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STS-122: Space Shuttle Atlantis

Atlantis's STS-122 mission, Feb. 7, 2008 to Feb. 20, 2008. Preserved in the spacearchive.ai collection.

OrbiterAtlantis
LaunchedFeb. 7, 2008
LandedFeb. 20, 2008
Records in archive49

Mission Overview

STS-122 was a Space Shuttle mission flown by Atlantis. It launched on Feb. 7, 2008 and returned on Feb. 20, 2008.

The spacearchive.ai STS-122 collection brings together 49 records from the mission, including mission commentary, status briefings, launch coverage, landing coverage, and press conferences.

Together they preserve the primary-source record of the mission as it was captured at the time, for research and historical study.

STS-122 in the Archive

A working snapshot of what the collection holds today. The public catalog shows descriptive metadata; full media and transcripts are available through research access.

49Records
49Video
0Audio
30Transcribed
61%Transcribed & indexed

All records in this collection

AST-01209Landing Coverage · 2008-02-20

This recording captures the STS-122 landing coverage, focusing on the final approach and touchdown of Atlantis on Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center. Notably, Commander Steve Frick executed a left overhead turn of 247 degrees for alignment, with touchdown occurring at 9:07am Eastern Time. The crew, including Dan Tani returning after 120 days in space, completed their egress from the orbiter by 9:50am, following a smooth landing and post-landing procedures.

AST-01210Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01211Landing Coverage · 2008-02-20

This recording captures the STS-122 landing coverage, focusing on the final preparations for Atlantis' landing on Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center. Notably, Commander Steve Frick and Pilot Alan Poindexter were preparing for an overhead left-hand turn approach due to favorable weather conditions, with the deorbit burn scheduled for 6:59am Central Time. The crew completed the payload bay door closing procedures without issues, and Dan Tani was set to return after 120 days in space.

AST-01212Video · 2008-01-30

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01213Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the on-orbit activities of STS-122 during flight day 2, focusing on the inspection of the shuttle's thermal protection system, including the starboard wing and nose cap. The crew, led by pilot Alan Poindexter, utilizes the robotic arm for detailed imagery, confirming no significant damage. Additionally, a rendezvous burn is executed to adjust Atlantis's orbit for docking, scheduled for 11:25 AM Central Time, while addressing minor carbon dioxide level concerns due to tape obstruction in the scrubbers.

AST-01214Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01215Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01216Status Briefing · Feb 2008 (est.)

This STS-122 program overview briefing discusses the upcoming launch of Atlantis, focusing on the integration of the European Space Agency's Columbus module. Key points include the successful completion of a recent EVA by Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko to prepare PMA-2 for relocation, and the ongoing investigation into the Sarge issue affecting solar arrays, with potential plans for an additional EVA during the mission. Wayne Hale emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance in ensuring safe flight operations.

AST-01217Status Briefing · Feb 2008 (est.)

This STS-122 mission overview briefing features key participants including Mike Serafin, Sally Davis, and Doug Rarick discussing the integration of the Columbus module into the International Space Station. Notably, this mission will mark the first docking to Node 2, following a thorough review of systems and contingencies. The briefing also highlights the planned EVAs, including the installation of the power and data grapple fixture during the first EVA, and the extensive preparations for Columbus outfitting over several flight days.

AST-01218Landing Coverage · 2008-02-20

This recording captures the STS-122 landing coverage, focusing on the final preparations for Atlantis' landing at Kennedy Space Center. Notably, the crew conducted a thermal protection system inspection on the port wing using the orbiter boom sensor system, which began at 10:10am. Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Stan Love participated in the inspection, confirming no damage was found. The crew also prepared a special seat for Dan Tani, who was returning after 120 days in space.

AST-01219Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01220Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01221Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-122 during the terminal countdown from T minus 4 hours to T minus 3 hours. Distinctive moments include the completion of liquid hydrogen topping at T minus 3 hours 57 minutes 45 seconds, the initiation of stable replenish mode at T minus 3 hours 21 minutes 25 seconds, and the final inspection team's readiness report led by Tom Ford. Liftoff is targeted for 2:45 PM, with the countdown proceeding smoothly despite weather concerns.

AST-01222Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-122 during the terminal countdown from T minus 3 hours to T minus 2 hours 40 minutes 35 seconds. Distinctive moments include the final inspection team's report led by Steve Ford, confirming no significant issues with the external tank, and the transition of ascent guidance data into the backup flight system. Liftoff is targeted for 1:45 PM, with the countdown proceeding smoothly and no collision avoidance quotients reported.

AST-01223Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01224Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-122 during the terminal countdown from T minus 6 hours to T minus 3 hours. Distinctive moments include the completion of tanking operations at T minus 3 hours and the first use of Firing Room 4 for this launch. A notable technical issue involved the circuit breaker for the solid rocket booster heaters, which was determined to be functional but without backup capability. The targeted liftoff time is confirmed for 2:38 PM, with favorable weather conditions reported.

AST-01225Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis during STS-122, featuring key moments such as the main engine ignition at T-minus 6 seconds and liftoff at T-zero. Notably, Commander Steve Frick and Pilot Al Poindexter are seen preparing in the White Room, while the crew acknowledges Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson's birthday during the flight. The mission marks the first-ever docking with the Columbus module at the International Space Station, confirmed at 11:17 AM Central Time.

AST-01226Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the rendezvous pitch maneuver of Space Shuttle Atlantis as it approaches the International Space Station, commencing at 10:23:50 AM Central Time. Commander Steve Frick controls the shuttle during this nine-minute maneuver, while Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko photograph the shuttle's surfaces for inspection. The docking occurs at 11:17 AM Central Time, marking the first time a shuttle docks with the Harmony module, which is the newest addition to the ISS.

AST-01227Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the undocking of Space Shuttle Atlantis from the International Space Station at 3:24 AM Central Time, occurring three minutes ahead of schedule to optimize lighting for the subsequent fly around. Commander Steve Frick expresses gratitude to Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson and her crew for their hospitality during the joint operations, which lasted 8 days, 16 hours, and 7 minutes. Following separation, pilot Alan Poindexter manually maneuvers the shuttle for a complete fly around of the ISS, documenting its new configuration with the Columbus Laboratory.

AST-01228Landing Coverage · 2008-02-20

This recording captures the STS-122 landing coverage, focusing on the flight control system checkout and auxiliary power unit activation on the day before landing. Notably, Commander Steve Frick and Pilot Alan Poindexter conducted a test firing of the steering jets, with four aft vernier thrusters disabled due to a heater circuit failure. The payload bay door closing is scheduled for 4:20am, followed by the deorbit burn at 7:01am, leading to a planned landing at 8:07am on Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center.

AST-01229Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the on-orbit activities of STS-122 during flight day 9, featuring the third spacewalk conducted by astronauts Rex Walheim and Stan Love, lasting 7 hours and 25 minutes. The EVA includes the installation of the European Technology Exposure Facility on the Columbus module, marking a significant milestone for European contributions to the ISS. Additionally, the crew prepares for a joint news conference scheduled for 7:40 AM Central Time, while addressing the upcoming reboost of the station's propulsion system at 6:16 AM Central Time.

AST-01230Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01231Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the first spacewalk of the mission, occurring 4 hours and 26 minutes into the EVA. Astronauts Rex Walheim and Stan Love work on the Columbus module, completing the installation of the power data grapple fixture and preparing for its relocation. The EVA is notable for being Stan Love's first spacewalk, during which he successfully maneuvers tools and performs tasks under the guidance of pilot Alan Poindexter and the flight control team.

AST-01232Press Conference · 2008-02-20

This recording features the post-landing news conference following the successful return of Space Shuttle Atlantis to Kennedy Space Center after the STS-122 mission. Bill Gerstenmaier highlights the mission's significance in adding the Columbus module to the International Space Station, while Mike Leinbach notes the favorable weather conditions that allowed for a Florida landing instead of California. The crew's high spirits upon returning and the upcoming Hubble servicing mission are also discussed.

AST-01233Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01234Video · 2008-02-04

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01235Video · 2008-02-05

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01236Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording documents a spacewalk conducted by Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko outside the International Space Station. The spacewalk involved disconnecting power and data cables on pressurized mating adapter 2, preparing it for robotic detachment and relocation to the Harmony connecting module. This activity marks a significant step in the ongoing assembly of the space station.

AST-01237Status Briefing · 2007-12-08

This STS-122 post-Mission Management Team briefing discusses the decision to proceed with tanking after a thorough review of an anomaly involving LH2 engine cutoff sensors. Wayne Hale emphasizes the unanimous agreement to move forward despite the intermittent failure, while Leroy Kane outlines new launch commit criteria requiring all four sensors to be operational. The team also plans to implement hardware changes to improve engine reliability and discusses the upcoming tanking scheduled for 5:55 AM.

AST-01238Press Conference · 2007-12-07

This press conference follows the scrub of the STS-122 launch due to failures in three low-level sensor circuits in the hydrogen tank. Wayne Hale, the Space Shuttle Program Manager, expresses frustration over the recurring intermittent electrical issues and discusses the proposal from the flight crew to tighten launch commit criteria to require all four sensors to be operational. Mike Leinbach outlines the implications of a shortened launch window to enhance fuel efficiency for the upcoming launch attempts.

AST-01239Status Briefing · 2007-12-03

This STS-122 countdown status briefing, held on December 3, 2007, features key updates from Charlie Blackwell Thompson, Debbie Hahn, and Kathy Winters. Notable discussions include the minor foam damage on ET-125 detected during inspections, with repairs underway, and the planned payload bay door closure around noon. The launch window is set for December 6 at 4:26 PM, with a 10-minute duration, and the team is optimistic about favorable weather conditions for launch day.

AST-01240Video · 2007-11-30

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01241Status Briefing · 2007-12-06

This STS-122 scrub post-mission management team briefing discusses a failure of two LH2 engine cutoff sensors during tanking, identified around 16 minutes into the process. Leroy Kane outlines the decision to extend the scrub turnaround from 24 to 48 hours to allow for further troubleshooting and evaluation of the sensor system. The team is considering operational workarounds for potential sensor failures and plans to reconvene for further discussions at 2:00 PM the following day.

AST-01242Video · 2007-12-09

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01243Status Briefing · 2007-12-04

This STS-122 countdown status briefing, held T minus 2 days, features updates from NASA Test Director Steve Payne, who reports that the countdown clock began at 7 PM and will hold at T minus 27 hours. Key preparations include the external tank load scheduled for 7:06 AM and the launch window opening at 4:26 PM, with a 10% chance of weather prohibiting launch. Debbie Hahn discusses the Columbus module's integration and the payload's processing timeline, while Kathy Winters provides a favorable weather forecast.

AST-01244Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the on-orbit activities of STS-122 during flight day 6, highlighting the crew's first entry into the Columbus module at 8:08 AM Central Time. Astronauts Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel prepare for their upcoming spacewalk, scheduled to begin at 8:35 AM, while camping overnight in the Quest airlock to facilitate nitrogen purge. Additionally, a notable anomaly is reported with one of the parachutes on the left solid rocket booster, which failed to inflate after deployment.

AST-01245Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-122 during the terminal countdown from T minus 2 minutes to liftoff. Distinctive moments include the successful main engine ignition at T minus 6 seconds, liftoff at 1:45 PM, and the solid rocket booster separation shortly thereafter. Commander Steve Frick acknowledges the successful launch and expresses anticipation for the mission's objectives, including the delivery of the Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.

AST-01246Status Briefing · 2008-02-06

This countdown status briefing for launch minus one day features Jeff Spalding reporting on the smooth countdown progress, with a planned hold at T minus 11 hours. Key updates include the completion of cryogenic reactant loading and the upcoming power-up of the orbiter at 12:30 PM. Kathy Winters discusses significant weather concerns, forecasting a 70% chance of prohibiting launch due to potential thunderstorms and cumulus cloud development. The mission management team is scheduled to meet at 4:45 AM to assess weather conditions before tanking operations begin at 5:20 AM.

AST-01247Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01248Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the on-orbit activities of STS-122 during flight day 4, featuring a procedures review for the first spacewalk scheduled for the following day. Astronauts Rex Walheim and Stan Love prepare for the EVA focused on the Columbus module installation, while a significant computer issue is addressed, which had previously impacted mission timelines. The Columbus module is successfully attached to the International Space Station at 3:44 PM Central Time, marking a key milestone for the European Space Agency.

AST-01249Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01251Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the on-orbit activities of STS-122 during flight day 1, focusing on the crew's assessment of the external tank after separation. Commander Steve Frick and pilot Alan Poindexter discuss the downlink of imagery taken during ascent, while mission specialist Rex Walheim confirms the activation of the APCU. Notably, this is the first time the crew captures video of the external tank venting cryogenic components, providing valuable data for evaluating the shuttle's thermal protection system.

AST-01252Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, beginning with liftoff at 1:45 PM Central Time. Key ascent milestones include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 15 seconds, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. The crew, led by Commander Steve Frick, prepares for the upcoming orbital maneuvering system burn, known as the NC1 burn, scheduled for 3 hours 37 minutes into the flight. Notably, this mission will mark the first docking with the Columbus module at the International Space Station, planned for 11:25 AM Central Time on Saturday.

AST-01253Mission Commentary · Feb 2008 (est.)

This recording captures the post-launch activities of STS-122, focusing on the successful opening of Atlantis's payload bay doors, which exposes the European Columbus Science Laboratory to space for the first time. The crew, including mission specialists Stan Love and Leland Melvin, also deploys the KU band antenna to enable high data rate communications. Additionally, the orbital maneuvering system engines are set to fire for the NC1 burn, refining Atlantis's trajectory for docking with the International Space Station scheduled for 11:25 AM Central Time on Saturday.

AST-01254Launch Coverage · 2008-02-07

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-122 during the terminal countdown from T minus 3 hours 30 minutes to T minus 1 hour 30 minutes. Distinctive moments include the final inspection team's report led by Tom Page, confirming a clean external tank with no ice buildup, and the astronauts boarding the shuttle, including first-time flyer Lee Melvin. The targeted liftoff time is confirmed for 2:45 PM, with the countdown proceeding smoothly and no technical issues reported.

AST-01255Video · 2008-02-07

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01256Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01270Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

AST-01329Video · Feb 2008 (est.)

Descriptive summary pending processing.

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Official Sources

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