STS-131: Space Shuttle Discovery

This recording captures the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery at Kennedy Space Center, with main gear touchdown occurring at 8:08:35 AM Central Time, followed by nose gear touchdown at 8:08:47 AM. Commander Allen Poindexter and Pilot Jim Dutton were at the controls during the final approach, which included a left-hand overhead turn before aligning with Runway 33. Notably, this mission marked the last large return load from the International Space Station and included the first time four women were in space together.

This recording captures the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, with liftoff occurring at 6:21 AM EDT. Key milestones include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes and 7 seconds into the flight and external tank separation at 8 minutes and 53 seconds. Commander Alan Poindexter and Pilot Jim Dutton are onboard, with notable communications checks confirming readiness and system performance throughout the countdown and ascent phases.

This recording captures the prelaunch countdown for Space Shuttle Discovery, with key events occurring between T minus 5 hours and T minus 3 hours 25 minutes. Notably, fueling of the external tank began at 9:28 PM, with fast fill for liquid oxygen and hydrogen starting at 10:18 PM. The crew's final medical checks took place at 9 PM, and they are scheduled to board the shuttle at 3:01 AM for a 6:21 AM launch.

This recording captures behind-the-scenes activities on flight day 5 of STS-131, highlighting the crew's preparations and training. Notably, the crew discusses the upcoming bucket ride in the payload bay and the inspection of the shuttle's heat shield after undocking, with Jim and Dottie simulating a scenario involving a medical issue with the Commander. The crew's camaraderie is evident as they joke about their experiences and roles, particularly during the inspection and transfer of equipment from the MPLM.

This recording captures the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, with T-minus 9 minutes holding at 6:21am and 25 seconds for liftoff. Notable events include the successful solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes and 7 seconds, and the main engine cutoff (MECO) occurring at 7 minutes and 48 seconds. The launch team overcame a potential issue with a fuel cell voltage spike prior to tanking, ensuring a nominal launch sequence.

This recording captures the prelaunch countdown for Space Shuttle Discovery, specifically from T minus 1 hour 41 minutes to T minus 9 minutes. Notable moments include the first space flight of Dottie Metcalf Lindenberger, who is confirmed strapped in and ready for her role as Mission Specialist 2. Additionally, a transient voltage issue with fuel cell number two was noted but deemed acceptable for flight, allowing the countdown to proceed smoothly with weather conditions reported as green.

This recording captures the prelaunch countdown for Space Shuttle Discovery, specifically from T minus 3 hours to T minus 1 hour 45 minutes. Notable moments include the crew's weather briefing led by Master Sergeant Rafe Parker, who reported a 20% chance of fog affecting visibility, and the crew's preparation as they donned their launch suits at 2:01 AM. The astronauts, including first-time flyer Dottie Metcalfe Lindenberger, began their walkout to the launch pad at 2:31 AM, with liftoff scheduled for 6:21 AM EDT.

This recording captures the prelaunch countdown for Space Shuttle Discovery, specifically from T minus 3 hours to T minus 1 hour 45 minutes. Notable events include the completion of fueling at 12:21 AM, with liquid hydrogen and oxygen filling processes detailed, and the final inspection team's arrival at the launch pad. NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell Thompson discusses a minor voltage issue with fuel cell number two, which was resolved without impacting the countdown.