STS-129: Space Shuttle Atlantis

This recording features a program overview for STS-129, highlighting mission preparations and scheduling challenges. John Shannon, the Space Shuttle Program Manager, discusses the need to adjust the launch date due to conflicts with international partners, moving from the originally targeted November 9th to a window between November 12th and 19th. Additionally, he addresses unexpected pinhole leaks in engine nozzles and the implications for upcoming flights, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational readiness.

This recording captures the STS-129 crew's arrival and pre-launch preparations, occurring 48 hours before launch. Notable moments include Barry Wilmore's acknowledgment of the extensive preparation by teams across the country, and Leland Melvin's emphasis on the importance of media in inspiring future generations. The crew expresses gratitude towards their families and the EVA training team, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the mission's success.

This recording features the STS-129 crew news conference on October 16, focusing on the upcoming spacewalks. Commander Charlie Hobaugh introduces his crew, including lead spacewalker Mike Foreman and fellow spacewalkers Randy Bresnik and Bobby Satcher, who will perform tasks such as installing the SASA antenna and reconfiguring the PASS Payload Attachment System. The crew discusses the importance of their logistics and the complexity of their EVA tasks, emphasizing their confidence in completing the mission objectives.

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This recording captures the post-landing activities of STS-129, focusing on the successful touchdown of Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center. Notable moments include the crew's acknowledgment of a 'picture perfect' landing and the absence of any post-landing anomalies. Commander Charlie Hobaugh and pilot Butch Wilmore are highlighted, with Hobaugh expressing gratitude for the team's efforts throughout the mission. The recording also features discussions about future missions and the importance of preparation as the program nears its conclusion.

This recording captures the STS-129 launch countdown from T-minus 33 minutes to T-minus 9 minutes, including a built-in hold at T-minus 20 minutes. Notable moments include the confirmation of cabin vent redundancy configuration and the report of a potential high cabin leak rate. The ascent milestones mentioned are solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation, with flight director Brian Lunney and CAPCOM Chris Ferguson overseeing the launch operations.

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This recording captures the STS-129 launch coverage from T-minus 33 minutes to liftoff, highlighting a flawless countdown and ascent. Key milestones include solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, Chris Ferguson confirms a successful OMS-2 burn at T-plus 38 minutes, while Bill Gerstenmaier discusses the mission's significance and the smooth launch operations. The recording also features the crew's preparations for docking with the International Space Station scheduled for 10:53 AM Central Time.

This recording captures the STS-129 launch countdown from T-minus 4 hours to T-minus 3 hours, highlighting the fueling process that began at 5:03 AM and the transition into stable replenish at 7:37 AM. Notable moments include the launch team's confirmation of no issues preventing the on-time launch at 2:28 PM and the authorization for the closeout crew and final inspection team to head to the launch pad. The forecast indicates a 70% chance of favorable weather, with concerns about a low cloud ceiling.

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This recording captures the inspection activities of STS-129 on flight day two, focusing on the heat shield assessment that began at 7:39 AM Central Time. Notable moments include the crew's use of the robotic arm to inspect the starboard wing and the nose cap, with Commander Charlie Hobaugh and Pilot Barry Wilmore at the controls. The crew also prepares for tomorrow's docking with the International Space Station, setting up the centerline camera for enhanced visibility during the approach.

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This recording captures the STS-129 launch coverage from T-minus 33 minutes to liftoff, highlighting key ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. The launch occurred at 1:28 PM Central Time, with the crew completing their first orbital maneuvering system engine firing at 5:11 PM. Notably, the crew conducted a successful activation and checkout of the Canadarm for upcoming inspections of the shuttle's thermal protection system.

This recording documents the STS-129 docking preparations with the International Space Station, specifically focusing on the terminal initiation burn at 8:05 AM Central Time, which lasts for 12 seconds and alters Atlantis' velocity by 9.2 ft per second. Notable interactions include Mission Specialist Mike Foreman coordinating cargo transfers with Capcom Stanlove, and the upcoming rendezvous pitch maneuver that will allow Expedition 21 crew members to photograph Atlantis' heat shield. The docking is scheduled for 10:53 AM Central Time.

This recording captures the STS-129 launch countdown from T-minus 3 hours to liftoff, detailing the final preparations and countdown activities. Notable moments include the confirmation of a 30% chance of not meeting launch weather criteria due to low cloud ceilings and the successful fueling of Atlantis, which concluded at 8:00 AM. Key ascent milestones mentioned are solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation, with Charlie Hobaugh and Butch Wilmore highlighted as part of the crew.

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This recording captures the STS-129 launch coverage from T-minus 9 minutes to liftoff, highlighting key ascent milestones including solid rocket booster separation, main engine cutoff, and external tank separation. Notably, Commander Charlie Hobaugh and CAPCOM Chris Ferguson exchange compliments regarding the launch performance and the crew's first experience in space. The recording also includes the first rendezvous burn scheduled for 3 hours and 42 minutes after launch, refining the shuttle's approach to the International Space Station.

This recording captures the STS-129 launch countdown from T-minus 3 hours 30 minutes to T-minus 1 hour 30 minutes, featuring a troubleshooting discussion regarding a noise on the fuel cell H2 pump motor. Notable moments include the completion of the cabin leak check and the confirmation of the preferred liftoff time at 2:28 PM. Astronaut Jim Kelly provides insights into crew preparations, while the closeout crew performs final checks before hatch closure.

This recording features STS-129's flight day two activities, including the inspection of Atlantis' heat shield, which began at 7:39 AM. Notably, the crew, led by Commander Charlie Hobaugh and Pilot Barry Wilmore, utilized the robotic arm to inspect the starboard wing and prepare for docking with the International Space Station at 10:53 AM. The crew also transferred Express Logistics Carrier 1 at 1:30 PM, which included critical spare parts for the station.

This recording features the STS-129 crew training session, occurring five weeks before launch. Notable moments include astronaut Mike Massimino discussing the intricacies of EVA suit preparation, emphasizing the importance of comfort and hydration during spacewalks. The crew also participates in a bench review, examining their mission hardware, and astronaut Leland Melvin shares a personal story about his football career, highlighting the impact of mentorship.

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