:48:06 PM
Swanson and Acaba have encountered difficulties installing an unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system (UCCAS) on the Port 3 truss. They struggled with a balky pin that kept the carrier from fully deploying and are leaving the task to accomplish higher priority work. The UCCAS will be used in the future to store equipment and supplies on the outside of the space station.
Next, Swanson will attach a Global Positioning System antenna to the Japanese Kibo laboratory. The GPS will be used for the planned rendezvous of the Japanese HTV cargo ship in September. Meanwhile, Acaba will snap standard and infrared photos of panels on radiators that are deployed from the Port 1 and Starboard 1 trusses.
Inside the space station, the replacement Distillation Assembly is "dry spinning" and station Commander Mike Fincke reports the noises it makes are quiet compared to the failed unit.
Spacewalkers Move to Install UCCAS
Yesterday, March 21, 2009, 3:02:57 PM
At 2:38 p.m., space shuttle Discovery took over attitude control of the shuttle-station complex when the station's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG) became saturated. This is no impact to the spacewalk, and once the CMGs equalize they will resume attitude control.
Spacewalkers Steve Swanson and Joseph Acaba are heading back from the far left end of the space station's truss backbone. They finished the first chore of their 6.5-hour spacewalk, loosening bolts, installing foot restraints and preparing tools so that the STS-127 spacewalkers can more easily change out the Port 6 (P6) truss batteries later this year.
Swanson and Acaba now are moving inboard to the Port 3 truss to install an unpressurized cargo carrier attachment system (UCCAS). The UCCAS will be used to store equipment and supplies on the outside of the space station. Later in the spacewalk they will install a similar carrier on the Starboard 3 truss.
Second STS-119 Spacewalk Under Way
Yesterday, March 21, 2009, 12:52:21 PM
Astronauts Steve Swanson and Joseph Acaba began the second of three STS-119 spacewalks at 12:51 p.m. EDT when they switched their spacesuits to internal battery power. After they exit the hatch, they will move to the far left side of the truss to prepare a workstation for the later removal and replacement of Port 6 (P6) batteries by STS-127 spacewalkers. Swanson and Acaba also will prepare a couple of cargo attachment systems for storing equipment and supplies on the outside of the space station, install a GPS antenna on the Japanese segment that will help guide the HTV resupply vehicle later this year, snap photos of a radiator truss whose corner has curled up and reconfigure a patch panel on the station's truss.This is Swanson's fourth spacewalk and Acaba's first. The spacewalk is expected to last 6.5 hours.
Astronauts Prepare for Second Spacewalk
Yesterday, March 21, 2009, 8:03:04 AM
Today's wakeup music was "In a Little While" by the group Pilgrim and Trout played for Discovery astronaut Richard Arnold at 7:43 a.m. EDT.
Astronauts Steve Swanson and Joseph Acaba will begin the mission's second spacewalk at 12:43 p.m. They will prepare a workstation on the Port 6 (P6) truss for later removal and replacement of P6 batteries by the STS-127 crew. The spacewalkers also will prepare a couple of cargo attachment systems for storing equipment and supplies on the outside of the space station, install a GPS antenna on the Japanese segment that will help guide the HTV resupply vehicle later this year, snap photos of a radiator truss whose corner has curled up and reconfigure a patch panel on the station's truss.
Crew Preparing for Saturday Spacewalk; Solar Arrays Deployed
Friday, March 20, 2009, 9:21:39 PM
In preparation for Saturday's spacewalk, mission specialists Steve Swanson and Joseph Acaba reviewed spacewalk procedures at 7:43 p.m. EDT and will "camp out" overnight in the Quest airlock beginning at 10:08 p.m. The International Space Station crew goes to sleep at 11:13 p.m. followed by the shuttle crew at 11:43 p.m.
The space station has its final pair of solar panels stretching 240 feet tip to tip after a lessons-learned flawless deploy earlier Friday. The orbiting complex now has nearly an acre’s worth of U.S. arrays producing 120 kilowatts of usable electricity – doubling the amount available for science operations to 30 kilowatts.
Second Part of Solar Array Deployment Complete
Friday, March 20, 2009, 1:23:24 PM
The deployment of the S6 3B solar array wings resumed 1:11 p.m. EDT and finished at 1:17 p.m. There were no difficulties encountered, the "ripple" area flattened out naturally and the crew and Mission Control report the array extended to its full length of 115 feet. The length of the 1B and 3B arrays unfurled today measures 240 feet, tip to tip, with the S6 truss in between. The S6 solar array pair adds 9,600 square feet to the station solar arrays, bringing the total surface area to nearly an acre. The new arrays add enough power-generating capacity to double the electricity available for space station science operations, from 15 to 30 kilowatts. The station’s arrays now will generate as much as 120 kilowatts of usable electricity, enough to power about 42 2800-square-foot homes.
Ripple in Solar Array Not an Issue; Deployment to Continue
Friday, March 20, 2009, 12:58:09 PM
Capcom Rick Davis told Discovery Commander Lee Archambault that a small "ripple" in the 3B solar array about five bays from the mast canister is not an issue for continuing deployment. The ripple is caused by "stiction," a phenomenon that allows polymers and plastics to stick together. The Sun is expected to warm up the panels and eliminate the sticking areas. More "stiction" was expected on the 3B array because it has been packed away for about three years. The crew and Mission Control see no other areas of concern on the solar array wing. Deploy will resume at 1:11 p.m. EDT.
Second Part of Solar Array Deployment Under Way
Friday, March 20, 2009, 12:46:09 PM
Commands were sent to extend the S6 3B solar array wing at 12:35 p.m. EDT. Once again, the arrays were extended to about 49 percent and halted at 12:40 p.m., allowing the Sun to "bake" the panels and prevent the sections from sticking to each other. About 40 minutes from now, they will unfurl to their full 115-foot width.
First Part of Solar Array Deployment Complete
Friday, March 20, 2009, 11:56:17 AM
The deploy of the Starboard 6 (S6) 1B solar array wings resumed at 11: 46 a.m. EDT and finished at 11:52 a.m. There were no difficulties encountered, and the crew and Mission Control report the array appears to have extended outwards 115 feet. At about 12:30 p.m., the 3B array on the other side of S6 will be extended in the same fashion, with a pause halfway through to allow heat from the Sun to reduce the chance of panels sticking. Once the 3B wing is unfurled on the other side, the entire array will measure 240 feet, tip to tip, including the truss in between.
Solar Array Deployment Under Way
Friday, March 20, 2009, 11:15:38 AM
Commands were sent to begin deploying the Starboard 6 (S6) 1B solar array wing at 11:06 a.m. EDT. The arrays were extended to about 49 percent, where they stopped, allowing the Sun to "bake" the panels and prevent the accordion-like sections from sticking together. About 40 minutes from now, they will unfurl to their full 240-foot width. At about 12:30 p.m., the 3B on the other side of S6 will be extended in a similar fashion.
New Solar Array Wings to be Deployed Today
Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:56:43 GMT
When the S6 truss solar arrays are unfurled today, they will extend 240 feet, tip to tip. Overnight, Mission control deployed the arrays a short distance and confirmed they are operating properly. The first array will be extended at 10:48 a.m. EDT.
The new arrays add enough power-generating capacity to double the electricity available for space station science operations, from 15 to 30 kilowatts. Altogether, the station’s arrays will generate as much as 120 kilowatts of usable electricity, enough to power about 42 2800-square-foot homes.
Measurements of the station increased after yesterday's S6 installation. The station now is 336 feet long from the left end of the truss backbone to the right. It is 45 feet high, its solar arrays are 240 feet wide and the complex weighs 669,291 pounds. By mass, it now is 81 percent complete.
II.
Astronauts Begin New Day Aboard Station
Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:10:09 GMT
"Box of Rain" by Grateful Dead was this morning's wakeup music, played by Mission Control in Houston for shuttle astronaut John Phillips.
After the S6 segment was installed Thursday to the right end of the International Space Station's truss, today's main activity will be extending the S6 solar array wings. The arrays will be unfurled in phases, allowing the Sun to "bake" the panels and prevent "stiction" from keeping the accordion-like sections from extending. This procedure has worked successfully on past missions. The S6 1B array will deploy to 49 percent at 10:58 a.m. EDT and will "bake" for 45 minutes before it is fully deployed. Its twin S6 3B array will extend to 49 percent at 12:28 p.m., followed by full deployment 45 minutes later.
Spacewalk Complete at 7:23 p.m. EDT
Today, March 19, 2009, 2 hours ago
Astronauts today installed the International Space Station's final truss segment, Starboard 6, containing the fourth pair of solar arrays. Once the solar array wings are unfurled, the segment will provide the final complement of power to the station.
After station robotic arm drivers John Phillips and Koichi Wakata guided the truss into position, spacewalkers Steve Swanson and Richard Arnold connected bolts to permanently attach S6 to S5. The spacewalkers plugged in power and data connectors to the truss, prepared a radiator to cool it, opened boxes containing the new solar arrays and deployed the Beta Gimbal Assemblies containing masts that support the solar arrays. Mission Control in Houston deployed the radiator, and the stage is set for solar array wing deploy on Friday at 10:58 a.m. EDT.
Today's spacewalk lasted six hours, seven minutes. It was Swanson's third spacewalk and Arnold's first, and the 121st spacewalk in support of station assembly, totaling about 762 hours.
NASA Television will carry a news briefing at 8:30 p.m. with Dan Hartman, Manager, ISS Mission Integration & Operations & IMMT Chair, Kwatsi Alibaruho, STS-119 Lead Space Station Flight Director and Glenda Laws-Brown, Lead Extravehicular Activity Officer for STS-119.
These are in reverse chronological order (most recent first)...
I
Astronauts Prepare for Spacewalk
Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:29:21 GMT
Astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station awoke at 8:13 a.m. EDT to "Que Bandera Bonita" by Jose Gonzalez, played for astronaut Joseph Acaba.
Today's top task is attaching the S6 truss segment to the far right side of the station's truss, or backbone. Robotic arm operators in the station will move the 31,000 pound segment into position and spacewalkers Steve Swanson and Richard Arnold will bolt it in place and make the necessary electrical and data connections to activate its power and cooling systems.
The mission's first spacewalk begins at 1:13 p.m. EDT and is planned to last 6 1/2 hours.
II
Crews Prepare for Truss Installation, Spacewalk
Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:23:11 GMT
A busy day in orbit for the crews of Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station has set the stage for another station assembly task – the installation of the final truss segment and American solar power panels. As the crew prepared for the first spacewalk to assist with the truss installation, Mission Control radioed that no further inspection of Discovery’s heat shield is necessary clearing the way for an earlier deployment of the solar wings Friday. Near the end of the crew day, the station’s robotic arm maneuvered the 31,000 pound, 45-foot-long truss segment to an overnight “park” position to await the start of the first spacewalk by Mission Specialists Steve Swanson and Ricky Arnold. They will “campout” in the Quest airlock of the station at a reduced air pressure overnight to prepare their bodies for the spacewalk planned to last six and a half hours. Meanwhile, the newest station crew member Koichi Wakata is settling in for a three-month stay on board after swapping places with Sandy Magnus who returns home aboard Discovery after four months in space. Wakata is the first Japanese astronaut to stay long-term aboard the station.
III
No Focused Inspection of Heat Shield for Discovery
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:45:01 GMT
At 7:22 p.m. EDT, Capcom Greg H. Johnson told Discovery Commander Lee Archambault that a Focused Inspection of Discovery's heat shield is not required. This will allow mission time liners to modify the mission plans, including possibly moving deploy of the S6 solar array from Flight Day 8 to Flight Day 6.
IV
Station's Robot Arm Grasps S6 Truss
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:25:10 GMT
The space station's mobile transporter is locked into position at the far right side of the station's truss, and its robotic arm has grasped the S6 truss from the shuttle arm. The truss segment will stay in this location overnight. Thursday, spacewalkers Steve Swanson and Richard Arnold will assist the robotic arm operators with the installation of the S6 to the end of the S5 truss. To prepare for the spacewalk, Swanson and Arnold will "camp out" in the Quest Airlock tonight.
NASA Television will carry a Mission Status Briefing at 6:30 p.m. EDT with STS-119 Lead Space Station Flight Director Kwatsi Alibaruho.
V
Robotic Work to Handoff S6 Truss Continues
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:25:42 GMT
The International Space Station's mobile transporter, with the station robotic arm attached, is moving on its rails to the far right side of the station's truss, Worksite 1. From there, the station arm will reach out and grab the S6 truss segment from the shuttle robotic arm. S6 will remain there overnight and await final installation during Thursday's spacewalk.
VI
Shuttle Arm Grabs S6 Truss Segment
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:49:44 GMT
The International Space Station's robotic arm, mounted on the station's mobile transporter lifted the S6 truss from Discovery's payload bay at 12:07 p.m. EDT and maneuvered it to a point where the shuttle robotic arm can reach it. At 1:39 p.m., astronauts John Phillips and Sandra Magnus handed the truss segment to the shuttle robotic arm, operated by Tony Antonelli and Joseph Acaba. Next, the mobile transporter with the station arm attached will move to the far right side of the station truss, or backbone, and grasp the S6 back from the shuttle arm. S6 will remain there overnight and await final installation during Thursday's spacewalk.
VII
S6 Truss Move Begins
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:55:35 GMT
At 11:38 a.m. EDT, the complex, multi-step process began to move the Starboard 6 (S6) truss segment from space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Mounted on the station's mobile transporter, the station arm, operated by astronauts John Phillips and Sandra Magnus, will lift the S6 from the shuttle payload bay and hand it to the shuttle robotic arm, operated by Tony Antonelli and Joseph Acaba. Next, the mobile transporter with the station arm attached will move to the far right side of the station truss, or backbone, and grasp the S6 back from the shuttle arm. S6 will remain there overnight and await final installation during Thursday's spacewalk. It will take more than six hours to move the 45.4 foot-long, 31,000 pound segment today. When installed and activated, the S6 will nearly double the amount of power available to perform scientific experiments on the station.
STS-119 Mission Update
I. Robot Arms Handing off S6 Truss
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:58:22 GMT
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station and space shuttle Discovery were awakened at 8:43 a.m. EDT with the song "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash, played for the mission's lead spacewalker Steve Swanson. Precision, human-guided robotics will dominate today's activities as astronauts use the station and shuttle station robotic arms to carefully lift the S6 truss segment from Discovery's payload bay and prepare it for Thursday's installation. The station's mobile transporter also will be moved along the station's truss, or backbone, to Worksite 1 to make way for the new segment.
II. Shuttle and Station Crews Begin Joint Operations, Swap Crew Members
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:35:03 GMT
The space shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station at 5:20 p.m. EDT Tuesday, delivering the final truss segment and pair of U.S. solar arrays and a new crew member to take up residence aboard the growing orbital scientific complex.
The shuttle and station crews opened hatches and greeted one another at 6:09 p.m., beginning more than a week of joint operations between the two crews. One of the first major tasks of the crews was to swap station crew member Sandra Magnus for Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. The official swap occurred when a specially fitted seat liner was installed in the Soyuz crew vehicle. That swap at 9 p.m. signified the official designation change making Wakata an Expedition 18 flight engineer and Magnus a shuttle mission specialist.
Prime business for the crews Wednesday will be to lift the truss segment out of Discovery’s payload bay with the shuttle robot arm and hand it off to the station’s mechanical arm for an overnight stay before Thursday’s permanent installation on the station.
III. Hatches Opened at 7:09 p.m. EDT
Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:13:41 GMT
Hatches between space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station are open and the astronauts are assembling in the Harmony module for the welcoming ceremony. Space station commander Mike Fincke and Flight Engineers Sandra Magnus and Yury Lonchakov will welcome Discovery Commander Lee Archambault and his crew members Tony Antonelli, Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata.
At 7:15 p.m. EDT, or following the welcoming ceremony, NASA Television will carry a Mission Status Briefing with STS-119 Lead Shuttle Flight Director Paul Dye and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency representative Kuniaki Shiraki.
At about 7:30 p.m., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Astronaut Wakata will become a member of the station's Expedition 18 crew and Sandra Magnus will become a member of Discovery's crew. Magnus will have been a space station crew member for 121 days.
Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:25:21 GMT
At 5:19:53: p.m. EDT, Space shuttle Discovery docked to the Pressurized Mating Adaptor on the front of the International Space Station's Harmony module. Docking occurred over Lake Wells, western Australia. During the next eight days, the combined crews of Discovery and the station will install the S6 truss, complete three spacewalks and transfer hundreds of items between the two craft. Hatches between Discovery and the station will be opened at about 7 p.m., followed by the traditional welcoming ceremony. At about 7:30 p.m., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata will become a member of the station's Expedition 18 crew and Sandra Magnus will become a member of Discovery's crew. Magnus will have been a space station crew member for 121 days.
Today, March 17, 2009, 14 minutes ago
Space shuttle Discovery's Terminal Initiation burn is complete, placing the shuttle on a direct path to the International Space Station for the 5:12 p.m. EDT docking.
(&)
Discovery Closing in on Station
Today, March 17, 2009, 3 hours ago
Space shuttle Discovery's astronauts entered the rendezvous timeline at 11:49 a.m. EDT, kicking off the final lap in their chase of the International Space Station. Discovery is about 1310 miles behind the station, closing at a rate of almost 600 miles per 90-minute orbit. A series of maneuvers and engine burns will lead to a planned docking at 5:12:46 p.m.
& this little bonus:
NASA Science News for March 17, 2009
Space shuttle Discovery launched Sunday, March 15th, on a construction mission to the International Space Station. Perfect timing for sky watchers! The mission coincides with a series of ISS flybys over North American towns and cities. People who go outside after sunset can see the shuttle-station combo with their naked eyes and view the changing outlines of the ISS through backyard telescopes.
FULL STORY here.
Today, March 17, 2009, 1 hour ago
Space shuttle Discovery's astronauts awoke at 9:44 a.m. EDT to "Radio Exercise," a song that Japanese children exercise to, performed by the Tokyo Broadcast Children's Choir. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata will join the International Space Station crew this evening, following Discovery's planned docking to the station at 5:12:46 p.m. EDT.
Docking with the ISS... be still my heart.
Compiled by Colin Fries, NASA History Division
Updated 12/1/2008
Use of music to awaken astronauts on space missions dates back at least to the Apollo Program, when astronauts returning from the Moon were serenaded by their colleagues in mission control with lyrics from popular songs that seemed appropriate to the occasion. The Apollo 15 crew, whose spacecraft was named "America," (sic) [This was actually the name of the Apollo 17 command module] was awakened one morning with a segment of "The City of New Orleans" beginning with the lyrics, "Good morning America, how are you?" Several crews have awakened on their final day in space to Dean Martin’s popular song "Going Back to Houston."
The common element of all these selections is that they promote a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps among the astronauts and ground support personnel. That, in fact, is the sole reason for having wake-up music; and it is the reason that NASA management has neither attempted to dictate its content nor allowed outside interests to influence the process.
From a letter from Lynn W. Heninger, Acting Assistant Administrator for Congressional Relations to Congressman Robert H. Michel - January 9, 1990
Crew Inspects Heat Shield, Prepares for Docking
Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:23:55 GMT
Space shuttle Discovery’s first full day in space focused on an up close inspection of its wing leading edge panels using the robotic arm and Orbiter Boom Sensor System extension. The five-hour inspection paralleled work by the seven crew members onboard to prepare for the docking to the International Space Station Tuesday planned for 4:13 p.m. Some of that work included pre-positioning transfer items and checking out spacesuits that will be used during the three spacewalks planned while Discovery is docked. In preparation for docking, the crew tested rendezvous equipment, installed an Orbiter Docking System 'centerline' camera and extended the docking ring atop the docking system before going to bed just before 1 a.m. Tuesday.
No Debris Avoidance Maneuver Required
Today, March 16, 2009, 48 minutes ago
CAPCOM Rick Davis just informed International Space Station Commander Mike Fincke that no debris avoidance maneuver is required. This was aired on NASA TV.
Subject: Ground Teams Monitoring Space Debris from STS-119
Mission Update
NASA Television mission commentary reported that there is a piece of debris that teams are monitoring in case it comes within a close proximity of the International Space Station. Teams are putting a plan together in case a debris avoidance maneuver is required. At this time, we do not believe one will be necessary. At 4 p.m. EDT, we will have updated tracking data that will give us better insight whether the debris is clear of the space station. The crew is being kept apprised.
from NASA:
STS-119 Crew Begins First Full Day in Space
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:16:17 AM EST
Following a picture perfect launch from the Kennedy Space Center Monday evening, space shuttle Discovery is racing toward the International Space Station for its planned rendezvous and docking at 5:13 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. A few hours after liftoff, Mission Control in Houston told Discovery's astronauts that the first look at ascent imagery showed no debris items of concern. The imagery review process will continue over the next several days and will be assessed by the Mission Management Team.
The astronauts awoke at 10:13 a.m. beginning their first full day in space, officially known as Flight Day 2.
While in the car, on my way home from somewhere, I saw what I believe to have been Discovery lit up in the twilight sky like a meteor at 8:02 pm EST last night. It was bright like a star, and appeared scaled almost .25 the size of the moon, so it was undeniably close to the earth. Had to be the shuttle; 8:02 pm EST would have been about 19 minutes after liftoff, so it was certainly in orbit by then.
I thought I spotted it twice: once to the north, then, very few minutes later, surprisingly, to the southwest. Well, it is moving something like 17,580 MPH (or 7860 m/s) in orbit, so that's certainly possible.
Damn.
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