Visible and Ir images of space shuttle Columbia in orbit

SPACEFLIGHT NOW ^ | February 25, 2003 | SPACEFLIGHT NOW

[Lokibob]

 

Visible images of space shuttle Columbia in orbit
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: February 25, 2003

These three visible images of the orbiting space shuttle Columbia were taken by the U.S. Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site on January 28 as the spacecraft flew above the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands.

Infrared images of space shuttle Columbia in orbit
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: February 25, 2003

These three infrared images of the orbiting space shuttle Columbia were taken by the U.S. Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site on January 28 as the spacecraft flew above the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands.

[Cold Heat]

It almost looks like there is an extra set of radiators inside the back doors???

Cheaper than all electric heating and cooling.

[snopercod]

The front radiators are "two-sided" and are in the "deployed" position in these photos. The aft radiators are "one-sided" and are affixed to the PLBDs. Memory fades, but I think the working fluid is R-22 Freon.

The two bright axial lines on either side of the PLB are the PLB sills.

[Moonman62]

They are also topside pics because the shuttle orbits with the cargo bay doors pointing earthward. I'm sure there's a technical reason for that orientation, but it gives the astronauts a visual reference while working (otherwise they'd only see space).

The doors are used for cooling, but they could've been closed for a short period and the the shuttle oriented for a better picture of the suspect area. I wonder if these are the best pictures. I'd think that a big scope with adaptive optics could do better. Plus image stacking would help to bring out detail.

It's too bad didn't consider taking a better look.

[brityank]

Ping for pictures and some good info downthread.

[Budge]

Thanks for the ping.

[MikeD]

The doors are used for cooling, but they could've been closed for a short period and the the shuttle oriented for a better picture of the suspect area.

I was under the impression that the doors could not remain closed for long. Otherwise, heat would build up in the shuttle.

I wonder if these are the best pictures. I'd think that a big scope with adaptive optics could do better. Plus image stacking would help to bring out detail.

Oh, I'm sure that Keck could have snagged some great pictures. Unfortunately, this is all hindsight. You tell a Ph.D. who fought for a night of Keck time that he has to give it up so you can take a few pictures of the space shuttle. Before 2/1, you would have been laughed at.

Personally, I'm surprised that all these pictures & things have shown up. I had no idea people still paid enough attention to the launches to keep up with orbiting pictures & re-entry & such.

[Moonman62]

I was under the impression that the doors could not remain closed for long. Otherwise, heat would build up in the shuttle.

I think they close the doors about an hour before reentry. An hour would be more than enough time to get some pictures.

Oh, I'm sure that Keck could have snagged some great pictures. Unfortunately, this is all hindsight.

I don't think the Keck would be able to track fast enough. I was thinking that these Air Force locations have multiple scopes for tracking. I was wondering if they were using the best one available. NASA also has a high flying jet with mounted telescopes. They've used it to watch the Leonids the past couple of years.