LIVE THREAD(2): DISCOVERY - Return to Flight

NASA ^ | 7-25-05

[OXENinFLA]

Poised for Liftoff

Space Shuttle Discovery rests in full view on the launch pad. Image above: The rolling back of Launch Pad 39B's Rotating Service Structure reveals orbiter Discovery. + Click for larger image. Image credit: NASA/KSC

Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-114, NASA's Return to Flight mission, is set for Tuesday at 10:39 a.m. EDT.

The launch pad's Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was rolled away from Discovery at 3:38 p.m. on Monday. When in place, the giant enveloping appendage is used to install payloads into an orbiter's cargo bay and provide protection from inclement weather. With the RSS now out of the way, propellant loading is set to begin after midnight Tuesday morning with the pumping of more than 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen into the vehicle's orange External Tank.

The chance of Kennedy weather cooperating for the launch remains at 60 percent.

First Lady Laura Bush will join other dignitaries and VIPs at Kennedy for the Return to Flight liftoff, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan announced earlier today.

[newzjunkey]

Thanks for that detail. I've been too busy with local politic mess and things on the homefront to even see what this mission was about. Now that I see it's catching up with our white elephant in space, I understand the launch window thing.

[ajolympian2004]

View the launch pad live and hear updates from launch control here: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

I'm using the Real Player link on this page.

[ajolympian2004]

Jessica Rye update - External tank fueling has been completed. Now in scheduled hold at T-Minus 3 hours. All fuel sensors are working as expected. Final inspection team is on their way to the launch pad for their 2+ hour final expection.

[RadioAstronomer]

Well, we hit the BeeLine thingy and drove right to where the cruise ships go out and went right on the top of some public beach access building!

I drove past there everyday to get onto the Cape. :-) I lived in Cocoa Beach and drove north thru Cape Canaveral then over the causeway and finally to (usually) SAEF-II, VPF, or Launch Complex 39 (a or b) on Kennedy.

[NautiNurse]

Is it visible from the Gulf beach over near Tampa. We're at Indian Rocks Beach right now

Barring clouds, you should be able to see the shuttle during ascent. Facing ENE, you need to be clear of tall buildings and trees. If there are clouds that direction, you will not be able to see it. Otherwise, be patient after launch, it will be visible and you will see the vapor trail too.

[NautiNurse]

Good morning! Live shot at t-3:00 and holding:

[ken5050]

Good mornin' back at ya, NN..

Fly safely, Discovery..Godspeed..

[ken5050]

Does anyone know if we will get the live feed from the new cameras and chase planes that NASA has deployed to track the launch? They should be spectacular..

[NautiNurse]

T-3:00:00 with about 15 minutes left in the planned hold.
Note the birds in the live screen cap:

[NautiNurse]

Nice angle:

[firewalk]

Thanks for the pings

[newzjunkey]

I'm watching NASA TV. The crew is in their bus and en route to the pad. It's a 20 min drive. They've got a helicopter secort. I'm nore sure if they've got snipers handing out or camera persons.

[newzjunkey]

Nice sunrise there.

[OXENinFLA]

Well the birds are up.....

[NautiNurse]

They call the vehicle transporting the crew to the launch pad the "astrovan." lol

[Allegra]

Thank you for the pictures.

I'm "AFTV" right now, but I'll be in front of one for the launch.

[NautiNurse]

The crew has arrived at the launch pad. They are looking up at it, some taking pictures, video of it. Now boarding elevator.

[mewzilla]

Jay Barbree on MSNBC taking critics of Eileen Collins to task. Barbree saying that this nation couldn't have a better person or pilot, and that he'd fly with her any time. Good for you, Mr. Barbree. You're the reason I'll tune into MSNBC.

Prayers for a safe and successful mission.

[NautiNurse]

Latest sensor test is good to go.

[newzjunkey]

I liked the two astronauts stopping for a couple of "tourist" photos at the base of the launch pad. Can't say I'd do any differently. Sensor test WORKING. Getting suited up.