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Posts tagged Endeavour

Wired4Space.com’s Jeff Seibert on front page of the LA Times

Sep14
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

With the Space Shuttle Endeavour preparing for its last flight across the United States to its final resting place in the California Science Center in Los Angeles our man Jeff Seibert was captured in camera by the Los Angles Times.

Jeff was covering the safing of the orbitor  prior to it being attached to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft by Brian Van Der Burg of the Los Angeles Times.  Jeff was taking pictures of the front landing gear at the time.

Endeavour is currently being towed out to the Shuttle Landing Facility where it will be attached to the SCA on the Mate/Demate device.

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , ,

Shuttle Carrier Aircraft arrives to fly Endeavour to California

Sep12
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
SCA glides over the brush approaching the Shuttle Landing Facility

SCA glides over the brush approaching the Shuttle Landing Facility

Yesterday the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft arrived at Kennedy Space Center for the final time. The Space Shuttle Endeavour has been safed and is ready to be transported across the USA visiting a number of the NASA space centers on its way to the final resting place in the California Science Center in Los Angles.

During the next few days Endeavour will be towed from the VAB where it has been on show for the last 4 weeks to the Mate/Demate device at the Shuttle Landing facility.  The orbitor will then be attached to the specially modified Boeing 747 prior to her final flight on September 17th.

Continue reading for our picture gallery of the arrival of the SCA. READ MORE »

Posted in Images, Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , ,

Endeavour and Atlantis Play Switch-a-roo at NASA Kennedy Space Center

Aug17
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Endeavour in VAB after transfer

Endeavour in VAB after transfer

Yesterday saw the last switch of Space Shuttle orbiters as Endeavour left the OPF headed out to the VAB to be replaced by Atlantis. This will be the last time the two orbiters meet as Endeavour will head off to California on September 20th headed out to it’s final resting place at the California Science Center.

Endeavour was kitted out with the now familiar tail cone to improve aerodynamics during its up coming piggy back flight on top of the specially converted 747 known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). When she next leaves the 526 foot high VAB hanger the Shuttle will head out to the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) and the Mate/Demate device where it will be attached to the SCA.

Meanwhile Atlantis was headed back to the OPF for the final stages in the saving of its systems prior to being rolled over the the Kennedy Space Center on November 2nd. When the Shuttles are in flight trim they contain a lot of harmful toxins and other contaminants. The removal of these substances are required before the craft is deemed safe for people to visit.

While the Space Shuttles were playing switch-a-roo we had a camera recording a time-lapse video inside the VAB to watch Atlantis leave and a while later Endeavour arrive.

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, STS-134 Endeavour, STS-135 Atlantis, Video - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour launch video

May30
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

The final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour lunched on 16th May 2011.  Our short launch video combines a number of camera views from the launch pad and the press site covering the launch from the activation of the sparklers for the main engines through to Endeavour piercing the cloud bank as it races to catch the International Space Station.

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

Space Shuttle Endeavour launches on its final mission – STS-134

May24
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour lift off...

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour lift off...

Last week saw the Space Shuttle Endeavour launch from the Kennedy Space Center for the last time as STS-134 headed to the International Space Station. Originally slated to be the last ever Space Shuttle launch this has become the penultimate launch with STS-135 Atlantis taking the honours as the last Space Shuttle.

Endeavour is carrying the AMS-02 (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer) project which is designed to search deep space for searching out dark matter. The AMS is a particle physics experiment costing over $1.5B which measures cosmic rays to detect unusual matter. The results of these experiments will assist researchers determine the origins and formation of the universe.

The STS-134 launch was originally scheduled for April 29th but was aborted a few hours before launch when a fault was discovered in the electronics controlling the fuel heaters. The new launch date was set for 16th May at 8:56am Eastern right at the beginning of the window. With just 10 minutes in which to launch there was not a lot of leeway should a problem occur.

Full report and picture gallery follow:  READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , , ,

STS-134 Endeavour Crew Walkout

May16
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

Whilst we are watching the countdown of the STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour launch. Currently about 45 minutes from the launch we are just a little concerned about the clouds, but the controllers are expecting a good green board for the launch.

About 2 hours ago the crew left the isolation quarters where they have been quarantined for the last few days. This is the video of the walkout and the leaving of the Astrovan for the VAB where some personal are dropped off prior to carrying on to the launch pad.

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , , ,

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour RSS Retraction

May16
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Endeavour RSS Retraction orbiter fully exposed

STS-134 Endeavour RSS Retraction orbiter fully exposed

Yesterday at 11:44 the protective Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was rolled back away from the Space Shuttle orbiter allowing Endeavour to be shown in her full glory ready to reach for the skies.

The RSS Retraction takes approximately 30 minutes and starts out really slowly.  We have to be told that movement has started and even then it takes a long time until actual movement can be detected.  As the RSS moved away from the Shuttle it appeared to move a lot faster.

Our video is the entire RSS Retraction compressed in a time lapse down to about 2 minutes.  Even at this speed it still takes almost 1 minute before the protective cover can really be seen to move.

Our RSS pictures follow: READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , , ,

Getting ready for STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour

May16
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Endeavour getting ready for the launch

STS-134 Endeavour getting ready for the launch

Today is launch day for Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-134. Yesterday we had an interesting day. Starting at 3AM I left my house and stopped off halfway to Kennedy Space Center to pick up another press guy. We arrived at KSC at 5:30 with plenty of time to get our gear together to head out to the Launch Pad to put our cameras out 24 hours before the projected launch time.

We have 8 different still and video cameras out there attempting to capture some terrific images of the launch. The nearest camera is placed about 500 yards from the launch pad positioned to try and grab shots of the first few seconds of the launch as the shuttle clears the gantry and starts the roll.

Other cameras are spread about the site with different lenses. We were fortunate that there was no rain last night so the cameras should be completely dry waiting to be woken up with the roar of the Space Shuttle’s Engines.

Remote camera set-up and launch pad images follow:  READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

L-2 Getting ready to launch STS-134 Endeavour

May14
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 T-19:00 Getting ready for Endeavour launch

STS-134 T-19:00 Getting ready for Endeavour launch

We have just arrived at the KSC Press Center for the start of the activities for the next launch attempt of STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour. There was an orientation tour of the complex at 12pm, but due to issues with security I was unable to join Jeff on the coach.

The tour of the Kennedy Space Center lasted an hour and took in the normal OPF (Orbiter Processing Facility), VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), LC-39A Observation Platform, the Launch Pad itself. It also covered the SLF (Shuttle Landing Facility), and the Mate/Demate Device neither of which I have seen close up yet.

We have just had the weather forecast up to the launch and it all looks favourable for the actual launch, but there are some storms crossing the area that may be a concern for overnight. So far there have not been any issues with lightning damage or lightning strikes so fingers crossed.

KSC storm pictures follow READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

Where to go to watch Endeavour’s last launch

May13
2011 1 Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission Badge

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission Badge

With the launch of STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour rapidly approaching we are expecting about 500,000 visitors to watch the launch. This somewhat deflated figure has been put down to the fact that the launch is happening early on a Monday morning rather than late Friday evening.

With a targeted launch time of 8:56 you really need to be there and in place by 5am, or 6am at the latest. For many leaving from the Orlando/Kissimmee area this will mean leaving at around 3am, and even then you will find lots of traffic on the freeways.

Want to find the best spots to view the last launch of Endeavour? You can check out our launch viewpoint information. This gives you information about where to go and what you can see. Be prepared to have alternate viewing sites planned as some of the more popular will fill us very quickly.

Our recommendations for the launch follow, but dont forget you can use our Launch Pad iPhone app to plan your trip. READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

Endeavour to launch on May 16th at 8:56

May12
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour on LC39A ready for launch

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour on LC39A ready for launch

The NASA Mission Management Team met on Monday and after a very detailed explanation of the issues surrounding the scrub of the April 29 launch attempt of Space Shuttle Endeavour reset a new launch date of 16th May at 8:56.

NASA believe that the blown fuse was not caused by any circuits on the orbiter, but rather by a spike of electricity during an earlier test.  This spike may have been caused by the nozzle of a heat gun creating a short on a bare wire or possibly the metal tape surrounding the thermostat may have come into contact with the bare wire.   Either way the offending wiring and thermostat have been replaced and the systems have been extensively tested and passed ready for flight.

The astronauts arrive at Kennedy Space Center today ready to go into isolation at the crew quarters.  The astronauts need to be kept away from anyone with an infectious illness prior to the flight as any illnesses are considerably more serious when in space than on Earth.

Assuming all goes well then the countdown will pick up again at 7am on Friday, the RSS will be retracted at noon on Sunday with fuelling starting just before midnight.  The Astronauts will leave from their quarters just after 5am Monday morning and board Endeavour at 5:41.  Two hours before launch the crew hatch will be closed and latched and the launch pad will be cleared for an on time departure of 8:56.

The launch window for Monday extends from 8:56:08 to 9:04:39 just over 8 minutes which gives little or no chance to recycle if a halt is called to the terminal countdown.  Other launch opportunities exist up until May 28th with the exception of May 21 due to a conflict with Soyuz undocking from the ISS.

The full launch countdown events for STS-134 Endeavour are as follows: READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

Tips for watching Endeavour Launch today

Apr29
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Space Shuttle Discovery clears the tower.

Space Shuttle Discovery clears the tower.

Although the final launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour is just under 9 hours away if you want to watch it from the Space Coast you should be thinking of leaving very soon.

There have been many reports of the number of visitors expected to watch the launch ranging from 500,000 to 750,000 all in the relatively small area around Kennedy Space Center.  That is a heck of a lot of people in such a small area.  The worst thing will be getting in and out of Brevard County.

If at all possible try and avoid the SR528. For the launch of STS-133 Discovery by 10am the SR528 was a car park.  The authorities did their best to keep traffic moving by removing the tolls, but the sheer volume of traffic just clogged the freeway.

The way to avoid it is by leaving as early as possible and taking an alternate.  Last time coming from the west I found the SR532 quite clear then hit a little traffic as I passed the I95.  Coming from Orlando you could try the SR50 or a bit further north the SR46.

READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

Endeavours last launch: find the best places to watch from

Apr28
2011 5 Comments Written by Mike
STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour on LC39A ready for launch

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour on LC39A ready for launch

If you are planning to watch Space Shuttle Endeavour launch live then you will be one of probably 500,000 people contesting the small amount of real estate around Kennedy Space Center. Before you set out you should have a good idea of where you will try to get a spot to watch from. Not only will you need a plan A, but you will also need a plan B… Our list of viewpoints for the rocket launch have all been individually visited and assessed. A lot of these sites offer only a small amount of parking and often no or limited facilities.

All this information and more is available from our iPhone KSC Launch Pad App. Click here for more details.

We have broken the sites down into four main categories:
- Launch viewing locations in Titusville
- Southern shuttle launch viewpoints
- Shuttle launch viewing from a little further away
- Ticketed shuttle launch viewing locations

If you have not already bought a ticket for viewing the launch then it is unlikely that you will manage to obtain one at this short notice so it is best to focus on some of the other launch viewing sites.  If you have a favorite spot to watch rocket launches that we have not covered then let us know about it.

Read on for the Shuttle launch viewing locations: READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , ,

Space Shuttle STS-134 Endeavour Launch Day – 1

Apr28
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Endeavour crew hatch

STS-134 Endeavour crew hatch

With just over 24 hours to go before the launch of the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-134 to the International Space Station things are starting to get a little busy at the Kennedy Space Center.

Wired4Space reporter Jeff is currently at the NASA Press Site waiting to be bussed out to the Shuttle launch pad to set up our remote cameras. We will have about 6 video and still cameras in 3 or four locations waiting to be activated to get some close up shots of the launch.

Today is also the first day of the NASA Tweetup for the Endeavour launch which was rescheduled from April 18th. The Tweetup is an amazing event when about 150 lucky tweeters get a close up look at the KSC and have tours of the VAB and other facilities. There will be astronauts chatting to the tweeters and lots of technology presentations prior to the launch. Tomorrow will be a special day as the tweeters will join the ranks of the press and experience the rocket launch from the countdown clock just 3 miles from the launch pad.

This evening the first signs of the pending launch will occur when the Rotating Service Structure is rolled back to expose the orbiter sitting on the launch pad. This is quite a spectacular event which takes about 20 minute followed by the switching on of the Xenon search lights that pin point the rocket for everyone to see from miles around.  Click here for our report on Discovery STS-133 RSS retraction.

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , ,

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour cleared for launch

Apr22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour on LC39A ready for launch

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour on LC39A ready for launch

On Tuesday 19th April 2011 NASA’s Flight Readiness Review approved the preparations for launch of the official final Space Shuttle.  The target launch date has been confirmed for Friday 29th April at 3:47 Eastern time.

The 135th Space Shuttle mission will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 2 (known as AMS-2) to the International Space Station.  The AMS is an instrument which analyses cosmic rays looking for anomalies such as dark matter or black holes.  The objective of the AMS-2 is to study the formation of the universe.  Also in the payload bay will be Express Logistics Carrier 3 loaded with supplies to maintain the ISS after the Space Shuttle program.

It was also announced that President Obama will be present to witness the final launch of Endeavour.  It has been 13 years since a sitting president has been on site at Kennedy Space Center to view a Shuttle Launch when Bill Clinton watched Discovery head into space.  President Obama is no stranger to KSC as he also visited last year to see the SpaceX facilities.

The final touch down of Endeavour is scheduled to return on 13th May after the crew have performed 4 spacewalks.  However there are plans to extend the mission to the 14th of May.  After Endeavour returns to KSC the orbiter will be processed before travelling to its final resting place in the California Space Center in Palmdale, Los Angeles.

The official NASA press release follows:
READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , ,

STS-134 Endeavour lift and mate in the VAB

Apr11
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
STS-134 Endeavour rising up in the VAB.

STS-134 Endeavour rising up in the VAB.

After the rollover from the OPF the Space Shuttle Endeavour orbiter has been brought into the central bay of the VAB. From here it is fitted with a special lifting jig to hoist it up to the the top of the VAB. Here it is carefully threaded through the infrastructure and then lowered into High Bay 1 where it is finally connected to the External Tank and the Solid Rocket Boosters prior to its rollout to the launch pad.

This whole process is called lift and mate. Despite sounding quite simple it is a long and precise operation taking several hours.

The scheduled lift was to be started at 3pm but when we were escorted into the VAB the engineers were still fitting the lifting jig to Endeavours four mount points. This was causing some problems as one of the mounting pins would not thread into the shuttle correctly.

Read on to discover the intricacies of getting Endeavour into the right position and to view the picture gallery:

READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , ,

STS-134 Space Shuttle Endeavour Rollover

Apr09
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-134 nose and transport drivers.

Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-134 nose and transport drivers.

When Space Shuttle Endeavour returned from its last mission on Feb 21st 2010 STS-130. The Orbiter was towed to Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 or OPF2 where the ship was stripped down and prepared for it’s final flight to the International Space Station on flight STS-134.

When the Shuttle is ready it is moved from the OPF to the VAB.  This is known as Rollover.  Typically this takes place first thing in the morning as indeed it did this time.  We arrived at dawn on the 28th Feb 2011 for first movement which happened around about 8am.

Our video is a time lapse showing the painfully slow backing up of the Space Shuttle Endeavour from the OPF, through the (relatively rapid) movement between the hangers, to the final stop inside the VAB where it will go through a process known as Lift and Mate.

A description of the Endeavour Rollover and picture gallery follows:

READ MORE »

Posted in Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle, STS-134 Endeavour - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

AmericaSpace Mission Tracker

Next Launch GPS IIF-4 on a Alas V rocket from Cape Canaveral AFB, FL scheduled for 15 May 13 21:38:00 GMT

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  • NASA regains the capability to transport supplies and equipment to and from the ISS thanks to SpaceX
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  • Today sees the launch of the 1st Commercial ISS resupply mission with a Falcon 9 / Dragon Capsule launch
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STS-133 Discovery Last Flight NASA 129.jpg
STS-133 Discovery Last Flight NASA 129.jpg

KSC Launch Pad iPhone App

iPhone App: KSC Launch Pad now available!

NOW ONLY $0.99 / £0.59

Are you visiting Kennedy Space Center? Do you want to see a rocket launch?

If so then KSC Launch Pad is the only app you will need. Using local knowledge it shows you the best places to watch from and identifies all the major points of interest in and arround Kennedy Space Center.

Available now from the Apple AppStore. Click here for more details...

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