STS-88 was a Space Shuttle mission flown by Endeavour. It launched on December 4, 1998 and returned on December 15, 1998.
The spacearchive.ai STS-88 collection brings together 21 records from the mission, including launch coverage, mission commentary, highlights reels, and status briefings.
Preserved together, they form a searchable primary-source record of the mission for researchers, historians, and producers.
A working snapshot of what the collection holds today. The public catalog shows descriptive metadata; full media and transcripts are available through research access.
All records in this collection
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This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:35:34 AM GMT, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. The countdown window opens at T minus 3:33:07 and extends to T minus 3:40:34. Notably, this mission features the Unity module, the first U.S. component of the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration.
STS-88 highlights reel capturing the launch of Endeavour at 3:33am Eastern Time, marking the first shuttle mission to support the construction of the International Space Station. The recording features Commander Bob Cabana's narration during liftoff, the crew's preparations, and the successful grapple of the Unity module by Nancy Curry. Notable moments include the crew's excitement during ascent and the first docking of Zarya with Endeavour, a significant milestone in international space cooperation.
This highlights reel captures the successful deployment of the MITYSAT satellite, with the crew celebrating the achievement as they narrate the process. It also features the closure of the internal hatch to Zarya at 6:26pm Central Time, marking the end of their 28 hours and 32 minutes aboard the International Space Station. Notable moments include the crew's teamwork during operations and Commander Bob Cabana's reflections on the mission's significance.
This highlights reel features the crew's successful closure of the internal hatch to Zarya at 6:26pm Central Time, marking the end of their 28 hours and 32 minutes aboard the International Space Station. Notable moments include Jim's effective stowing of equipment in the mid deck and the crew's teamwork during operations, with Commander Bob Cabana reflecting on the mission's significance. The recording also captures the deployment of the MITYSAT satellite, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the crew.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, detailing the successful activation of the Unity module at 9:49 PM Central Time, following the connection of over 40 electrical cables between Unity and the Zarya module. Astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman conducted a spacewalk lasting over five and a half hours, during which they inspected the TORU antennas on Zarya that had failed to deploy properly. The commentary also highlights the confirmation of data flow through the Russian American converter units, RACU 5 and 6, indicating successful connections.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, detailing the completion of a 7-hour and 2-minute spacewalk by astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman, which began at 2:33 PM Central Time and concluded at 9:35 PM Central Time. The spacewalk involved the installation of two antennas on the Unity module, essential for the early communications system of the International Space Station. The commentary also notes the successful connection of a video cable between Zarya and Unity, enhancing video conferencing capabilities for future crews.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, detailing the installation of a tool bag on the Unity module by astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman. The commentary notes that this task was completed ahead of schedule, with the tool bag intended for use by future astronauts on the upcoming STS-96 mission. Additionally, the crew successfully deployed a TORU antenna after addressing deployment issues, marking a significant operational milestone during the spacewalk.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, highlighting the successful terminal initiation burn by Commander Bob Cabana to close the distance to Zarya, reported at 1:30 PM. The commentary details the grapple of Zarya by Nancy Curry using the robotic arm, confirmed at 5:47 PM, and the subsequent docking procedure, which faced alignment issues requiring multiple attempts before successful mating. Additionally, the crew discusses the non-deployment of Zarya's TORU antennas, which were visually confirmed to be spooled.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, detailing the successful connection of umbilicals between Unity and the upper mating adapter, with astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman completing this task ahead of schedule. The commentary highlights the confirmation of data flow through the Russian American converter units, RACU 5 and 6, and the anticipation of powering Unity for the first time in orbit. Additionally, the crew discusses the non-deployment of Zarya's TORU antennas, which were visually confirmed to be spooled.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, detailing the capture of the Zarya module by Endeavour's robotic arm at 5:47 PM Central Time, marking the first time a rendezvous was performed without a direct line of sight from the cockpit. Commander Bob Cabana and Mission Specialist Nancy Curry are involved in the maneuver, which successfully captures Zarya, the most massive object ever moved by the shuttle's arm. The commentary also notes the non-deployment of Zarya's TORU antennas, which were visually confirmed to be spooled.
This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:35:34 AM GMT, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. The countdown window opens at T minus 2 minutes and 15 seconds, with a notable mention of a successful launch poll conducted by NASA Test Director Bruce Buckingham. The mission features the Endeavour carrying the Unity module, the first American element of the International Space Station.
This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:36 AM GMT, roll program initiation, and solid rocket booster separation. The countdown window opens at T minus 3:31 and extends for 10 minutes, with a notable mention of a hydraulic pressure spike that caused a scrub during the previous launch attempt. The crew includes Commander Bob Cabana and Pilot Rick Sturko, with Sturko making his first flight.
This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:36 AM GMT, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. The countdown window opens at T minus 3 minutes and 34 seconds, with a notable mention of NASA Test Director Doug Lyons confirming a flawless countdown and the crew's readiness for launch. The mission is significant as it marks the first shuttle flight dedicated to the assembly of the International Space Station.
This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:35:34 AM GMT, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. The countdown window opens at T minus 3:33:07 and extends to T minus 3:40:34. Notably, NASA Test Director Doug Lyons confirmed the completion of the eastern range safety hold fire checks just before liftoff, ensuring all systems were ready for launch.
This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:36 AM GMT, roll program initiation, and solid rocket booster separation. The countdown window opens at T minus 3:31 and extends for 10 minutes, with NASA Test Director Doug Lyons confirming the crew's readiness for launch. Notably, this mission is the first dedicated to the assembly of the International Space Station, carrying the Unity module as its primary payload.
This status briefing for STS-88 includes a detailed discussion on the investigation into a door issue, with Pete Galteri noting a probable cause related to environmental factors and potential redesign options. The briefing also covers the landing decision made by Commander Bob Cabana, who opted for a tailwind landing to achieve a nominal aim point. Additionally, the crew's readiness and upcoming logistics for the International Space Station are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough analysis in the shuttle program.
This recording features on-orbit mission commentary during STS-88, highlighting the successful installation of a handrail on the Zarya module by astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman, which was completed more than 70 feet above Endeavour's payload bay. The commentary also details the deployment of two TORU antennas, with flight controllers expressing congratulations for the successful task. Additionally, the crew discusses an open materials display panel that required attention, showcasing their proactive approach to station assembly.
This recording captures the launch coverage of STS-88, focusing on the terminal countdown and key ascent milestones, including liftoff at 3:35:34 AM GMT, solid rocket booster separation, and main engine cutoff. The countdown window opens at T minus 3:33:07 and extends to T minus 3:40:34. Notably, NASA Test Director Doug Lons confirmed the completion of the eastern range safety hold fire checks just before liftoff, ensuring all systems were ready for launch.
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