STS-115: Space Shuttle Atlantis

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-115, detailing the terminal countdown from T minus 47 minutes to liftoff at 11:14:55 AM. Distinctive moments include a built-in hold at T minus 20 minutes, solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 5 seconds, and main engine cutoff at 8 minutes 30 seconds. The launch is notable for being the first since October 2002, with Commander Brent Jett leading the crew aboard Atlantis.

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This STS-115 countdown status briefing occurs T minus 25 hours before launch, highlighting the decision to accelerate the countdown by six hours to complete fuel cell cryogenic load operations ahead of expected thunderstorms. Shuttle Test Director Pete Nikolenko confirms that all systems are on schedule, while Weather Officer Kathy Winters raises concerns about a 40% chance of weather prohibiting launch due to afternoon thunderstorms and the potential impact of Tropical Depression Five several days post-launch.

This recording captures the STS-115 launch coverage from T minus 2 hours 52 minutes 30 seconds to liftoff at 11:15 AM. Distinctive moments include the initialization of the ground launch sequencer at T minus 2 hours 6 minutes 20 seconds, the solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 5 seconds, and main engine cutoff at 8 minutes 30 seconds. The countdown features a smooth progression with no launch commit criteria violations reported.

This STS-115 countdown status briefing occurs T minus 48 hours before launch, detailing the completion of liquid oxygen and hydrogen loading at 5:00 AM. NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding discusses the decision to accelerate the countdown by six hours to avoid weather impacts, while Payload Manager Robbie Ashley confirms readiness of the P3 P4 truss element. Weather Officer Kathy Winters reports a 20% chance of weather prohibiting launch, with favorable conditions expected at launch time of 12:23 PM.

This recording captures the first spacewalk (EVA1) of STS-115, where astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper work on the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint. At approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes into the EVA, Tanner performs a get-ahead task by checking a connector on the Z1 truss, which was scheduled for a later spacewalk. The commentary highlights Tanner's sixth EVA and Piper's first, as they efficiently manage multiple tasks, including the installation of insulation covers over the drive locking assemblies.

This recording captures the first spacewalk (EVA1) of STS-115, beginning at 4:17 AM Central Time, featuring astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper. Notably, Tanner completes the connection of six cables to the P3 truss at 5:08 AM, while Piper, on her first EVA, releases restraints on solar array blanket boxes. The commentary highlights their efficient task execution and the successful management of multiple cable swaps and configurations throughout the spacewalk.

This STS-115 pre-launch briefing occurs T minus 24 hours before launch, focusing on an anomaly detected in fuel cell number one, which prompted a decision to delay the launch by 24 hours for further engineering analysis. Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale emphasizes the importance of having all three fuel cells operational for a successful mission, while Deputy Orbiter Projects Office Manager Ed Mango details the troubleshooting efforts and the potential need to replace the faulty fuel cell. The crew is scheduled to wake up at 12:42 AM for final preparations, with countdown resuming at 1:45 AM.

STS-115 landing coverage captures Atlantis' final approach and touchdown at Kennedy Space Center. Notable moments include the confirmation of a nominal chute and the crew's successful landing at 2,600 feet with a ground speed of 195 knots. The recording features communications from the crew, including a congratulatory message on their return to assembly and the absence of immediate post-landing deltas.

This recording captures the third spacewalk (EVA3) of STS-115, where astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper replace a failed S-band antenna support assembly on the S1 truss. At approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes into the EVA, Tanner begins the removal of the assembly, while Piper assists with the handoff of the new unit. The commentary details their coordination and the challenges faced during the installation process, including tether management and torque settings.

This recording captures the third spacewalk (EVA3) of STS-115, where astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper install a new S-band antenna support assembly on the S1 truss. At approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes into the EVA, the crew successfully completes the installation and secures the electrical connections. The commentary highlights the handoff of the assembly between Tanner and Piper, as well as their coordination in managing multiple tasks during the spacewalk.

This STS-115 countdown status briefing occurs T minus 11 hours before launch, detailing the ongoing evaluation of a lightning strike to the pad's lightning protection system. NASA Test Director Jeff Spalding reports successful completion of liquid hydrogen loading after weather delays, while Payload Manager Robbie Ashley confirms readiness of the P3 P4 truss element. Weather Officer Kathy Winters raises concerns about a 60% chance of weather prohibiting launch due to afternoon thunderstorms and the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

This recording features the second spacewalk (EVA2) of the mission, where astronauts Dan Burbank and Steve McLean focus on the removal and replacement of multiple launch locks and insulation covers. Notably, at approximately 3 hours into the EVA, Burbank completes the seventh of seven launch lock removals, while McLean addresses a missing bolt issue on cover eight, prompting a precautionary inspection. The commentary emphasizes their coordination and the challenges faced during the tasks.

This recording captures the first spacewalk (EVA1) of STS-115, beginning at 4:17 AM Central Time, featuring astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper. Notably, Tanner completes the connection of six cables to the P3 truss at 5:08 AM, while Piper, on her first EVA, releases restraints on solar array blanket boxes. The commentary emphasizes their efficient task execution and the successful management of multiple cable swaps and configurations throughout the spacewalk.

This recording captures the first spacewalk (EVA1) of STS-115, beginning at 4:17 AM Central Time, featuring astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper. Notably, Tanner completes the connection of six cables to the P3 truss at 5:08 AM, marking a significant milestone in the mission. The commentary highlights Tanner's sixth EVA and Piper's first, as they efficiently manage multiple tasks, including the release of restraints on solar array blanket boxes and the deployment of the solar array wings.

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Landing coverage for STS-115, this recording captures the final preparations for Atlantis' landing at Kennedy Space Center, including a go for the deorbit burn at 4:14 AM Central Time. Notable moments include the confirmation of a good deorbit burn with no trim required and the anticipation of a night landing, marking it as the 15th night landing at Kennedy Space Center. The crew, led by Commander Brent Jett and Pilot Chris Ferguson, prepares for touchdown at 5:21 AM Central Time.

This STS-115 mission status briefing occurs on flight day nine, following the successful undocking from the International Space Station. Key highlights include the ongoing separation from the station at approximately three nautical miles per orbit and the planned trim burn to adjust the opening rate. Additionally, a potassium hydroxide leak was reported, prompting the crew to don protective gear, although the situation stabilized without any life-threatening concerns.

This STS-115 mission status briefing occurs on flight day three, highlighting the successful rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station. Key discussions include the crew's preparation for the P3 P4 truss handoff, with Steve McLean operating the Canadarm for the maneuver. The briefing also addresses concerns about protruding gap fillers on the shuttle, with no significant issues reported, and the decision on whether a focused inspection will be required by the following morning.

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This recording features the second spacewalk (EVA2) of the mission, beginning at 4:05 AM Central Time, where astronauts Dan Burbank and Steve McLean focus on the removal and replacement of multiple launch locks. Notably, at approximately 5:35 AM, Burbank completes the seventh launch lock removal, while McLean addresses a missing bolt issue on cover eight, prompting a precautionary inspection. The commentary emphasizes their coordination and the challenges faced during the tasks.

This recording features the flight control system (FCS) checkout of Atlantis, occurring shortly before the deorbit preparations. Commander Brent Jett, pilot Chris Ferguson, and flight engineer Dan Burbank conduct the checkout, which includes troubleshooting an erratic speed brake driver channel observed during launch. The commentary notes the nominal performance of the flight control surfaces and the upcoming reaction control system hot fire test scheduled in 51 minutes.

This recording captures the final preparations for Atlantis' landing at Kennedy Space Center, including a successful deorbit burn confirmed at 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Notable moments include a switch issue with the O2 tank 4 Alpha heater, which was resolved by the crew, and the crew's discussions about their helmets and cabin conditions. The recording features communications from Commander Brent Jett and Pilot Chris Ferguson as they prepare for touchdown.

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This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-115, detailing the terminal countdown from T minus 47 minutes to liftoff at 11:15 AM. Distinctive moments include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 5 seconds, main engine cutoff at 8 minutes 30 seconds, and external tank separation at 8 minutes 44 seconds. The ascent features a nominal trajectory with minor issues, including a transient MECO anomaly and foam debris observed at 4 minutes 5 seconds and 5 minutes 28 seconds, with no damage reported.

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This STS-115 preflight briefing occurs T minus 30 minutes before launch, featuring discussions led by Paul Dye, John McCullough, and Hubert Brasseau. Key topics include the crew's preparation for the P3 P4 truss assembly, with specific tasks outlined for crew members Joe and Heidi, such as mating umbilicals and releasing launch restraints. The briefing emphasizes the choreography required for the upcoming EVAs and the importance of coordination among flight controllers.

This recording features the third spacewalk (EVA3) of STS-115, where astronauts Joe Tanner and Heidi Piper conduct critical tasks including the closure of the Materials for ISS Experiment (MISI) at approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes into the EVA. Tanner also installs shoulder bolt retainers on the P6 solar arrays, while Piper manages tether configurations and assists with the experiment's stowage. The commentary highlights their coordination and the successful completion of multiple tasks during the spacewalk.

This recording captures the STS-115 launch countdown scrub at T minus 20 minutes, featuring a built-in hold for 41 minutes and 5 seconds. Distinctive moments include discussions about a missing lightweight cover over a thruster at T minus 36 minutes and a hydrogen sensor issue being evaluated by the mission management team at T minus 41 minutes. The countdown progresses smoothly with no major anomalies reported prior to the scrub.