RichC | April 12, 2011
NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr.’s announced the locations for the three operating shuttles and one gliding prototype on Tuesday afternoon: Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex in Florida – Atlantis California Science Center in Los Angeles – Endeavour Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., — Discovery Intrepid Sea, Air and Space […]
RichC | February 25, 2011
NASA’s space shuttle Discovery rocketed on its final voyage about 3 minutes late due to a computer problem yesterday afternoon. Mission STS-133 (PDF Summary) is sending six astronauts into space to dock with the International Space Station and plans to spend 11 days orbiting the earth. This launch has been delayed for four months in […]
RichC | April 5, 2010
We had a nice gathering and Easter Dinner at our house with my side of the family on Sunday. A good time of animated talk was enjoyed by all. My dad brought along an album never seen by most of us from his time in Korea during the war — interesting commentary by him from […]
RichC | March 18, 2010
Check out the great photo of a Russian space craft returning to earth this morning (click for larger). The two returning, one American and one Russian, have spent 5 months at the International space station and used the Soyuz TMA-16 capsule for their return ride; they landed in Kazakhstan as planned and coordinated by Russian […]
RichC | November 16, 2009
As the number of NASA Shuttle lift offs wind down, I find myself appreciating the space program more and more. I don’t want to miss the final scheduled six launches which should complete the life of the Space Shuttle program and end of an era … a successful one I might add. Today was a […]
RichC | September 12, 2009
I enjoyed listening and watching Space Shuttle Discovery land at Edwards Air Force Base last night (9/11) and see Mission STS-128 conclude. A perfect landing and successful 14 days in space as the NASA Shuttle program is one step closer to retirement. click for larger images (NASA TV)
RichC | May 11, 2009
The shuttle Shuttle Atlantis sits on launch pad 39A (photo right) as the crew of STS-125 rests for an ambitious mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope this week. The launch is scheduled for 2:00PM EST Monday afternoon and will be manned by retired Navy Capt. Gregory C. Johnson, pilot, mission specialists and veteran spacewalkers […]
RichC | March 16, 2009
The space shuttle Discovery rocketed into space at 7:43 p.m. EDT on Sunday with the crew of STS-119 and the cheers from the team on the ground. The comments made by the NASA was that it was a smooth launch and that the team operated near perfectly. The early evening launch was the the 100th […]
RichC | March 15, 2009
While checking in with Spacevidcast.com‘s coverage of Shuttle Discovery’s planned launch on UStream.com, it is interesting listening to NASA’s “fit team’s” walk around 3 hours prior to launch and what they actually do. One unusual thing during today’s walk around was a fruit bat clinging to the shuttle assembly; the NASA consultant commented commented that […]
RichC | November 14, 2008
The space shuttle Endeavor is schedule for an evening liftoff at 7:55 PM on Friday night if all goes on schedule. The STS-126 mission is to do some “Extreme Home Improvements” to the International Space Station. The seven member crew of commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe, Mission Specialists Donald Pettit, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Steve Bowen, […]
RichC | August 3, 2008
A the private company Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (Space X) funded by Internet entrepreneur Elon Musk, failed for a third time to launch into space. The Falcon 1 launch on Saturday evening was from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean was carrying three small satellites including one for the Department of Defense. While watching the […]
RichC | March 26, 2008
The space shuttle Endeavour was picked up on infrared camera gliding back to earth on Wednesday evening at the Kennedy Space Center after an ambitious an successful mission to the International Space Station. The crew spent 16 days on 5 space walks and installing the first part of the Japanese Kibo laboratory, as well as […]
RichC | February 10, 2008
Space Shuttle Atlantis along with seven crew lifted off on Thursday February 7th with the mission to deliver and attach the European Science Laboratory to the International Space Station. The news hasn’t really made the front page with the deadly tornadoes and political news this past week. The seven astronauts of STS-122 docked successfully on […]
RichC | August 21, 2007
The crew of STS-118 and Space Shuttle Endeavour (see launch post) are back on the ground after a 13 day mission to the International Space Station this Tuesday afternoon. The skies were clear and the landing was picture perfect executed by Commander Scott Kelly at 12:32 p.m. EDT. The mission was filled with work and […]
RichC | August 8, 2007
The space shuttle Endeavour lifts off this late afternoon at 6:36PM (Aug 8th) with a crew of 7 for mission STS-118 to continue work on the International Space Station. It’s was a clean launch with good visibility for those on the ground and from my television vantage point, a perfect launch. The lead flight director […]
RichC | June 8, 2007
Launch time for NASA’s Space Shuttle ‘Atlantis’ STS-117 is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. EDT tonight (Friday). I’m taking a few minutes while closing out my day to listen to NASA live on the web and am amazed at what one can learn by listening to the conversations and commentary. At 4:20 this afternoon the astronauts […]
RichC | February 19, 2007
Hmm … haven’t we seen this before? A movie perhaps — “Armageddon?” According to a group of scientists that met this past weekend in San Francisco, an asteroid (Apophis) will pass uncomfortably close to the earth in 2029. Then only 7 years later will be even closer with the potential for impact. The probability of […]
RichC | December 8, 2006
I wanted to write about the launch of the Shuttle Discovery and STS-116, but weather has delayed the planned Thursday night (12/7/2006) launch until Saturday. The launch was declared scrubbed at 21:36. For the aging Discovery, this is the 33rd mission and 117th space shuttle flight. The STS-116 mission is scheduled for 12-days and the […]
RichC | October 10, 2006
RichC | September 21, 2006
In an early morning landing today the Shuttle Atlantis returned safety to Florida at 6:21 EST. The “in the dark” landing was near perfect and as many pilots can confirm, clear morning landings on a lit paved runways are no more difficult than daylight landings. This STS-115 mission marked NASA’s official entry back into the […]
RichC | September 9, 2006
After two weeks of delayse do to weather and technical problems, the shuttle Atlantis and mission STS-115 rocketed into space and to its mission to continue the buildout of the International Space Station. The launch was not without a few launch worries in regard to debris once again, but program manager Wayne Hale indicated that […]
RichC | September 8, 2006
Although there is a very tight window on Saturday due to “traffic” in space (that what they said!), space shuttle Atlantis, crew and ISS payload will attempt to get into space on Saturday, September 9th at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Today’s (Friday) launch attempt was delayed due to a fuel sensor system problem.
RichC | September 8, 2006
The shuttle Atlantis sits on the pad this morning is set for liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 11:41 a.m. EDT this morning BUT comments being made at 10AM indicate that they are having some problems with the fuel shutoff circuit – the ECO sensors. That is considered a launch stopping concern and could […]
RichC | September 6, 2006
Its not Florence brewing somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean like a previous delay, but is a Fuel Cell problem. Space Shuttle Atlantis was scheduled to launch Wednesday afternoon with highly ambious mission to add two truss elements (see post) and significant upgrades to the International Space Station. The crew of STS-115 consists of Commander Brent […]
RichC | August 29, 2006
After beginning to move Atlantis toward the assembly building this morning at 10am, NASA officials have changed their mind due to tropical storm Ernesto’s westernly path. They are now returning the Shuttle Atlantis to Launch Pad 39B. By around 8 p.m. EDT tonight the move back to the pad should be complete and and “mission […]
RichC | August 25, 2006
Yes … in Cleveland, Ohio. The Visitor Center Audutorium at NASA’s Glenn Research Center will be open to the public for Sunday’s scheduled launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-115). The center will open its doors at 1:00 pm for the 4:30 pm launch of STS-115. Four members of Glenn’s Electric Power System Management Team, […]
RichC | July 17, 2006
The space shuttle Discovery landed safely at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 9:14 AM after a successful 13-day mission and hopeful return to future flights. NASA has been overly cautious since the 2003 Columbia disaster. The mission demostrated the success of the new ‘arm’ that can reach all parts of the shuttle while […]
RichC | July 4, 2006
Happy Birthday America! What an outstanding way to celebrate Independence day. STS-121 and the Shuttle Discovery made a near picture perfect launch today at 2:35PM lifting a heavy weight from anyone associated with the Space Program. The crew of seven are now in space and during this 12-day mission will continue evaluating new safety procedures […]
RichC | July 3, 2006
Nasa’s Space Shuttle program waits once again as the experts analyse new photos taken overnight of foam damage possibly due to rain water leaking near the fueling/defueling connection. If water was able to seep in and freeze to be warmed later by the daytime heat, that could be the reason for this small fracture. STS-121 […]
RichC | July 1, 2006
RichC | April 20, 2006
Local resident, retired University of Cincinnati Professor and astronaut Neil Armstrong made a rare appearance along with John Glenn, family and 300 others at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal earlier this week. He gave a talk on the importance of natural history, geologists and the museums preserving and teaching about natural history. Armstong […]
RichC | March 14, 2006
NASA’s Stardust space capsule returned to earth on January 15, 2006, after investigating the Comet Wild 2. It captured particles of dust from the comets tail in a special strong but lightweight gel. Most of us were taught that comets were ice, dust and gas, but scientists gathered at the Johnson Space Center in Houston […]
RichC | January 29, 2006
Saturday morning, January 27, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger and seven astronauts prepared for a cold morning ride into space at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; they didn’t launch. Those of us patiently waiting on Cocoa Beach, including yours truly, were disappointed when we heard the word of the postponed flight. Chilled to the […]
RichC | December 29, 2005
My wonderful daughter gave me a detailed biography for Christmas that I’ve just started. It is quite long so may take me some time to read and review, although I will eventually post my thoughts in the book catagory of my blog. The preface was a very interesting section from a son, and there is […]
RichC | November 11, 2005
For many baby boomers, “The Eagle has landed” and “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (click for audio) were monumental audio moments that recall American success and rekindle proud memories of the Apollo space program. Practically every American alive and countless millions around the world held their breath and watched as […]