Calling any 'Space Geeks'

[grumpyhippo]

The space shuttle is currently 'up there' docked to the International Space Station (ISS). You can watch what is going on live on Nasa TV. You can find Nasa TV at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/.

Today the crew is moving the Leonardo Multi Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the shuttle to the space station.
I was lucky enough to see the practice for this at the Johnson Space Centre last year...........
If you have family members who are interested in space/science you might want to let them watch for a while. The crew are allowed to sleep so check out the schedule and be prepared to dip in and out of the broadcasts, some of the pictures, especially fronm the space station are amazing.

MPLM practice rig.....

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/grumpyhippo/_DSC0173b.jpg



ISS control room
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/grumpyhippo/_DSC0125b.jpg





Shuttle control room

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/grumpyhippo/_DSC0117b.jpg

[redeyedtreefrog]

I expect the young whippersnapper will join this thread soon

[grumpyhippo]

This answer to the most commonly asked question. How do you go to the the loo in space?


The shuttle toilet.....................

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/grumpyhippo/_DSC0065b-1.jpg



Work it out for yourself... remember in space there is no up or down!!:lol:

[Alan16]

Work it out for yourself... remember in space there is no up or down!!:lol:

So it would just continue in the direction it was... projected. [para]

[grumpyhippo]

I think a gentle negative pressure solves any problems:grin::grin:

[Kevin Milkins]

I think a gentle negative pressure solves any problems:grin::grin:

It gives a whole new meaning to the saying, "he left a floater". :lol:

[Mystical Potato Head]

Its also possible to see the Shuttle/ISS with the naked eye as they orbit the earth every 90 mins or so.If i does pass overhead there is no mistaking it,the brightest object in night sky(other than the moon)and is in view for 3 to 4 mins as it passes by at 17 000 mph, some 220 miles above the earth.

[Alan16]

Its also possible to see the Shuttle/ISS with the naked eye as they orbit the earth every 90 mins or so.If i does pass overhead there is no mistaking it,the brightest object in night sky(other than the moon)and is in view for 3 to 4 mins as it passes by at 17 000 mph, some 220 miles above the earth.

You got any sort of definite times? My young bones can't stand spending 90 minutes in the cold out doors. Although it would give me a chance to test how far the wifi signal travels...

[scrumpysteve]

You got any sort of definite times? My young bones can't stand spending 90 minutes in the cold out doors. Although it would give me a chance to test how far the wifi signal travels...

Try this link...

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_Kingdom&region=Scotland&city=Thurso

...it will give you dates, times, direction and duration it can be seen from Thurso.

Space shuttle timings for now are the same as the ISS as they are docked together. Fantastic sight later on though if you're lucky enough to catch them after undocking as it looks like the ISS is being chased through the skies by the shuttle.

One other thing, sometimes you can catch sight of the shuttle about 15 - 20 minutes or so after lift off if you are looking in the right direction. Saw it once in Ireland through binoculars as the main fuel tank separated. Brilliant!

[Alan16]

Try this link...

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_Kingdom&region=Scotland&city=Thurso

...it will give you dates, times, direction and duration it can be seen from Thurso.

Space shuttle timings for now are the same as the ISS as they are docked together. Fantastic sight later on though if you're lucky enough to catch them after undocking as it looks like the ISS is being chased through the skies by the shuttle.

One other thing, sometimes you can catch sight of the shuttle about 15 - 20 minutes or so after lift off if you are looking in the right direction. Saw it once in Ireland through binoculars as the main fuel tank separated. Brilliant!

Thanks for that. If I'm awake this night/tomorrow morning I'll keep my eyes open.

[David Banks]

Good thread and link grumpyhippo.


I expect the young whippersnapper will join this thread soon

I hope so!
And there are some grey-haired space geeks from the 60's out here too. Earthrise. One small step.


I think a gentle negative pressure solves any problems:grin::grin:

Couldn't we just say suction?
Now, who's grumpy.

[Kodiak]

The shuttle crew opened the hatch into the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to begin several days of cargo transfer. Leonardo is carrying 7.5 tons of supplies -

http://i25.tinypic.com/2zohpnc.jpg


http://tinypic.com/?t=postupload

[lynne duncan]

have seen the shuttle lift off from florida, we were on the beach at vero, it was amazing to watch
will show the kids this tomorrow

[grumpyhippo]

At the moment there are 2 astronauts about 1 hour into a 6 hour plus space walk. It is only when you follow what is happening that you can appreciate why everything takes so long in space.