Shuttle Launch

[adrian29uk]

If anyone is interested, you can watch the live channel here
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html?param=public

 

[NMH]

Scheduled for 13:50 GMT aproximately

 

[adrian29uk]

Scheduled for 1:50 GMT aproximately

Thanks for the time check. Its great watching them prepare on the live feed.

 

[skipper734]

Would this be 13.50 GMT or has it already flown?

 

[NMH]

would this be 13.50 gmt or has it already flown?

8.56 edt

Well noted, no idea why I didn't use the 24hr clock

 

[skipper734]

Looks stunning sitting there ready to go in the dark. End of an era. Only one way to get off the Space Station now, squeaky bum time, on the edge of space.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

I would have thought they'd have a countdown clock on there at least - I can't see one.

 

[adrian29uk]

There not at the 3 hour countdown yet as far as I can see.

If you want an HD Stream you can also go here.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html

 

[clippedgull]

Here is a run down of events up to launch add 5 hrs to the times to get UK time. ie. next event 05:06 resume countdown 10:06 uk time

03...50...00...05:06 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 3 hours)

03...45...00...05:11 AM......Crew departs O&C building
03...15...00...05:41 AM......Crew ingress
02...25...00...06:31 AM......Astronaut comm checks
02...00...00...06:56 AM......Hatch closure
01...30...00...07:26 AM......White room closeout

01...10...00...07:46 AM......Begin 10-minute built-in hold (T-minus 20m)
01...00...00...07:56 AM......NASA test director countdown briefing
01...00...00...07:56 AM......Resume countdown (T-minus 20m)

00...59...00...07:57 AM......Backup flight computer to OPS 1
00...55...00...08:01 AM......KSC area clear to launch

00...49...00...08:07 AM......Begin final built-in hold (T-minus 9m)
00...24...00...08:32 AM......NTD launch status verification
00...09...00...08:47:28 AM...Resume countdown (T-minus 9m)

00...07...30...08:48:58 AM...Orbiter access arm retraction
00...05...00...08:56:28 AM...Launch window opens (placeholder; not needed for STS-134)
00...05...00...08:51:28 AM...Hydraulic power system (APU) start
00...04...55...08:51:33 AM...Terminate LO2 replenish
00...04...00...08:52:28 AM...Purge sequence 4 hydraulic test
00...04...00...08:52:28 AM...IMUs to inertial
00...03...55...08:52:33 AM...Aerosurface profile
00...03...30...08:52:58 AM...Main engine steering test
00...02...55...08:53:33 AM...LO2 tank pressurization
00...02...35...08:53:53 AM...Fuel cells to internal reactants
00...02...30...08:53:58 AM...Clear caution-and-warning memory
00...02...00...08:54:28 AM...Crew closes visors
00...01...57...08:54:31 AM...LH2 tank pressurization
00...00...50...08:55:38 AM...SRB joint heater deactivation
00...00...31...08:55:57 AM...Shuttle GPCs take control of countdown
00...00...21...08:56:07 AM...SRB steering test
00...00...07...08:56:21 AM...Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds)
00...00...00...08:56:28 AM...SRB ignition (LAUNCH)

 

[Tricky Dicky]

If it doesn't work, do they turn it off and on again ?

 

[adrian29uk]

Imagine what it must feel like getting suited up ready to go. I would be crapping myself.

 

[clippedgull]

Imagine what it must feel like getting suited up ready to go. I would be crapping myself.

They actually do wear adult nappies! Just in case of accidents. It's not as if they can just pop to the toilet if they feel the urge!

I would love to go into orbit and beyond.

 

[adrian29uk]

The Space Ship drivers getting on the bus now to make their way to the shuttle.
20 min drive, 10 miles to launch pad.

 

[clippedgull]

Another stream from Spaceflightnow

Expert analysis

Spaceflight Now - live streaming video powered by Livestream

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

Just time for a last minute gut buster breakfast and a bit of tax free shopping in the Terminal before proceeding to the gate. Don't 'spose there is any point in splashing out on a speedy boarding pass.

Once on board I think I would pay a bit more attention to the safety brief, noting the positions of the nearest exits, where my oxygen mask is and making sure my life jacket is stowed under the seat. Wonder what films are showing on the in flight entertainment - Apollo 13, Alien, Star Wars?

 

[adrian29uk]

Just time for a last minute gut buster breakfast and a bit of tax free shopping in the Terminal before proceeding to the gate. Don't 'spose there is any point in splashing out on a speedy boarding pass.

Once on board I think I would pay a bit more attention to the safety brief, noting the positions of the nearest exits, where my oxygen mask is and making sure my life jacket is stowed under the seat. Wonder what films are showing on the in flight entertainment - Apollo 13, Alien, Star Wars?

 

[adrian29uk]

Amazing live feed of them getting in the shuttle.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Has anybody on here ever seen the Space Shuttle take off?

 

[clippedgull]

Has anybody on here ever seen the Space Shuttle take off?

Twice. One night lift off, one day lift off. Pretty spectacular!

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Twice. One night lift off, one day lift off. Pretty spectacular!

How far away? Did you just park at the side of the road or book into a Motel with a view of the launch? Or is there an official viewing gallery? Always fancied doing that.