STS-57: Space Shuttle Endeavour

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This recording captures the crew awakening at 1:07am Central Time on the sixth day of their mission, following Endeavour's 73rd sunset. Notably, Commander Ron Grady and Mission Specialist David Lowe discuss their recent spacewalk, including the successful capture of the Eureka satellite and the coordination required between crew members. The crew also addresses issues with data downloads and power levels during their operations, highlighting the challenges faced during the mission.

This recording captures the detailed test objective activities during the EVA, specifically focusing on David Lowe and Jeff Weissoff's mass handling exercises with the Hubble Space Telescope's wide field planetary camera. Notably, the crew simulates handling large components while addressing the effects of orbiter thrusters on their maneuvers. The session includes a fine alignment task and a high torque test, with discussions on safety tethers and operational adjustments throughout the procedures.

This recording captures the final approach of Endeavour to the Eureka satellite, with Commander Ron Gravy manually flying the shuttle as it closes in to within 35 feet of Eureka. Notably, the crew experiences a communication blackout just before the capture, which lasts about five minutes. During this time, Payload Commander David Lowe prepares the robotic arm for the grapple, while ground control monitors the retraction of Eureka's antennas, which do not fully retract as planned. The successful capture of Eureka is confirmed shortly after communication is restored.

This recording captures the preparations for the spacewalk on flight day 5, including the crew's discussions about the Eureka satellite's antenna issues. Notably, David Lowe and Jeff Weissoff conduct warm-up exercises in their suits and prepare for their egress from the airlock at approximately 8:02am Central Time. The crew also discusses the use of a new lightweight foot restraint designed for the remote manipulator system, which is a significant development for this EVA.

This recording captures the maneuvering of David Lowe on the remote manipulator system arm as he prepares to secure the antennas of the Eureka satellite. Notably, the crew experiences a delay in the commanding process, which requires Lowe to hold his position while waiting for ground control updates. The successful latching of both antennas is confirmed, allowing the crew to transition to mass handling exercises shortly thereafter.

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This recording captures the countdown and launch of Endeavour, specifically highlighting the hold at T minus five minutes due to an intruder aircraft in the restricted zone. Notably, Commander Ron Graby and the crew prepare for launch at 9:07 AM, with the successful liftoff occurring shortly after at T minus zero. The crew also engages in a phone call with President Bill Clinton, discussing their mission objectives, including the retrieval of the Eureka satellite.