Today they put in a new battery pack, changed-out a gyroscope, and put in three panels of outside insulation.
It was a risk, but it will pay off big rewards for a long time now.
Godspeed home Atlantis, well done.
One more note. With this seemingly successful mission, and the “newness” of the telescope, combined with the launch last week of the Herschel and Planck Space Observatories, their will now be three major new space telescopes and other instruments in operation soon. It’s as if a new day has dawned in our knowledge of the universe, and now to await the results.
I read in the paper this morning something not very comprehensible about breaking a bolt yesterday. What was that about?
Cross your fingers, and hope it performs well! Well done Atlantis crew!
Well, since we won’t be able to go up there for awhile, that’s our eyes and ears for a long time to come.
Can someone do a Space Ping List notice for the thread? Thanks.
Hubble Spacewalkers Wrap Up Work
18 May 2009 2:54 p.m. EDT
HOUSTON – After sailing through their spacewalk work, astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are preparing to return to the shuttle Atlantis’ airlock after an emotional exchange commemorating the end of their work.
“It’s a really big adventure we’ve been on,” said an emotional Grunsfeld. “Hubble isn’t just a satellite. It’s about humanity’s quest for knowledge.”
He thanked many people and teams behind the telescope’s evolution and mission life.
“On this mission we tried some things than many people thought were impossible,” he said, referring to some intricate repairs. “We achieved that, and we wish Hubble the best.”
Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Breaking News?
Space Ping.
Wonderful news, and thank God it was done without problems. I’m a big “space geek,” too, as well as a proud American: If it’s broken, we can figure out how to fix it. (Well, technically and mechanically, anyway. I don’t know about big gubmint or Obamamania.)
I’ve watched a little NASA TV this week, and I have to say that there’s been some great production moments, even compared to “professional” TV. They’ve had cameras in the astronaut’s helmets and also all around them, watching what they’re doing. And they switch back and forth from camera to camera to give the best view of the action.
It’s been the best mission coverage I’ve seen.
Good job Atlantis.
Just goes to show what a meritocracy can accomplish.
I really believe astronauts and NASA engineers are the boldest civilians in government, and the Congress is populated by the biggest cowards in government.