On Being Human: Nasa

NASA TO BROADCAST HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS IN HIGH DEFINITION

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:38:04 GMT

WASHINGTON - NASA Television will broadcast a special high definition
(HDTV) feed of two hours of highlights from America's human
spaceflight history as the agency celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The NASA HD highlights will be broadcast on Friday, Aug. 8, Monday,
Aug. 11, and Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. EDT on a special
feed from NASA TV. The highlights also will be broadcast on standard
definition on NASA TV's media channel.

The broadcast will include material drawn from more than 150 hours of
historical film footage that was converted to HDTV under
collaboration between The Discovery Channel and NASA. Much of the
converted footage was used in production of The Discovery Channel's
acclaimed series, "When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions."

For technical information on how to receive the special broadcast in
high definition, and for NASA TV streaming video, downlink and
scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about NASA and its programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

HEADS OF AGENCY INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION JOINT STATEMENT

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:17:38 GMT

In Paris, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin is joined at the 2008
meeting of the International Space Station Heads of Agency by Guy
Bujold, Canadian Space Agency president; Jean-Jacques Dordain,
European Space Agency director-general; Anatolii N. Perminov, Russian
Federal Space Agency head; and Keiji Tachikawa, Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency president. Credit: ESA/S. Corvaja
&rsaquo; View Full Resolution PARIS -- The heads of the International
Space Station (ISS) agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and
the United States met at European Space Agency (ESA) Headquarters in
Paris on July 17, 2008, to review ISS cooperation. As part of their
discussions, they noted the significantly expanded capability that
the ISS now provides for on-orbit research and technology development
activities and as an engineering test bed for flight systems and
operations that are critical to future space exploration initiatives.
These activities improve the quality of life on Earth by expanding
the frontiers of human knowledge.

The Heads of Agency also noted the Partners' significant
accomplishments since their last meeting in January 2007, including
the delivery of Node 2 (Harmony), two new laboratories (the ESA
Columbus Module and the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo), and Dextre,
Canada's two-armed special purpose dexterous manipulator. In addition
to the completion of six challenging ISS assembly missions with the
U.S. Space Shuttle, the Heads of Agency recognized the maiden flight
of the European Automated Transfer Vehicle, the establishment of the
global ISS ground operation control center network with the addition
of new European and Japanese ISS operations centers and the
successful flights of Russian Soyuz and Progress vehicles. The
Partners emphasized the critical importance of expanded operations of
Russian Soyuz and Progress vehicles for ISS total crew
transportation, rescue and cargo delivery.

The Heads of Agency reviewed current ISS development, configuration
and operations activities across the partnership. They considered
implementing plans to maximize the benefits from the increase to a
six-person crew in 2009 and discussed efforts to ensure that
essential space transportation capabilities (both crew and cargo)
will be available across the partnership for the life of the program.
The Partners acknowledged the need for the additional Russian modules
to be provided in 2009 and 2010 that will maximize six-person ISS
operations and utilization.

The Heads of Agency discussed their respective ongoing activities to
enhance upmass and downmass transportation capabilities required for
a robust utilization of the ISS and for preparing capabilities for
the future. These include Japan's H-2 Transfer Vehicle in the next
year, the U.S. Commercial Orbital Transportation Services and the
U.S. Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle; together with the current
operational vehicles, the U.S. Shuttle (up to 2010), Russian Soyuz
and Progress, and ESA Automated Transfer Vehicle. These capabilities
will respond to the ISS operations and utilization requirements. They
also noted new initiatives such as the ESA plan for an Automated
Transfer Vehicle-Advanced Return Vehicle system for downmass from the
ISS and the Russia-ESA joint preparatory activities on an advanced
Crew Space Transportation System. The Heads of Agency expressed their
interest in making these capacities available for the benefit of the
whole partnership and can provide sustainability of the ISS and
prepare for future exploration endeavors.

As the partnership moves closer to completion of ISS assembly, the
Heads of Agency reaffirmed their common interest in utilizing the
space station to its full capacity for a period meaningful for
stakeholders and users. The Partners noted that a continuation of
operations beyond 2015 would not be precluded by any significant
technical challenges. Recognizing the substantial programmatic
benefits to continued ISS operations and utilization beyond the
current planning horizon, the Heads of Agency committed to work with
their respective governments to assess support for such a goal.

For the latest about the International Space Station, visit the
Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

Space Shuttle Discovery Lift Off Successful

Sat, 31 May 2008 21:44:50 GMT

NASA May 31
5:11 p.m. EDT
Space shuttle Discovery rocketed into space safely this evening to begin a 14-day mission to attach a new scientific module to the International Space Station. Launch came at 5:02 p.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and set Discovery on a trajectory to intercept the space station in two days.

Seven astronauts flew Discovery into space, led by Commander Mark Kelly. The pilot for the mission is Ken Ham. Karen Nyberg, Ron Garan, Mike Fossum, Gregory Chamitoff and Japan's Akihiko Hoshide are the mission specialists for the flight. Chamitoff will trade places on the station with astronaut Garrett Reisman.

PHEONIX HAS LANDED

Sun, 25 May 2008 23:59:30 GMT

visit www.nasa.gov for all the details.

A very exciting moment in our time. Congratulations to the Pheonix Team.

NASA TV AIRS HIGH-DEF DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SPACE STATION ASTRONAUT

Wed, 21 May 2008 23:12:58 GMT

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will provide a high-definition glimpse of
life in space with a special Video File to be broadcast beginning May
22.

During his final weeks aboard the International Space Station,
astronaut Garrett Reisman has filmed many daily activities in orbit
that are anything but routine. A compilation of Reisman's video
diaries will be broadcast in high definition, or HD, beginning at 4
p.m. CDT, Thursday, May 22. The footage also will air Friday, May 23,
and Tuesday, May 27, from 5 to 8 a.m., 12 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
each day.

The special NASA TV Video File also will be broadcast in
standard-definition on NASA TV immediately following the regularly
scheduled daily Video File broadcasts.

SEND YOUR NAME TO THE MOON WITH NEW LUNAR MISSION

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:04:33 GMT

Excerpt from NASA news Letter

WASHINGTON -- NASA invites people of all ages to join the lunar
exploration journey with an opportunity to send their names to the
moon aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, spacecraft.

The Send Your Name to the Moon Web site enables everyone to
participate in the lunar adventure and place their names in orbit
around the moon for years to come. Participants can submit their
information at http://www.nasa.gov/lro, print a certificate and have
their name entered into a database. The database will be placed on a
microchip that will be integrated onto the spacecraft. The deadline
for submitting names is June 27, 2008.

"Everyone who sends their name to the moon, like I'm doing, becomes
part of the next wave of lunar explorers," said Cathy Peddie, deputy
project manager for LRO at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in
Greenbelt, Md. "The LRO mission is the first step in NASA's plans to
return humans to the moon by 2020, and your name can reach there
first. How cool is that?"

The orbiter, comprised of six instruments and one technology
demonstration, will provide the most comprehensive data set ever
returned from the moon. The mission will focus on the selection of
safe landing sites and identification of lunar resources. It also
will study how the lunar radiation environment could affect humans.

LRO will also create a comprehensive atlas of the moon's features and
resources that will be needed as NASA designs and builds a planned
lunar outpost. The mission will support future human exploration
while providing a foundation for upcoming science missions. LRO is
scheduled for launch in late 2008.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is being built at Goddard. The
mission also will be managed at the center for NASA's Explorations
Systems Mission Directorate in Washington.

Send Your Name to the Moon is a collaborative effort among NASA, the
Planetary Society in Pasadena, Calif., and the Johns Hopkins Applied
Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md.

To send your name to the moon, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/lro

Hawking at 3:00 Today

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:13:23 GMT

Professor Stephen Hawking of the University of Cambridge will be the featured speaker at a lecture that is part of a series honoring NASA's 50th anniversary. The title of Hawking's lecture is "Why we should go into space." The event will be held at the George Washington University's Morton Auditorium at 3 p.m. EDT. Admission is by invitation only, but reporters are welcome to attend.

NASA television will broadcast the event live on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Astronauts Land Safely 295 miles Away From Expected Site

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:15:12 GMT

Commander Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko of the 16th International Space Station crew landed on the steppes of Kazakhstan around 4:30 a.m. EDT Saturday after 192 days in space.

All three people aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft were reported to be in good condition after their re-entry and landing.

The landing was approximately 295 miles from the expected landing site, delaying the recovery forces’ arrival to the spacecraft by approximately 45 minutes.

The Soyuz is scheduled to undock at about 1:05 a.m. Saturday

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:34:39 GMT

Hatches between Expedition 16's Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft and the International Space Station were closed around 10:09 p.m. EDT Friday after goodbyes between members of the two crews.

Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko left the station after 190 days aboard. With them was Korean spaceflight participant So-yeon Yi, who launched to the station April 8 with the Expedition 17 crew.

That crew, Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko is beginning a six-month stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. With them is astronaut Garrett Reisman, who served with E16 during the last few weeks of its increment, and remains aboard as an E17 flight engineer for the early part of its stay.

The Soyuz is scheduled to undock at about 1:05 a.m. Saturday and do its deorbit burn at about 3:40 a.m. to begin the re-entry through the Earth's atmosphere. Landing is set for about 4:30 a.m. on the steppes of Kazakhstan.

NASA TURNS GREEN WITH NATIONWIDE EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:37:12 GMT

Excerpt from NASA Latest News Release

NASA centers across America will roll out the green
carpet April 22 to celebrate Earth Day and reporters are invited to
hear first hand about the agency's contributions to understanding and
protecting our environment.

NASA Earth research missions study all aspects of our planet, from its
oceans, land surfaces and atmosphere, to its biosphere and
cryosphere. NASA is a world leader in studying the cause and effects
of climate change now and in the future. NASA research contributes to
improved air and water quality and promotes healthier lands and
wildlife habitats. The agency operates dedicated Earth science
spacecraft and conducts research with instruments aboard other
national and international satellites. NASA plans several new
missions in the next few years, with two launching in 2008. Decision
makers around the world use NASA Earth science data to support policy
making and resource management decisions.

With the world's largest contingent of dedicated Earth scientists and
engineers, NASA will host interactive activities that span a variety
of topics.

NASA also will mark the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 8 Earthrise
photograph, which was credited for inspiring environmental movements
in the late 1960s and 1970s. Bill Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut who
took the famous "Earthrise" photo, will be available for live NASA
Television interviews from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT on Earth Day.
Joining Anders will be a NASA scientist to discuss present day NASA
Earth science research. Media interested in arranging for live
interviews with Anders should contact Al Feinberg on 202-358-1058 by
4 p.m. EDT Friday, or DC Agle at 818-393-9011 by 7 p.m. EDT Monday.

NASA TV also will air a special hour-long High-Definition TV broadcast
of Earth views taken in HD by astronauts on past space shuttle and
space station missions. The HD broadcast will air on the morning of
Friday, April 18, from 6 to 8 a.m. EDT, and replay during the same
time on Monday, April 21. On Earth Day, the HD broadcast will air
from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. The footage also will be broadcast on
standard NASA TV during the regular Video File hours those days. For
information on how to receive the special HD broadcast, and
information about NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

To commemorate Earth Day on NASA's Web site, http://www.nasa.gov, the
agency will feature several new items, including the 10 most
outstanding Earth views taken by astronauts aboard the space station.
Web features also will highlight a breathtaking series of nighttime
images of city lights from orbit gathered by astronaut Don Pettit,
who lived aboard the station in 2003. Pettit narrates the imagery,
which he gathered using a special mechanism he developed to steady
the camera and track cities as the station flew overhead at five
miles per second. The site also will provide opportunities for
visitors to share their opinions.

Stephen Hawking "Why We Should Go Into Space"

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:37:02 GMT

Excerpt From NASA Latest News Release
WASHINGTON -- On Monday, April 21, Professor Stephen Hawking of the University of Cambridge will be the featured speaker at a lecture that is part of a series honoring NASA's 50th anniversary. The title of Hawking's lecture is "Why we should go into space." The event will be held at the George Washington University's Morton Auditorium at 3 p.m. EDT. Admission is by invitation only, but reporters are welcome to attend.

NASA television will broadcast the event live on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

NASA LAUNCHES NEW SCIENCE WEB SITE

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:31:36 GMT

From NASA News Release
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Science Mission Directorate has launched a new
Web site that provides enhanced and engaging information about NASA's
vast scope of scientific endeavors and achievements.

The site will provide in-depth coverage of NASA's past, present and
future science missions with features that include:

- Interactive tables and searches for Earth, heliophysics, planetary
and astrophysics missions
- Insight into dark matter and dark energy, planets around other
stars, climate change, Mars and space weather
- Resources for researchers including links to upcoming science
solicitations and opportunities
- A mapping of science questions for NASA science missions and the
data they produce
- A citizen-scientist page with access to resources that equip the
public to engage in scientific investigation
- Expanded "For Educators" and "For Kids" pages to provide access to a
broader range of resources for learning the science behind NASA
missions
- Easy-to-navigate design and an improved search engine to help find
information

Visit the new NASA science Web site at:

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/

Expedition 17 Docks to I.S.S. Thursday 9 a.m.

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:15:42 GMT

Excerpt from NASA.gov

After Tuesday’s successful launch, the Expedition 17 crew members are headed to their new home aboard the International Space Station.

launched at 7:16 a.m. EDT in a Soyuz TMA-12 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The orbiter and crew are scheduled to dock with the station about 9 a.m. Thursday.

Cosmonaut Sergei Volkov will command the Expedition 17 mission

Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko will serve Expedition 17 as a flight engineer

Space Flight participant, 29 year old, South Korean astronaut So-yeon Yi launched to the International Space Station on a Soyuz spacecraft with the Expedition 17 crew and return on a Soyuz spacecraft with the Expedition 16 crew. She is the youngest person to be sent into space.

Astronaut Gregory E. Chamitoff is scheduled to fly to the station on shuttle mission STS-124 and return to Earth aboard STS-126.

Astronaut Garrett Reisman arrived at the station aboard space shuttle Endeavour on STS-123 and joined Expedition 16 as a flight engineer

Volkov and Kononenko will begin a six-month stay in space.

Spaceflight participant Yi will return to Earth with Expedition 16 crew members, on April 19

Expedition 16

Commander Peggy Whitson

and

Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko.

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin Praises Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) Docking

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:14:55 GMT

Excerpts from NASA.gov

The Jules Verne, the first European Space Agency Automated Transfer Vehicle, docked to the aft port of the International Space Station's Zvezda Service Module at 10:45 a.m. EDT Thursday.

The unpiloted cargo spacecraft carries more than 7,500 pounds of equipment, supplies, water, fuel and gases for the station.

It also carries hopes and aspirations of the European Space Agency. The ATV and its advanced rendezvous system could play an important role in future space exploration.

STATEMENT BY NASA ADMINISTRATOR ON ATV DOCKING

WASHINGTON -- The following is a statement by NASA Administrator
Michael Griffin after today's successful docking of the European
Space Agency's Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle to the
International Space Station at 10:45 a.m. EDT Thursday.

"I am incredibly proud of and pleased for our European partners with
this demonstration of a successful automated docking of the ATV cargo
vehicle with the ISS. Only Russia has previously achieved a
successful automated docking in space. This accomplishment showcases
yet again the progress which has been made by the international
partnership in bringing this incredible program to fruition. Together
with the arrival of the Columbus Module at the ISS earlier this year,
the success of the ATV marks the arrival of Europe as a full-fledged
space power. I applaud their achievement."

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin

For information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

Image left: "We will do it together." Administrator Griffin speaks with NASA employees at Headquarters on his first day on the job. Photo credit: NASA/Renee Bouchard.

"Griffin was nominated by President George W. Bush on March 14, 2005, and confirmed by the United States Senate on April 13, 2005. At his confirmation hearing on April 12, he made clear that the "strategic vision for the U.S. manned space program is of exploration beyond low Earth orbit."

view more NASA videos REEL NASA on Youtube

STS-123 Endeavour Crew Scheduled Interview At 1:30 EST

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:41:08 GMT

Watch NASA TV Live for up close and personal interview with NASA's most recent success story.The STS-123 crew members pose for a final photo under shuttle Endeavour after landing at Kennedy. From left are Mission Specialists Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Robert L. Behnken, and Rick Linnehan; Pilot Gregory H. Johnson; Commander Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialist Mike Foreman. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Space shuttle Endeavour lands at Kennedy Space Center,

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:01:55 GMT

Excerpt from NASA.gov

After 16 days in space and 250 orbits of the Earth, space shuttle Endeavour touched down at 8:39 p.m. EST Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, bringing the STS-123 mission to a flawless end.

But for the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), whose Kibo laboratory module is finally taking shape aboard the International Space Station, this flight was merely the beginning.

"We are quite honored that Mr. Doi contributed to the construction of the space station," said JAXA vice president Kaoru Mamiya, referring to STS-123 Mission Specialist Takao Doi. "It's the first step for our Kibo construction, and we hope that next time, the main module will be added to the station."

Endeavour and crew are in excellent shape after a safe and successful landing, according to NASA managers.

Watch NASA TV for Endeavour to Land at 7:05 p.m.

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:48:24 GMT

Excerpt from NASA.gov

The crew of space shuttle Endeavour spent Tuesday getting ready for its journey home and the end of the STS-123 mission. Early in their day, the crew members performed a test of the thrusters that will be used to position the orbiter for re-entry and the control surfaces for its flight through the atmosphere.

Endeavour is scheduled to land at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 7:05 p.m. EDT Wednesday.

Endeavour Departs In A Symphony of Light With Grace

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:12:35 GMT

The STS-123 crew has just completed it's graceful exit; an unparalled 'un-docking' sequence from the International Space Station. I am looking forward to viewing the downlink images and videos cast from this particular event. I can only guess that all who were witness, concur; it was an extra special 'Endeavour'.

The Expedition 16 crew and The STS-123 crew expertly and artfully documented the orbiter's departure as the Earth and universe framed and rendered the two space crafts in a stellar peformance of light and cosmic beauty, I can barely find words to describe. God Bless and good night.

Visit NASA media for full coverage and videos.

Excerpt below From NASA.gov

Space shuttle Endeavour undocked from the International Space Station at 8:25 p.m. EDT, ending its 12-day stay at the orbital outpost. After the STS-123 and Expedition 16 crews bid one another farewell, the hatches between the two spacecraft closed at 5:49 p.m.

The space shuttle Endeavour crew is expected to
complete its 16-day flight to the International Space Station with a
landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, March 26.

The STS-123 mission began March 11 and delivered the first segment of
the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the
Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre.
The flight also brought a new crew member to the station and will
return an astronaut who has spent nearly seven weeks aboard the
complex.

NASA managers will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before
permitting Endeavour to return to Earth. Wednesday landing
opportunities at Kennedy are at 7:05 p.m. EDT and 8:39 p.m. The
shuttle's backup sites for landing, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.,
and White Sands Space Harbor, N.M., will not be activated Wednesday.

Endeavour Begins Journey Home Today

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:31:09 GMT

Excerpt from NASA.gov

The crews of space shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station have completed their last full day together.

Much of the astronauts’ morning was off‐duty time. Afterward, the crews wrapped up transfers of equipment and supplies between Endeavour and the station, and they checked out the tools needed for undocking and subsequent activities.

The STS-123 and Expedition 16 crews also held a joint crew news conference, answering questions from members of the media on Earth.

Endeavour will undock from the station at 7:56 p.m. EDT Monday and begin its journey back to Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

STS-123 Team Completes EVA 5 and Prepares For 'Return to Earth Monday

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 04:56:05 GMT

Excerpt from NASA

Mission Specialists Robert L. Behnken and Mike Foreman completed the fifth spacewalk of STS-123 at 10:36 p.m. EDT. Rick Linnehan, also a mission specialist, coordinated their activities from inside the orbiting complex made up of space shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station.

With the final STS-123 spacewalk complete, flight day 14 will see the crew of Endeavour prepare for the end of their visit to the station. The orbiter will undock Monday and return to Earth Wednesday.

NASA MOVES ENDEAVOUR, SPACE STATION CREW NEWS CONFERENCE

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:08:59 GMT

HOUSTON - The news conference with the 10 crew members aboard space
shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station, originally
scheduled for 11:18 p.m. CDT Sunday, March 23, has been moved to an
hour earlier, and will begin at 10:18 p.m.

The change in time was made to improve the downlink television
capability from the space station.

From the left (front row) are Pilot Gregory Johnson and Commander Dominic Gorie. From the left (back row) are mission specialists Richard Linnehan, Robert Behnken, Garrett Reisman, Michael Foreman and Takao Doi, a Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut. Credit: NASA

STS-123 Dynamic Duo Complete Stellar 4th Spacewalk

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:11:59 GMT

NASA TV Live; As entertainment, mission coverage is unparalleled. Documentation of 'life and work' in space is an educational adventure for all to share. NASA TV, Mission Control, the STS-123 Endeavour crew and Expedition 16 crew give of themselves generously for higher purpose. Each episode gets better with experience and improved technology. I encourage all parents 'to tune in' to the future especially for kids on any given day to NASA TV. Here's the lastest scoop from the pages of NASA.

________________________________________

Mission Specialists Robert L. Behnken

and Mike Foreman

completed the fourth STS-123 spacewalk

at 12:28 a.m. EDT, spending six hours

and 24 minutes on the excursion.

With Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan

coordinating their activities from inside the orbiting complex, the spacewalkers also tested a repair method for damaged heat resistant tiles on the space shuttle. This technique used a caulk-gun-like tool named the Tile Repair Ablator Dispenser to dispense a material called Shuttle Tile Ablator-54 into purposely damaged heat shield tiles. The sample tiles will be returned to Earth to undergo extensive testing on the ground.

Endeavour’s crew will perform a final inspection of the orbiter’s heat shield tiles Friday using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS).

Behnken and Foreman will begin the mission’s fifth and final spacewalk Saturday at 5:23 p.m. Among other tasks, they will stow the OBSS on the station’s main truss to be retrieved by the crew of Discovery on STS-124, the next space shuttle mission.

Excerpt from NASA.gov

NASA SETS ENDEAVOUR, SPACE STATION CREW NEWS CONFERENCE

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:46:20 GMT

Excert from NASA News

HOUSTON - The 10 crew members aboard space shuttle Endeavour and the
International Space Station will hold a news conference at 11:18 p.m.
CDT Sunday, March 23.

Media may ask questions from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston;
NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida; and NASA Headquarters in
Washington. A portion of the news conference will be set aside for
Japanese reporters at the Johnson Space Center and a French radio
network selected by the European Space Agency.

To participate in the news conference, U.S. journalists must call the
public affairs office at their preferred NASA center by 4 p.m. CDT,
Friday, March 21.

NASA Television will provide live coverage of the 40-minute news
conference. For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video
information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

3rd Space Walk Completed, Dextre Ready for Anything

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:40:34 GMT

A global audience watched NASA TV coverage of this mission with awe and pride as STS-123 and The I.S.S. entertained miracles.

Excerpt from NASA

"With the completion of the third STS-123 spacewalk, Dextre has been outfitted with the tools for its work. The International Space Station’s robot arm grabbed Dextre and moved it into an overnight parking position. The new robotic system will be activated on a power and data grapple fixture located on the U.S. laboratory Destiny on flight day nine.

Mission Specialists Rick Linnehan and Robert L. Behnken completed the third spacewalk of the STS-123 mission at 1:44 a.m. EDT. The excursion lasted six hours and 53 minutes.

Mission specialists, Behnken and Foreman are slated to begin the mission’s fourth spacewalk at 6:28 p.m. Thursday. The two will perform tasks that include a shuttle tile repair test and change out of a circuit breaker on the station".

STS-123 Skidoo, Dextre and Kibo too

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:42:09 GMT

NASA'S SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR BEGINS MISSION TO THE SPACE STATION
Excerpt from NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour brought an early
sunrise to the East Coast Tuesday, launching from NASA's Kennedy
Space Center at 2:28 a.m. EDT and beginning the STS-123 mission to
the International Space Station.

During the 16-day flight, Endeavour's seven astronauts will work with
the three-member space station crew and ground teams around the world
to install the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed
robotic system, known as Dextre. STS-123 is the longest shuttle
mission to the station and will include a record five shuttle
spacewalks at the orbiting laboratory, delivery of a new crew member
to the complex and the return of another astronaut after nearly seven
weeks aboard the station.

March 11th, 2:28 a.m. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:00:54 GMT

Excerpt from NASA.gov

The rotating service structure has been rolled away from space shuttle Endeavour in a major milestone leading up to launch. The liftoff of Endeavour on the STS-123 mission remains on schedule for 2:28 a.m. EDT Tuesday, March 11.

Endeavour Set for March 11th Launch

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 02:55:34 GMT

Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour

"NASA's mission management team decided Friday that March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT is the official launch time for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission.

After two days of evaluating launch preparations for the mission, the group has confirmed the readiness of the shuttle, flight crew and payload for the next flight to the International Space Station".

"The flight is commanded by Dominic Gorie with Gregory H. Johnson serving as Pilot. The crew also includes Mission Specialists Rick Linnehan, Robert L. Behnken, Mike Foreman, Garret Reisman and Japanese astronaut Takao Doi".

From Youtube;

"It’s not just 'a Japanese flight,' or 'a Canadian flight,' said Dana Weigel, the lead station flight director. "This flight truly is the first time that it requires every single partner actively participating to make everything work. I think that's a great milestone." see video.

ps.

Bryan Adams loves the number 11

It's the name of his new album

Life on Earth as seen from Space

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:05:51 GMT

Now that Atlantis is home safe and most of the world's major events passed. I will be taking some time to catch up on my own life. Family and moving is next on my agenda and who knows what can happen tomorrow. Unpredictable lives we all live and hope for the best. Good words followed by good works is everyone's responsibility.

I am truly happy about Atlantis being home. It's been a long and educational journey for me as a viewer. A dramatic sequence of events leading up to the launch and landing is historic.

I thank NASA TV and all of NASA personel for producing not only high science but as well a fantastic media production.

That informs all ages of the spectacular efforts made by the science world.

My own interest in designing clothing and accessories for space work and comfort, has been propelled by the candid visits with the space station crew and in particular, Commender Peggy Whitson, who's unparallel experience leads not only the Expedition 16 crew, but more importantly, women of earth who have a female mentor in space. Future generations will look back on Peggy's contribution with awe and respect as I do today. God Bless you.

Tamara A.

SHUTTLE ATLANTIS CREW RETURNS HOME AFTER SUCCESSFUL MISSION

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:48:09 GMT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew landed at
9:07 a.m. EST Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after
completing a 13-day journey of nearly 5.3 million miles in space. The
STS-122 mission expanded the size and research capabilities of the
International Space Station with the delivery of the European Space
Agency's Columbus laboratory.

Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier
described STS-122 as one of the program's most successful space
station construction missions.

Atlantis Lands!

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:36:06 GMT

"With Commander Steve Frick and Pilot Alan Poindexter at the controls, space shuttle Atlantis descended to a smooth landing at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The STS-122 crew concluded their successful assembly mission to the International Space Station when the shuttle touched down at 9:07 a.m. EST".

Wow.

Watch NASA TV LIVE Now

First Landing Opportunity for Atlantis at 9:07 EST

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:39:11 GMT

Excerpt from NASA The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis

spent Tuesday getting ready for their return home and the end of the STS-122 mission.

The orbiter is scheduled to land at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Wednesday.

Atlantis’ first landing opportunity is at 9:07 a.m. EST.

Time does fly when you're having fun doing a greatjob! It seems like you all just got there.

Wishing you a safe and perfect landing. Tamara A

Space Shuttle Atlantis Undocks

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:22:08 GMT

Space shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station at 4:24 a.m. EST, ending its almost-nine-day stay at the station. Pilot Alan Poindexter backed the orbiter away from the station and performed a fly-around to allow crew members to collect video and imagery of the orbital outpost with the newly installed Columbus laboratory". Excerpt from NASA

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS SET TO LAND WEDNESDAY

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:53:54 GMT

Excerpt from NASA News

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The space shuttle Atlantis crew is expected to
complete a 13-day mission to the International Space Station with a
landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The STS-122 mission began Feb. 7 and delivered the European Space
Agency's Columbus laboratory to the station. Columbus expands the
station's research facilities and provides scientists around the
world with the ability to conduct a variety of life, physical and
materials science experiments. The mission also included three
spacewalks, the delivery of a new crew member to the station and the
return of another astronaut after his nearly four month stay aboard
the complex.

NASA managers will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before
permitting Atlantis to return to Earth. Wednesday landing
opportunities at Kennedy are at 9:07 a.m. and 10:42 a.m. EST. There
are additional opportunities at 12:12 p.m. and 1:47 p.m. at Edwards
Air Force Base, Calif., a backup landing site. The shuttle's other
backup site for landing, White Sands Space Harbor, N.M., will not be
activated Wednesday.

Saturday Morning Press Conference with Space Station

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:52:39 GMT

NASA SETS ATLANTIS, SPACE STATION CREW NEWS CONFERENCE

HOUSTON - The 10 crew members flying aboard space shuttle Atlantis and
the International Space Station will hold a news conference at 7:40
a.m. CST on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Media may ask questions from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston;
NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.; and NASA Headquarters in
Washington. News media in France, Germany and Russia also will be
able to ask questions during the news conference. To participate,
U.S. journalists must RSVP by calling the public affairs office at
their preferred NASA center by 6 p.m. CST Friday, Feb. 15.

NASA Television will provide live coverage of the 40-minute news
conference. For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video
information on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY TO The STS-122

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:56:20 GMT

Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, talked to shuttle and station astronauts today congratulating them on the successful installation of Columbus, the station’s newest laboratory from Europe. Hans Schlegel, a German astronaut with the European Space Agency, helped activate Columbus and participated in today’s conference.

ps. I had more flower bouquets to add here, however, they don't seem to be showing up.

I will post the boquets in the album for anyone to download.

Flower Image Credits from:

www.florist.com

www.growerflowers.com

Installation of Columbus Labratory Part II

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:04:43 GMT

Shuttle Commander Stephen Frick helps Rex Walheim with suiting up for today's spacewalk

Watch it LIVE On NASA TV Now

Outside the International Space Station, Astronauts Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel began the second of STS-122’s three scheduled spacewalks at 9:27 a.m. EST.

The spacewalkers will remove the Nitrogen Tank Assembly (NTA), part of the station’s thermal control system, from the P1 truss. Once they have completed this task, they will install a new NTA, and the old one will be transferred to the shuttle’s payload bay for return to Earth.

While Walheim and Schlegel are outside the station, the Expedition 16 and STS-122 crews will continue the activation of internal systems on Columbus. The station crew members also are outfitting the laboratory module for its scientific work.

Columbus Open for Business Today

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:16:10 GMT

Excerpt from NASA.gov
The STS-122 and Expedition 16 crews will open the newest component of the International Space Station for business today.

Astronauts: Stanley Love, Stephen Frick, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin

strike a pose with Space Walking Suits.
Supplies and equipment will be transferred into the European Space Agency’s Columbus laboratory. Three of the laboratory module’s five payload racks also are scheduled for relocation today. Expedition 16 crew members Leopold Eyharts and Peggy Whitson will be the first to enter Columbus.

Commander Peggy Whitson

Leopold Eyharts

The first STS-122 spacewalk is planned for Monday morning at 9:35 a.m. EST

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:25:02 GMT

From NASA.gov Website

The first STS-122 spacewalk is planned for Monday morning at 9:35 a.m. EST. Mission specialists Rex Walheim and Stanley Love will help attach the Columbus science laboratory to the starboard side of the Harmony Node. Station robotic arm operators will assist the spacewalkers. Love and Walheim will “camp-out” in the U.S. airlock to purge nitrogen from their bodies prior to Monday’s spacewalk.

mage above: STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel

is pictured aboard the space station with two U.S. spacesuits behind him.

Photo credit: NASA TV

Love replaces Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel after the spacewalk was delayed one day. The mission has also been extended a day with a landing planned for the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Focused inspections of the shuttle’s thermal protection system are scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. today. Mission managers want to take a closer look at a small tear in the thermal blanket on the right Orbital Maneuvering System pod.

STS-122 Atlantis Docked and Columbus Ready for Harmony

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:37:05 GMT