STS-128: Space Shuttle Discovery

This recording captures the terminal countdown for STS-128, specifically from T-minus 51 minutes to T-minus 9 minutes. Notable moments include the crew's communication checks, with Commander CJ Sturckow and Pilot Kevin Ford confirming readiness, and the weather briefing by Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters, indicating improving conditions. The countdown window opens at 11:54:44 and closes at 12:04:29, with a preferred launch time of 11:59:37.

This recording captures the terminal countdown for STS-128, specifically from T-minus 3 hours to T-minus 2 hours. Distinctive moments include the resolution of a valve indication issue that had delayed the previous launch attempt, confirmed by launch controllers at 4:20 PM, and the crew's weather briefing led by Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The launch window opens at 11:54:37 PM, with a preferred liftoff time of 11:59:37 PM.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the terminal countdown for STS-128, specifically from T-minus 6 hours to T-minus 4 hours. Distinctive moments include the initiation of the chill down sequence for liquid hydrogen at T-minus 6 hours and the transition to fast fill for both liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen at T-minus 5 hours, 9 minutes. Weather conditions are monitored closely, with a lightning advisory issued at T-minus 4 hours, 43 minutes, but fueling operations continue without issues.

This recording captures STS-128 flight day 4 activities, highlighting the installation of the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo at 3:08 PM, maneuvered by the Canadarm2 under the control of Pilot Kevin Ford and Flight Engineer Mike Barrett. Notably, this day also included the first spacewalk for Nicole Stott, which began at 4:49 PM and lasted 6 hours and 35 minutes, marking a significant milestone in her career. The crew efficiently transferred supplies, including a new ammonia tank assembly and various experiments, throughout the day.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the landing of Discovery at Edwards Air Force Base, marking the conclusion of a 58-day mission. Distinctive moments include Commander Rick Sturckow's final alignment with Runway 22, the deployment of the landing gear, and the successful touchdown, followed by the deployment of the drag chute. The crew's communication confirms wheel stop, celebrating the mission's success in resupplying the International Space Station.

This recording captures the launch coverage for STS-128, specifically from T-minus 30 minutes to T-minus 9 minutes. Distinctive moments include the confirmation of a go for launch by Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters, who upgraded the weather forecast to 80% go, and the successful main engine cutoff followed by external tank separation. The countdown window opens at 11:54:44 PM and closes at 12:04:29 AM, with a preferred launch time of 11:59:37 PM.

This recording captures STS-128 flight day 5 activities, featuring the first spacewalk by Nicole Stott and Danny Olivas, which began at 6 hours, 13 minutes into the EVA. Notable moments include the removal of the ammonia tank assembly and the retrieval of the European Technology Experiment Facility (UTEF) for return to Earth. The crew also addressed a CO2 sensor anomaly during the spacewalk, with communication confirming no symptoms from Stott. The EVA concluded successfully with all major tasks accomplished.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the landing of Discovery at Edwards Air Force Base, marking the conclusion of the STS-128 mission. Distinctive moments include Commander Rick Sturckow's final alignment with Runway 22, the deployment of the landing gear, and the successful touchdown at 7:24 PM Central Time. The crew's communication confirms wheel stop, celebrating the mission's success in resupplying the International Space Station.

This recording captures the post-landing activities of STS-128 following Discovery's touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base at 7:53 PM Central Time. Distinctive moments include the crew's egress from the orbiter and the arrival of astronaut support personnel to assist them. A post-landing news conference is scheduled for 8:45 PM Central Time, featuring briefers Mike Moses, Horst Sharschmidt, and Pete Nikolenko discussing the mission's success and future plans. The flight director, Richard Jones, officially hands over control of the vehicle to the convoy team, marking the end of mission oversight from Houston.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the second launch attempt for STS-128, detailing the countdown from T-minus 3 hours 54 minutes to the scrub announcement at T-minus 3 hours 44 minutes. Distinctive moments include the identification of a potential failure in the liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve, leading to the official scrub at 5:52 PM. Launch Director Pete Nikolinko and Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses provide updates on the valve issue and the subsequent 48-hour turnaround plan.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

Descriptive summary pending processing.

This recording captures the launch coverage for STS-128, specifically from T-minus 10 minutes to T-plus 2 minutes and 31 seconds. Distinctive moments include the successful liftoff at 10:59 PM Central Time, the firing of the Orbital Maneuvering System engines at T-plus 5 minutes and 30 seconds, and the completion of the OMS burn, which raised Discovery's orbit. The ascent team, led by Flight Director Richard Jones, reported a flawless ascent with no issues during the climb to orbit.

This recording captures the STS-128 countdown status briefing, highlighting key preparations from T-minus 24 hours to T-minus 1 hour. Notable moments include the configuration of avionics systems and the completion of the aft compartment closeout, with a countdown clock beginning at 11:00 PM. Weather Officer Kathy Winters discusses potential weather impacts, indicating a 30% chance of violating tanking constraints due to lightning. The launch window is set to open at 1:31 AM, with a target launch time of 1:36 AM.

This recording captures the STS-128 post-scrub Mission Management Team (MMT) meeting, where Mike Moses and Pete Nikolinko discuss the decision to delay the launch due to concerns over the PV12 valve's performance. Notably, the team conducted successful ambient pressure tests on the valve, but opted for additional time to ensure readiness before the next launch attempt. The MMT meeting was noted for being the shortest ever, emphasizing the urgency and focus on safety.