STS-49: Endeavour's First Flight

This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities during the NC2 phase adjust burn, approximately 31 minutes before the maneuver. Commander Dan Brandenstein becomes the astronaut with the most time in space aboard a shuttle, surpassing Norman Thaggard's record of 604 hours, 45 minutes. The crew discusses a change in the burn strategy, increasing the velocity change from 1 foot per second to 3 feet per second, which includes a retrograde component to lower Endeavor's perigee from 147 to 146 nautical miles.

This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities, specifically the preparations for the EVA at 2:30 PM, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt and Rick Hebe are set to retrieve the Intelsat satellite. The crew discusses the satellite's stable rotation rate of 0.67 RPM and confirms the airlock depressurization is underway, with the hatch opening scheduled shortly after. Notably, this EVA marks the first use of four EMUs in a single mission, highlighting advancements in spacewalk protocols.

This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities during the EVA, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt and Rick Hebe prepare for the capture of the Intelsat satellite. At approximately 13 minutes into the recording, the crew discusses the satellite's rotation rate of 0.67 RPM and confirms the readiness of the portable foot restraint attachment device. Notably, this EVA features the first use of four EMUs in a single mission, showcasing advancements in spacewalk protocols.

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This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities during the EVA, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt and Rick Hebe prepare for the capture of the Intelsat satellite. The crew discusses the satellite's significant mutation angle of 104 degrees and the challenges faced during the approach, including control errors and the satellite's unexpected movement. Notably, this EVA marks the first use of four EMUs in a single mission, showcasing advancements in spacewalk protocols.

This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities during the EVA, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt and Rick Hebe prepare for the capture of the Intelsat satellite. At approximately 4:40 PM, the crew conducts a bump test with the capture bar to assess its handling characteristics, while Commander Dan Brandenstein manually maneuvers Endeavor for the satellite's close approach. Notably, the Intelsat spacecraft is reported to be in a stable configuration, spinning at 0.65 RPM, as the crew prepares for the capture phase.

This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities during the EVA, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt and Rick Hebe are informed that the Intelsat satellite is in a flat spin, complicating stabilization efforts. The crew discusses a strategy to stabilize the satellite using a capture bar and prepares for a separation burn scheduled in approximately 20 minutes. Notably, the EVA has lasted 4 hours and 46 minutes, and the team is considering options for another rendezvous attempt with the satellite tomorrow.

This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities during the EVA, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt, Rick Hebe, and Tom Akers successfully capture the Intelsat satellite at approximately 6:59 PM. The crew discusses the satellite's wobble and rotation rate of 0.24 RPM while maneuvering into position for the capture. Notably, this EVA features the first use of four EMUs in a single mission, showcasing advancements in spacewalk protocols.

This recording captures STS-49 spacewalk activities during the EVA, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt and Bruce Melnick successfully hard dock the capture bar to the Intelsat satellite at 8:33 PM, marking a critical milestone in the mission. The crew discusses the satellite's stability and maneuvers to ensure a secure attachment, while Mission Control provides updates on suit consumables and upcoming tasks. Notably, this EVA features the first use of four EMUs in a single mission, showcasing advancements in spacewalk protocols.

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This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities during the EVA, where astronauts Kathy Thornton and Tom Akers complete the setup of a pyramid truss structure attached to the multi-purpose experiment support structure. The crew discusses the challenges of their tasks, including a suit integrity check for Thornton and the need for a tethered climb by Akers. Notably, this EVA includes the first use of the crew propulsive device, a redesign of earlier maneuvering units, to practice self-rescue techniques.

This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit mission commentary during the crew's reflections on their experiences after completing multiple EVAs. Notably, Commander Dan Brandenstein discusses the learning curve associated with spacewalks, emphasizing the challenges faced during the satellite capture attempts. The crew also highlights the importance of teamwork and the lessons learned for future space station assembly, including recommendations for improved training and techniques. The discussion includes insights from various crew members, including Pierre Thuitt and Kathy Thornton.

This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities during the crew's traditional walk around the orbiter at approximately 11 hours, 15 minutes into the mission. The crew verifies that all members are out of the crew transport vehicle and discusses the warm weather conditions, noting a temperature of 76 degrees. This moment highlights the crew's engagement with the shuttle environment prior to further mission activities.

This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities during the satellite capture attempts, approximately 14 minutes before sunset. Commander Dan Brandenstein maneuvers Endeavor to position the Intelsat satellite over the payload bay while astronaut Pierre Thuitt discusses the challenges of stabilizing the satellite's rotation, estimated at 0.37 RPM. The crew deliberates on whether to use the backup capture bar, highlighting the ongoing strategy adjustments as they prepare for another attempt at capture.

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This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities during the preparations for the upcoming spacewalks, where astronauts Pierre Thuitt, Rick Hebe, and Tom Akers are getting ready in the airlock. The crew discusses the challenges faced during the initial attempts to capture the Intelsat satellite, including the dynamics of the satellite's movement and the need for careful maneuvering. Notably, this mission features the first use of four EMUs in a single mission, emphasizing advancements in EVA protocols.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-49, specifically detailing the flight readiness firing of Endeavour. The countdown window includes a built-in hold at T minus 9 minutes due to discussions about a blown fuse on the mobile launcher platform. Key ascent milestones include orbiter access arm retraction at T minus 7 minutes 30 seconds, auxiliary power unit activation at T minus 5 minutes, and the main engine start sequence beginning at T minus 6.6 seconds.

This recording captures training activities for STS-49, focusing on the frequency response test conducted at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for the Endeavour. Shuttle flow director Talon discusses the unique aspects of this test, which evaluates flight control responses with the vehicle fully integrated. The session also highlights the upcoming move of Endeavour to launch pad 39B, marking another first for the shuttle program.

This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-49, specifically detailing the countdown and liftoff of Endeavour. The countdown window includes a built-in hold at T minus 9 minutes due to discussions about a blown fuse on the mobile launcher platform. Key ascent milestones include orbiter access arm retraction at T minus 7 minutes 30 seconds, auxiliary power unit activation at T minus 5 minutes, and main engine start at T minus 6.6 seconds.

This recording captures the STS-49 pre-flight crew briefing, highlighting the unique aspects of the mission, including the first flight of Endeavour and the complex rendezvous with the Intelsat satellite. Key features discussed include the 'control box' rendezvous strategy, the use of handheld lasers for range determination, and the introduction of the Portable Foot Restraint (PFR) for the first time during EVA operations. The crew, including Commander Daniel C. Brandenstein and pilot Kevin Chilton, emphasizes their readiness and the collaborative efforts behind mission planning.

This recording documents training activities for STS-49, specifically focusing on the crew's use of telescoping poles as self-rescue devices during EVA simulations. The session highlights the importance of the impass to fixture attachment task, which is critical for Space Station Freedom assembly. Additionally, it features insights from crew members about their training experiences and the applicability of the ASIM demonstration to future missions, including the potential for adding crew self-rescue tasks during the first EVA if time permits.

This recording captures the launch coverage of Endeavour during the terminal countdown, specifically detailing the countdown window from T minus 2 hours 32 minutes to liftoff at 7:06 PM. Key ascent milestones include solid rocket booster separation at 2 minutes 20 seconds, main engine cutoff (MECO) at 8 minutes 32 seconds, and external tank separation shortly thereafter. The countdown included a hold at T minus 9 minutes due to weather considerations, with all systems reported nominal leading up to launch.

This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities, specifically the successful closure and latching of the external tank doors, confirmed by Mission Control at approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes into the mission. The crew discusses adjustments to the OMS2 targets, including a change to H2 at 147 nautical miles, and the activation of the APU heater reconfiguration to prevent PPO2 alarms during the crew sleep period. Notably, this file includes troubleshooting efforts for the avionics bay fan filter, which had shown elevated pressure differentials.

This recording captures STS-49 on-orbit activities, focusing on the successful checkout of all four extravehicular mobility units (EMUs) for the upcoming spacewalks. At approximately 7:30 PM, the crew discusses the operational status of the suits, confirming that all systems are functioning well, and highlights the innovative use of a new portable recharging unit for the suits. Notably, this mission marks the first time four EMUs are utilized simultaneously, showcasing advancements in EVA protocols.