Shuttle launch,

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 1:54 am

The deorbit burn has just been completed, Atlantis will be home at KSC at 5:57AM EDT.

Safe re-entry Atlantis.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:39 am

Just about to cross South America 1400 miles til touchdown, making a fiery trail down from the heavens. 7 minutes til touchdown.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:41 am

An astronouat viewing out of the Cupola of the ISS was able to see Altantis' fire trail as it re-enters.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:47 am

10 minutes 280 miles til touchdown.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:48 am

Mach 6. 200 ft/sec descent rate.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:51 am

44500 viewers on Ustream Nasa TV

Still dark down in Florida, buts its pretty bright up here.

6.5 minutes out at MACH 2.5 69 miles out ISS just passed over KSC

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:52 am

Tally ho have visual with infra red cameras, just a dot.
'
peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:53 am

Double sonic booms heard as Atlantis goes sub sonic for teh last time.
3.5 minutes, COmmander flying.
peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:54 am

Pilot now taking soem stick time as Atlantis comes around for approach.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:56 am

Field in sight.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:56 am

1 minute til touchdown

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:57 am

All gear down on the tarmac.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:58 am

Wheelstop.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:59 am

APU's still chugging away, before being shut down for the last time.

peace
Hog

battmain · Post by **battmain** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:01 am

End of an era. Start of something new to come.

Pretty neat watching the pilots perspective...descent rate 7 times that of a commercial airliner.

battmain · Post by **battmain** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:04 am

I like the evil red glow of the cockpit against the dawn sky, while they wait for APU shutdown.

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:09 am

Words between CAPCOM and Crew
Fergy - "Mission complete Houston. After serving the world for over 30 years, the space shuttle has found its place in history, and it's come to a final stop."
Butch - "We copy your wheels stop and we'll take this opportunity to congratulate you Atlantis, as well as the thousands of passionate individuals across this great space faring nation, who truly empower this incredible spacecraft which for three decades have inspired millions around the globe. Job well done America."
Fergy - "Hey thanks Butch. Great words, great words. You know the Space Shuttle's changed the way we view the world and it's changed the way we view our universe. There's a lot of emotion today, but one thing's indisputable - America's not gonna stop exploring. Thank you Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Endeavour, and our ship Atlantis. Thank you for protecting us and bringing this program to such a fitting end. God bless all of you, God bless the United States of America."
Butch - "Inspiring words comments, Atlantis. We'll meet you on 5-3."

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:18 am

Aux. Power Unit shut down for the last time, the hydaulic lifeblood of the Shuttle pumps no more.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:46 am

All crew members have now exitted Atlantis.

Sad.

peace
Hog

Hog · Post by **Hog** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 4:17 am

Crew now have their feet on the ground. All are well.

peace
Hog