STS-120: Space Shuttle Discovery

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-120, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. Key events include liftoff at 11:38am, solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes and 3 seconds, and main engine cutoff (MECO) at 7 minutes and 57 seconds. The countdown window spans from T minus 27 minutes to T minus 9 minutes, with notable discussions regarding ice on the liquid hydrogen umbilical and its potential impact on launch readiness.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-120, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. Key events include liftoff at 11:38am, solid rocket booster separation at T+2:03, and main engine cutoff (MECO) at T+7:57. The countdown window spans from T minus 27 minutes to T minus 9 minutes, with notable discussions about weather concerns, particularly cumulus clouds and rain showers affecting launch readiness.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-120, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. Key events include liftoff at 11:38am, solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes and 3 seconds, and main engine cutoff (MECO) at 7 minutes and 57 seconds. The countdown window spans from T minus 27 minutes to T minus 9 minutes, with significant discussions regarding the formation of ice on the liquid hydrogen umbilical and its potential impact on launch readiness.

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This recording captures the STS-120 docking of the space shuttle Discovery with the International Space Station, occurring at 7:40am Central Time. Commander Pam Melroy, on her first command, maneuvers Discovery through a 9-minute rendezvous pitch maneuver, allowing station crew members Yuri Malenchenko and Clay Anderson to photograph the shuttle's heat shield. The final approach to docking is completed with the vehicles about 30 feet apart, confirming successful docking and initiating leak checks shortly thereafter.

STS-120 on-orbit spacewalk activities, flight day 12. Astronauts Scott Parazinski and Doug Wheelock successfully installed five cufflinks on the solar array panels of the P6 truss, addressing damage and ensuring structural support. The spacewalk lasted 7 hours and 19 minutes, during which Parazinski also trimmed a snagged guide wire. Notably, this EVA required extensive coordination with the robotic arm operated by Stephanie Wilson and Dan Taney, showcasing teamwork across the shuttle and station crews.

STS-120 on-orbit spacewalk activities, flight day 8. Astronauts Doug Wheelock and Scott Parazinski successfully installed the P6 truss at its permanent location on the International Space Station, marking the culmination of a significant relocation effort. During the spacewalk, they also deployed a main bus switching unit and conducted an inspection of the solar alpha rotary joint, confirming no debris was present. The spacewalk lasted 7 hours and 8 minutes, with notable contributions from the robotics team, including Dan Tani and Stephanie Wilson.

This recording captures the landing of the Space Shuttle Discovery on Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center at 12:01:18 PM Central Time, concluding its 34th mission. Commander Pam Melroy executed the final approach and touchdown, with main gear touchdown occurring at 12:01:18 PM and nose gear touchdown at 12:01:32 PM. The mission elapsed time was 15 days, 2 hours, and 23 minutes, marking the 20th landing for Discovery at KSC and the 66th orbiter touchdown at the facility.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-120, focusing on the terminal countdown and ascent milestones. The countdown window spans from T minus 27 minutes to T minus 9 minutes, with notable events including liftoff at 11:30am, solid rocket booster separation at T+2:03, and main engine cutoff (MECO) at T+7:57. Discussions during the countdown address concerns about ice on the liquid hydrogen umbilical and the implications for launch readiness.

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STS-120 on-orbit spacewalk activities, flight day 6. Astronauts Scott Parazinski and Dan Tani conducted their second spacewalk, focusing on the installation of a power data grapple fixture on the newly added Harmony module. During the EVA, Tani inspected the solar alpha rotary joint, discovering metal shavings that prompted sample collection for analysis. The spacewalk lasted 6 hours and 5 minutes, with significant contributions from IV officer Paolo Nespoli and mission control.

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This recording captures the STS-120 post-mission management team press conference, where John Shannon discusses the successful docking of Discovery with the ISS and the activation of the station-to-shuttle power transfer system. Notably, Shannon addresses the decision against extending the mission to maintain the timeline for STS-122, emphasizing the importance of completing tasks by flight day 14. He also mentions an anomaly regarding a window cover on Node 2 that requires crew attention.

This recording features an overview briefing for the STS-120 spacewalks, highlighting the planned objectives for four to five EVAs, including the relocation of the P6 truss and the preparation of Node 2 Harmony. Lead spacewalk officer Dina Cantell discusses the unique participation of five different astronauts in EVAs, with Scott Parazinski set to conduct four spacewalks. Notably, this mission will test tile repair techniques using an ablative material, marking a significant first for the Shuttle program.

This recording captures the STS-120 post-mission management team briefing, where John Shannon reports that Discovery is on track for docking with the International Space Station scheduled for 7:33 AM. Key discussions include the successful resolution of a small ice patch on the liquid hydrogen umbilical, with no concerns regarding tile damage from foam debris. The team also reviews the performance of the ice frost ramps, noting improvements and no significant issues detected during the mission.

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This recording captures the crew debrief following STS-120's landing, detailing the hatch opening at 1:29 PM, approximately 27 minutes post-landing, and the first crew member's exit at 1:37 PM. Notably, Commander Pam Melroy led the crew's disembarkation, with a post-landing press conference scheduled for 6:30 PM. The mission duration was confirmed as 15 days, 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 2 seconds, with the crew's health being assessed before their return to the astronaut quarters.

This recording captures the STS-120 crew arrival briefing, where Commander George Zamka, on his first mission, expresses confidence in the readiness of the RCC on Discovery following a 12-hour flight readiness review. Notable speakers include Ellen Ochoa, who confirmed the resolution of the RCC issue, and crew members Scott Parazinski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Paolo Nespoli, and Dan Tani, who share their excitement and readiness for the mission ahead.

This recording captures the STS-120 launch -3 day countdown status briefing, where NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell Thompson reports that preparations for the launch of Discovery are on schedule with no issues. Key milestones discussed include the countdown call to stations at 1:30 PM and the external tank loading scheduled for 2:13 AM on launch day. Weather Officer Kathy Winters raises concerns about potential showers and cumulus cloud development, indicating a 40% chance of prohibitive weather on launch day.

This recording features the post-launch activities of STS-120, including the crew's initial configurations after liftoff at 10:38am Central Time. Commander Pam Melroy and pilot George Zamka, on his first flight, are seen managing checklist tasks while troubleshooting issues with the WLES backup machine. The crew successfully completed the smoke detection test and initiated pre-sleep activities, with a scheduled wake-up at 12:38am Central Time, marking their first night in space.

This recording features the STS-120 mission overview briefing, where Wayne Hale discusses the historical context of the shuttle program and the upcoming Harmony Node installation. Notably, he announces the addition of a day to the mission for an EVA to demonstrate improved tile repair capabilities, and highlights the successful resolution of foam debris issues from previous flights. Kenny Todd provides updates on the ISS configuration and the relocation of the P6 module, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the assembly of the station.

This recording is the STS-120 launch minus two day status briefing, where Leroy Kane announces that there are no issues or constraints preventing the launch scheduled for 11:38 AM. Mike Leinbach reports that preparations at pad 39A are on schedule, with propellant loading for the fuel cell system expected within 30 minutes. Weather Officer Kathy Winters discusses a 40% chance of prohibitive weather on launch day, primarily due to potential coastal showers and cumulus cloud development.

This recording captures the preparations for the STS-120 fourth spacewalk, occurring at 5:00am Central Time. Astronauts Scott Parazinski and Doug Wheelock are inside the Quest airlock, completing a pre-breathe protocol before the hatch is closed for depressurization. Notably, the spacewalk is set to begin about 30 minutes earlier than planned, with Parazinski preparing to install cufflinks on the P6 solar array panels to address damage caused by a snagged guide wire. The robotic arms are being maneuvered into position to support the spacewalk activities.

This recording is a status briefing on Flight Day 8, highlighting the challenges faced during EVA3, particularly the successful installation of P6 on P5 and the deployment of the photovoltaic radiator. Notably, a tear was discovered in the 4B solar array during deployment, prompting an abort call from the crew. The briefing also discusses the inspection of the port solar array rotary joint, which was reported to be in pristine condition, contrasting with previous issues on the starboard side.

This recording captures STS-120 on-orbit activities on flight day 10, where Commander Pam Melroy discusses the postponement of the fourth spacewalk to flight day 12 due to technical challenges. The crew, including Peggy Whitson and George Zamka, prepares hardware known as cufflinks for the upcoming EVA to repair damaged solar array panels. Notably, former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush visit Mission Control, expressing their support for the crew's efforts in space.

This recording captures the STS-120 on-orbit spacewalk activities, focusing on the installation of the payload and data grapple fixture (PDGF) on the Harmony node. Astronauts Scott Parazinski and Doug Wheelock worked closely with the robotic arm operated by Stephanie Wilson and Dan Tani to secure the S band antenna structural assembly for return to Earth. Notably, the spacewalk included troubleshooting issues with securing bolts, with Parazinski reporting successful engagement of multiple bolts after several attempts, highlighting the challenges faced during the EVA.

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This recording captures the STS-120 spacewalk activities at 5 hours and 21 minutes into the EVA, where astronaut Scott Parazinski successfully completed the deployment of the P6 solar array wings after troubleshooting and repairing damage. The deployment involved careful monitoring of cufflinks and hinge stability, with Parazinski and Doug Wheelock coordinating closely with Mission Control. The EVA concluded with a total duration of 7 hours and 19 minutes, wrapping up at 12:22 PM Central Time.

This recording captures the flight control system checkout and reaction control system hot fire test of the Space Shuttle Discovery, occurring prior to its planned landing. Commander Pam Melroy, pilot George Zamka, and flight engineer Stephanie Wilson successfully completed the RCS hot fire test, confirming the operation of all jets. The crew also discussed preparations for the Maui Experiment, which will analyze the shuttle's exhaust plumes during its entry phase.

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This recording captures STS-120 on-orbit activities on flight day 13, featuring a farewell ceremony for all ten crew members aboard the Destiny Laboratory, led by Commander Pam Melroy and Paolo Nespoli. The session includes a detailed overview of upcoming operations, including the grappling and relocation of the Harmony module, which is set to occur on November 14. The discussion emphasizes the significance of these maneuvers for future missions, particularly the arrival of the next space shuttle, STS-122.

This recording captures the STS-120 undocking of Discovery from the International Space Station at 4:32am Central Time, with pilot George Zamka flying the shuttle away. The crew conducts a fly around to photograph the station's new configuration, with the first separation burn occurring at 5:47am and the final separation burn at 6:15am. Notably, this marks the end of Discovery's mission at the ISS, as the crew prepares for their return to Earth.

This recording captures the STS-120 Discovery's undocking from the International Space Station at 4:32am Central Time, with pilot George Zamka maneuvering the shuttle away. Following undocking, Discovery conducted a fly-around of the ISS, allowing the crew to photograph its new configuration, with the first separation burn occurring at 5:47am and the final separation burn at 6:15am. The crew also prepared for upcoming landing activities, including a media event scheduled for 8:43am.

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This recording captures the STS-120 post-launch activities, occurring 1 hour and 13 minutes into the mission. Commander Pam Melroy and her crew successfully completed the payload bay door opening and the deployment of the KU band antenna. They also prepared for the upcoming NC1 rendezvous phasing burn, with discussions about the preliminary debris report noting a clean ascent and minor window spray from SRB separation. The crew's initial configurations and system setups are progressing smoothly.

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This recording features the STS-120 post-landing press conference with Commander Pam Melroy and crew members Dr. George Zamka, Dr. Scott Parazinski, and Stephanie Wilson. Notably, Melroy reflects on the emotional undocking moment, highlighting the crew's excitement upon seeing the successful cufflink repair of the solar array. Parazinski describes the mission as a 'summit push' and emphasizes the teamwork that led to their accomplishments, while Wilson shares her surprise at the ease of re-entry compared to previous flights.

This recording captures the post-landing activities of the Space Shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center, occurring L+3 to L+5 minutes after touchdown on Runway 33. Commander Pam Melroy and the crew are seen exiting the shuttle and interacting with ground personnel, marking a notable moment as they acknowledge the support team. The crew's successful landing is confirmed with no post-landing deltas reported, highlighting a smooth conclusion to the mission.

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This recording is the STS-120 program overview briefing, where Wayne Hale discusses the addition of a day to the mission for an EVA to demonstrate improved tile repair capabilities. He also highlights the successful resolution of foam debris issues from previous flights and the implementation of a new in-depth flight readiness review process. Kenny Todd provides updates on the ISS configuration, including the relocation of the P6 module and the upcoming addition of the Harmony Node.

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