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.

[Carolinamom]

I can't even imagine 3000 mph...my limit is 65...well, sometimes 70. lol

[SE Mom]

All I can say...is ...WHEW!!!!

[Aracelis]

For a second, I thought you wrote "mecca" -- still blurry eyed from tears...lol.

Nah, those folks couldn't handle a job like this. :)

Thank you God for protecting our astronauts!

[NormsRevenge]

The Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Tuesday, July 26, 2005. (AP Photo/Pete Cosgrove)

[abner]

I had to shed a quick few tears when they said that.

My question is how do they say it without blubbering?

[The_Victor]

So long as we didn't have any anomalous events during the launch, the return should be a piece of cake. But I'll be holding my breath anyway.

[SeaBiscuit]

LOL, I'm still nervous watching the replays.

[glock rocks]

Two chase planes and more than 100 cameras documented the ascent from every possible angle

Cool...

[Dashing Dasher]

You are such a toughy!

LOL!!!

Thanks for telling me that - I'm so happy the world is tuning in again. I remember how many people became lackadaisical about the space program.

[samantha]

Even if it was clear, the stupid trees have grown so crazy since the Hurricanes it blocked the area where I normally watch them. Did you at least hear the little sucker?

[Wiz]

ping

[Dashing Dasher]

xo

[blackie]

Great pix TomGuy ~ thanks!

[bored at work]

just awesome!!!

[Peach]

LOL. Me too.

Here's my prediction. The networks will show the least amazing shots of Discovery.

[ken5050]

Absent any atmosphere..you have NO sense of speed..you could be going 30,000mph..

[meema]

What a beautiful liftoff!

[tfecw]

:) me too...It's still amazing. Got some good wall paper for the computer though. I do want to see the shots from the WB-57s, but i think that will be tomorrow

[Peach]

She was mad she missed it but had to get out to do an errand.

[The_Victor]

My question is how do they say it without blubbering?

You write the words down and read them without thinking about what you're saying.