STS-124 was a Space Shuttle mission flown by Discovery. It launched on May 31, 2008 and returned on June 14, 2008.
The spacearchive.ai STS-124 collection brings together 5 records from the mission, including launch coverage, and landing coverage.
These records document the mission in the words and images of the people who flew and supported it.
A working snapshot of what the collection holds today. The public catalog shows descriptive metadata; full media and transcripts are available through research access.
All records in this collection
This recording captures the STS-124 launch coverage from T minus 9 minutes to liftoff at 5:02 PM, detailing significant ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation and main engine cutoff. Notably, the countdown included a 45-minute hold at T minus 9 minutes and 15 seconds, with communications featuring Flight Director Norm Knight and CAPCOM Terry Virts. An electrical failure was reported in the secondary gimbal actuator of the left orbital maneuvering system during ascent, though it posed no impact to the mission.
This recording captures the STS-124 launch coverage from T minus 2 hours to T minus 1 hour and 15 minutes, detailing critical countdown milestones leading to liftoff at 5:02 PM. Notable events include the completion of communication checks with the crew, the adjustment of caution and warning alarm volumes, and the final preparations of the closeout crew, featuring Mike Mangione and Travis Thompson. The countdown included a 10-minute hold at T minus 20 minutes, with no issues reported that would prevent launch.
Descriptive summary pending processing.
This recording captures the STS-124 launch coverage from T minus three hours to T minus two hours and 14 minutes, leading up to liftoff at 5:02 PM. Notable events include the loading of the external fuel tank at 7:38 AM and the testing of engine cutoff sensors at 8:28 AM. The countdown featured a 47-minute hold at T minus three hours, with no issues reported that would prevent launch. This mission marks the first high-definition broadcast of a shuttle launch by NASA television.
Landing coverage of STS-124, featuring Discovery's touchdown on Runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center at 10:15:30 AM Central Time. The recording highlights the flawless execution of the deorbit burn and the crew's return after 95 days in space, with Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Ken Ham at the controls. Notably, the landing was viewed live by the International Space Station crew, including Greg Shamatov, who praised the mission's success.
Primary references for STS-124. spacearchive.ai is an independent archive and is not affiliated with NASA.
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