STS-55: Space Shuttle Columbia

This recording captures the countdown and abort sequence for STS-55, specifically at T minus three seconds when the main engines were commanded to shut down due to a valve issue. The crew, including Commander Steve Nagel and Pilot Tom Henricks, experienced an unexpected abort just before liftoff at 9:51 AM. The recording details the final preparations and the immediate response to the anomaly, highlighting the tension and procedures followed during the abort scenario.

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This recording documents the STS-55 countdown abort sequence, specifically at T minus 3 seconds when the onboard computer initiated the shutdown of the main engines due to a valve failure. Commander Steve Nagel and the crew expressed disappointment over the aborted launch, while discussing the procedures followed during the incident. The recording highlights the team's rapid response and the detailed analysis of the engine issues, including the failure of Main Engine 3 to ignite.

This recording features the STS-55 crew's press conference, highlighting interactions with the German Space Operations Center. Commander Steve Nagel and crew members, including Bernard Harris, discuss their experiences and the success of the mission, emphasizing the collaboration with German astronauts. Notably, the crew addresses communication issues during the conference and reflects on the significance of human presence in space for conducting experiments, particularly in response to questions about the mission's outcomes and future implications for manned spaceflight.

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This recording captures the countdown sequence for STS-55, specifically highlighting the crew's walkout to launch pad 39A at 07:34 and the final preparations leading up to the scheduled launch at 10:50. Notably, Commander Steve Nagel and Pilot Tom Hendricks are seen preparing the auxiliary power units at T minus 5 minutes, while Mission Management Team Chairman Brewster Shaw conducts a successful poll for launch readiness. The recording also details the anticipation surrounding the mission, which includes two German payload specialists, Dr. Ulrich Walter and Hans Schlegel.

This recording documents the STS-55 countdown abort sequence, focusing on the crew's discussions regarding the valve issue that led to the main engine shutdown at T minus three seconds. The crew express their disappointment and analyze the procedures followed during the abort. The recording captures the team's immediate response to the anomaly just before liftoff.

This recording captures the STS-55 landing sequence, specifically at 2 minutes 50 seconds when Commander Terry Wilcock is flying Endeavor on final approach. The crew discusses their altitude and speed, noting a glide flip on center line as they prepare for touchdown. At 40 seconds, the crew receives congratulations from Houston for a successful mission to Mir, marking the end of their 128-day stay in space.

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This recording captures the STS-55 launch countdown, specifically highlighting the crew's walkout to launch pad 39A at 07:34 and the final preparations leading up to the scheduled liftoff at 10:50. Notably, Commander Steve Nagel and Pilot Tom Hendricks are seen preparing their suits, while payload specialists Hans Schlegel and Ulrich Walter, both making their first flights, are outfitted for ascent. The recording emphasizes the successful completion of prelaunch checks and the optimistic weather conditions for launch.

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