STS-117: Space Shuttle Atlantis

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, focusing on the terminal countdown that begins at T minus three hours and includes a built-in hold. Key ascent milestones mentioned are LIFTOFF at 07:38:04, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, this is the first time a crew has launched from Pad A in four years, and the crew is seen preparing for their mission, which includes the installation of the S3 S4 truss segment.

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This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, focusing on the terminal countdown that begins at T minus three hours and includes a built-in hold. Key ascent milestones mentioned are LIFTOFF, roll program, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, this is the first crew launch from Pad A in four years, and the final inspection team reports no anomalies during their checks of the shuttle and external tank.

This recording captures the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 11:25 AM Central Time, featuring astronauts Pat Forster and Steve Swanson. Key activities include the installation of a stanchion for a television camera on the S3 truss and the removal of launch restraints on the Solar Alpha rotary joint. Notable moments occur at 1 hour and 31 minutes into the EVA, when Forster secures the drive lock assembly number two, confirming its activation.

This highlights reel captures key moments from STS-117 on flight day 13, including Suni Williams discussing her record for women in space and her anticipation of returning home. The crew addresses a computer glitch on the ISS, likening it to an Apollo 13 moment, and highlights the teamwork between NASA and Russian agencies. Additionally, the recording features Jim Riley's reflections on the challenges of construction in space and the emotional farewell from Williams after her six-month stay aboard the ISS.

This recording captures the STS-117 spacewalk at 2 hours and 25 minutes, where astronauts Steve Swanson and Pat Forster successfully removed launch restraints on the Solar Alpha rotary joint. Notable tasks include the installation of an external tether restraint system and the stowing of a keel pin and drag link, which cleared the railway for the mobile transporter. The spacewalk also features discussions about torque settings and equipment checks as they progress through their timeline.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, detailing the terminal countdown that begins at T minus one hour and includes a built-in hold. Key ascent milestones include LIFTOFF at 07:38:04, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. Notably, the launch occurs within a specific window from 23:38:04 to 23:41:22 GMT, with the launch director confirming no issues affecting the countdown.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, focusing on the terminal countdown that begins at T minus 2 hours 55 minutes, 9 seconds. Key ascent milestones include LIFTOFF at 07:38:04, roll program, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, this mission features a built-in hold at T minus 20 minutes, and the launch director confirms no weather concerns, allowing for a smooth countdown to liftoff.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, detailing the terminal countdown that begins at T minus 3 hours and includes a built-in hold. Key ascent milestones include LIFTOFF at 6:38 PM Central Time, roll program, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. Notably, the ascent was nearly flawless with no reported anomalies, and the crew was able to watch their launch live from the International Space Station.

This recording captures the crew arrival for training ahead of the STS-117 mission, featuring introductions from key crew members including Pat Forrester, Steve Swanson, Daniel Levis, and Jim Reilly. Notably, Reilly serves as the lead for the spacewalk teams, while Forrester and Swanson will operate the shuttle's robotic arms and participate in spacewalks. The crew expresses enthusiasm for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, focusing on the terminal countdown that opens at 23:38:04 GMT and closes at 23:41:22 GMT. Key ascent milestones include LIFTOFF, solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 5 seconds, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, Flight Director Norm Knight oversees the ascent team, and astronaut Tony Antonelli communicates with the crew during the launch, marking a smooth ascent with no reported anomalies.

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This recording captures the STS-117 spacewalk at 1 hour and 52 minutes, featuring astronauts Jim Riley and Daniel Levis. Key activities include the completion of umbilical connections on the upper utility tray and the removal of restraints on the solar array blanket boxes. Notably, the crew is reported to be ahead of schedule, with discussions about torque settings and the release of the final restraints for the radiators as they prepare for deployment.

This recording captures the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 3:02 PM Central Time, featuring astronauts Jim Riley and Daniel Levis. Notable activities include the removal of launch restraints on the solar array rotary joint and the jettisoning of thermal covers for the sequential shunt units. The spacewalk also highlights the installation of drive lock assemblies, with discussions about torque settings and glove inspections throughout the EVA, which lasted 4 hours and 19 minutes.

This recording captures the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 3:02 PM Central Time, featuring astronauts Jim Riley and Daniel Levis. Notable activities include the deployment of the S3 S4 truss structure radiator at 7:40 PM, with full deployment confirmed by 7:49 PM, and the removal of launch locks for the solar array rotary joint. This EVA marked Daniel Levis's first spacewalk, concluding after 6 hours and 15 minutes of work.

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This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 mission, highlighting the successful rendezvous and docking of Atlantis with the International Space Station at approximately 4:00 PM Central Time. Key moments include the handover of the S3 S4 truss element to the station's robotic arm at 7:19 PM, and the official crew transfer where Clay Anderson joins Expedition 15. The commentary also discusses preparations for the upcoming spacewalks by Jim Riley and Daniel Levis.

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This recording captures the STS-117 rollback briefing following a severe hailstorm that caused significant damage to the external tank. Wayne Hale reported that the hail, described as golf ball-sized, resulted in damage around the tank and required the shuttle to be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. The team assessed that repairs would likely take a couple of weeks, pushing the launch window to late April or early May.

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This recording is a pre-flight status briefing for the STS-117 mission, detailing the shuttle Atlantis's rollout to the launch pad at 2:30 PM after a six-hour trip that began at 8:19 AM. Wayne Hale emphasized the complexity and safety of upcoming missions, noting the need for careful attention to detail and the challenges of retracting solar arrays during EVAs. The briefing also highlighted the busy manifest ahead, including the upcoming flights of the Columbus and JIM modules.

This crew debrief for STS-117 features Commander Rick Sterkow discussing the mission's preparations, including the potential for a fourth spacewalk if necessary. The crew highlights their training focus on the retraction of the 2B solar array, drawing on lessons learned from the previous STS-116 mission. Notably, Lieutenant Colonel Terry Virts is introduced as the new CAPCOM, with confidence expressed in his training and familiarity with the mission profile. The crew also discusses their strategies for handling potential challenges during the mission.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 11:25 AM Central Time, highlighting the installation of umbilical connections to the S3 S4 truss and the preparation for solar array deployment. Notably, the commentary discusses the crew's procedures for releasing restraints on the solar arrays and radiator, as well as the activation of the Solar Alpha rotary joint. Key participants include astronauts Pat Forster and Steve Swanson, who are involved in the spacewalk activities.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, focusing on the terminal countdown that begins at T minus three hours and includes a built-in hold. Key ascent milestones mentioned are LIFTOFF, roll program, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, Commander Rick Sterkow and the crew express their excitement about the launch and acknowledge the efforts of the teams that prepared the external tank for flight.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary following the launch of Atlantis at 6:38 PM, highlighting the successful power-up and checkout of the robotic arm by astronauts Lee Archambault and Pat Forrester. Notable moments include the completion of the Group B power down steps to conserve consumables and the assessment of a thermal blanket tear using the robotic arm's end effector camera. The crew is preparing for detailed inspections scheduled for the following day.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-117, focusing on the terminal countdown that begins at T minus three hours and includes a built-in hold. Key ascent milestones include LIFTOFF at 7:38 PM, roll program, solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, this mission features the first shuttle command for Colonel Rick Sturco, and the crew is seen preparing for their mission, which includes the installation of the S3 S4 truss segment.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-117, highlighting the inspection of Atlantis' thermal protection system using the orbiter boom sensor system. Key activities include the maneuvering of the robotic arm by Pat Forster and Lee Archambeau to survey the starboard wing and nose cap, with imagery captured by the Laser Dynamic Range Imager and Integrated Sensor Inspection System. Notably, the commentary discusses preparations for the upcoming docking with the International Space Station scheduled for 2:36 PM Central Time.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-117, focusing on the port wing survey conducted by the crew aboard Atlantis. Notable activities include the handover of communications from astronaut Terry Virts to Kevin Ford and the discussion of a potential adjustment to the upcoming orbital maneuvering system burn scheduled for 2 hours and 10 minutes from the current time. The commentary also highlights the completion of extravehicular mobility unit checks by astronauts Jim Riley, Daniel Levis, and Clay Anderson in preparation for upcoming spacewalks.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 mission, focusing on the rendezvous pitch maneuver performed by Atlantis Commander Rick Sterko. The maneuver lasts approximately 9 minutes and allows the crew aboard the International Space Station, including Expedition 15 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov, to photograph Atlantis's heat shield for inspection. The commentary notes that docking is expected at 2:38 PM Central Time, 56 minutes after the maneuver's completion.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 mission, focusing on the successful rendezvous and docking of Atlantis with the International Space Station at 2:36 PM Central Time. Key activities include Commander Rick Sturco performing a 9-minute, 360-degree backflip maneuver for heat shield photography, with Expedition 15 crew members Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov capturing images using digital cameras. The commentary also details preparations for the upcoming crew transfer and spacewalks.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 mission, focusing on the successful deployment of the 1A solar array wing at 15:53 and its full deployment confirmation at 11:20 AM Central Time. Key activities include the hatch opening between the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station, with Expedition 15 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Suni Williams preparing for crew transfer. Notably, this file discusses the first time all three computers were down for an extended period during the mission.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 3:02 PM Central Time, highlighting the first spacewalk for astronaut Danny Olivas and the fourth for Jim Riley. Distinctive activities include the bolting of the S3 S4 truss segment, with the final bolt tightened just before the spacewalk commenced. The commentary also notes the crew's preparations, including the in-suit pre-breathe protocol and the transition to battery power for the spacesuits.

This recording is a mission status briefing following the first spacewalk of Atlantis's extended mission. Joel Montalbano reported a successful EVA lasting 6 hours and 15 minutes, during which the crew completed all main objectives, despite a 30-minute delay caused by attitude control issues. The mission management team approved a two-day extension, allowing for a fourth EVA, and discussed minor anomalies encountered, including a high running torque on a keel pin and a glitch with a pistol grip tool used by Danny Olivas.

This recording features the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 1:28 PM Central Time, with astronauts Pat Forster and Steve Swanson. Distinctive moments include Swanson's first spacewalk and Forster's third, as they work on retracting the solar array wing and addressing issues with the FCC leader's back fold. The crew also discusses safety tether checks and the use of a hockey stick tool to assist with panel adjustments during the EVA.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 spacewalk, highlighting the installation of brace beams on the solar alpha rotary joint by astronauts Pat Forster and Steve Swanson. Notable moments include the retraction of the solar array wing, with discussions about torque settings and the need for further adjustments at 2 hours and 20 minutes. The commentary also captures the crew's preparations for the next tasks, including the removal of launch locks and restraints.

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This recording features the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 12:24 PM Central Time, with astronauts Jim Riley and Danny Olivas conducting repairs on the Orbital Maneuvering System blanket. Notable activities include Olivas securing the thermal blanket with staples and Riley installing a hydrogen vent for the oxygen generation system. The commentary highlights the coordination between the crew and mission control, with specific attention to troubleshooting tasks related to the station's systems.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during the STS-117 spacewalk, highlighting astronaut Danny Olivas's work at 2 hours and 24 minutes, where he secures a thermal blanket on the Orbital Maneuvering System pod. Notable activities include Jim Reilly's installation of a hydrogen vent on the Destiny laboratory module and the coordination with Mission Control Moscow for a computer restart in the Russian segment. The commentary also details the completion of 21 pins used to secure the blanket, with discussions about tethering plans and tool management as the EVA progresses.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-117, highlighting the successful transfer of approximately 55 pounds of oxygen at 4:00 PM Central Time, aimed at maximizing dock time capability. Notable discussions include the troubleshooting of Russian computers, with Fyodor Yurchikhin confirming their resolution, and reflections from Suni Williams on the challenges of maintaining the space station. The hatch closure between the shuttle and the ISS is reported at 5:51 PM Central Time.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-117, highlighting the completion of the fourth spacewalk, which lasted 6 hours and 29 minutes. Key activities include the successful installation of drive lock assembly number two on the solar alpha rotary joint and the opening of the hydrogen vent valve for the oxygen generation system. Notably, the crew also cleared the path for the mobile transporter, allowing it to access the new section of the truss.

This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-117, highlighting the successful undocking of Atlantis from the International Space Station at 9:42 AM Central Time. Key moments include the fly-around of the ISS, where Atlantis documented the newly configured station with its solar array wings, and the crew's preparation for landing, including a reaction control system hot fire test scheduled for 10:15 AM. The commentary also notes the emotional significance of the undocking for Commander Rick Sturco, who reflects on his six-month stay aboard the ISS.

This recording features the undocking of Atlantis from the International Space Station, confirmed by Commander Rick Sterka at 9:42 AM Central Time. Key activities include the transition to free drift mode and the manual piloting by Lee Archambault as Atlantis backs away, reaching 700 feet during the fly around. The first separation burn occurs at 11:28 AM, marking a significant maneuver as Atlantis prepares to move away from the station.

This recording documents the pre-landing preparations for STS-117, focusing on the first landing opportunity at Edwards Air Force Base. Astronaut Scott Altman conducts weather reconnaissance in a shuttle training aircraft, providing critical updates on conditions at the landing site. The crew receives confirmation for the deorbit burn scheduled for 1:43 PM Central Time, leading to a touchdown at 2:49 PM Central. Notably, the decision to target Edwards over Kennedy Space Center is emphasized due to unfavorable weather conditions.

This recording captures the landing of Atlantis at Edwards Air Force Base, with main gear touchdown at 2:49 PM Central Time and nose gear touchdown shortly after. The crew reported a touchdown altitude of 2,600 feet at a speed of 195 knots, concluding a mission that included the return of Expedition 15 astronaut Suni Williams after 195 days in space. Notably, the entry team monitored systems as Atlantis approached, executing a series of banking maneuvers to manage speed during descent.

This recording captures the post-landing activities of Atlantis at Edwards Air Force Base, with the crew reporting a touchdown altitude of 2,600 feet at a speed of 195 knots. Notably, the crew receives congratulations from Mission Control for a successful mission, including the installation of the S3 and S4 trusses on the International Space Station. The recording also highlights the immediate post-landing checks and the crew's communication with ground teams.

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This recording documents the first landing attempt of Atlantis at Edwards Air Force Base, with the crew waving off the landing due to thunderstorms and unfavorable weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center. The orbit adjustment burn at 3:17 PM Central Time increased the shuttle's velocity by 15 feet per second, setting up an earlier landing opportunity at Edwards. The crew, including Commander Rick Sturco, prepared for potential landing opportunities the following day, with a first landing target at 1:18 PM Central Time.

This recording documents the flight control system checkout for Atlantis in preparation for its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center. Notably, the crew, including Commander Rick Sturco and CAPCOM Tony Antonelli, successfully completed the RCS hot fire test, confirming the operation of the reaction control system jets. The crew also prepared for a deorbit briefing scheduled for 11:28 AM Central Time, with a planned landing at 12:55 PM Central Time.

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This recording documents the pre-landing preparations for STS-117, focusing on the first landing opportunity at Edwards Air Force Base. Notably, astronaut Scott Altman conducts weather reconnaissance in a T-38, providing updates on conditions at Edwards, where clear skies are reported but winds are a concern. The deorbit burn for this landing opportunity is scheduled for 1:43 PM Central Time, leading to a touchdown at 2:49 PM Central Time.

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This recording features the STS-117 spacewalk that began at 1:28 PM Central Time, with astronauts Pat Forrester and Steve Swanson. Key activities include the confirmation of engagement for drive lock assembly number one and the decision to leave one launch restraint engaged due to concerns about wiring configurations. The spacewalk lasted 7 hours and 16 minutes, marking Swanson's first EVA and Forrester's third, contributing to a total of 13 hours and 31 minutes for the mission.

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