NASA astronaut Clayton C. Anderson, mission specialist STS-131

NASA astronaut Clayton C. Anderson, mission specialist STS-131

NASA EXPERIENCE: Anderson joined the Johnson Space Center in 1983 in the Mission Planning and Analysis Division where he performed rendezvous and proximity operations trajectory designs for early Space Shuttle and Space Station missions. In 1988 he moved to the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) as a Flight Design Manager leading the trajectory design team for the Galileo planetary mission (STS-34) while serving as the backup for the Magellan planetary mission (STS-31). In 1989, Anderson was chosen supervisor of the MOD Ascent Flight Design Section and following reorganization, the Flight Design Engineering Office of the Flight Design and Dynamics Division. In 1993 he was named the Chief of the Flight Design Branch. From 1996 until his selection Anderson held the post of Manager, Emergency Operations Center, NASA Johnson Space Center.

Selected as a mission specialist by NASA in June 1998, he reported for training in August of that year. Training included orientation briefings and tours, numerous scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) systems, physiological training, ground school to prepare for T-38 flight training, as well as learning water and wilderness survival techniques.

Prior to being assigned to a space flight Anderson served as the lead for the Enhanced Caution and Warning (ECW) System development effort within the Space Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade (CAU) Project. Previously, he was the Crew Support Astronaut for ISS Expedition 4, providing ground support on technical issues in addition to supporting the crew families. Anderson also served as an ISS Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) and as the Astronaut Office crew representative for the Station's electrical power system. In November of 2002, Anderson completed training in the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Skills program. He also served as back-up Flight Engineer for Expeditions 12, 13 and 14 to the Station. He completed his first space flight in 2007 and has logged 152 days in space and over 18 EVA hours in 3 spacewalks. Anderson is assigned to the crew of STS-131, targeted for launch in April 2010.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: In 2007, Clay Anderson spent a five month tour of duty working aboard the International Space Station. He launched to the Station on June 8, 2007 aboard Shuttle Atlantis with the crew of STS-117. Docking with the Station on flight day 3, he replaced Suni Williams as the Expedition 15 Flight Engineer and also assumed the role of Science Officer for the Expedition. During his 152 day tour of duty aboard the ISS, Anderson performed 3 spacewalks, two with crewmembers of STS-118, totaling 18 hours, 01 minutes. During his ‘stage’ EVA, Anderson jettisoned (disposed of) two pieces of space hardware, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) weighing in at over 1400 lbs. and a piece of “onboard support equipment” creating space satellites “Nebraska 1 and Nebraska 2.” In addition, Anderson operated the Robotic Manipulator Canadarm2 to move the Station’s Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA) 3 to the Node 1 nadir (earth pointing) docking port in preparation for the arrival of Node 2 “Harmony” delivered by the crew of STS-120. Anderson returned home aboard Shuttle Discovery as a member of the STS-120 crew, landing at KSC on November 7, 2007.

MARCH 2010

NASA astronaut James P. Dutton Jr., pilot

NASA astronaut James P. Dutton Jr., pilot STS-131

EXPERIENCE: Dutton has more than 3,300 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft. Prior to joining NASA, he tested the F-22 Raptor with the 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California. He logged more than 350 F-22 flight hours between August 2002 and June 2004 performing avionics testing and high-risk envelope expansion testing.

 

As a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1991, Dutton was a member of the intercollegiate Cadet Competition Flying Team and Cadet Squadrons CS-12 “Dirty Dozen” and CS-29 “Black Panthers.” After graduation, he attended undergraduate pilot training at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He went on to complete his advanced studies at the University of Washington in Seattle from 1993-1994 prior to attending F-15C training at Tyndall AFB, Florida, in 1995. Dutton flew as an operational F-15C pilot with the 493rd Fighter Squadron “Grim Reapers” at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, from October 1995 to May 1998. He has flown over 100 combat hours providing air superiority in support of Operations Provide Comfort and Northern Watch over northern Iraq.

 

In May 1998, Dutton was reassigned to the 422nd Test & Evaluation Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada, where he flew operational test missions in the F-15C. He was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS) and graduated with Class 00A in December 2000. After TPS, he flight tested the F-16 as a member of the 416th Flight Test Squadron until June 2002, when he joined the F-22 Combined Test Force.

 

NASA EXPERIENCE: Dutton was selected in May 2004 as one of 14 members of the 19th NASA astronaut class. In February 2006 he completed Astronaut Candidate Training that included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. Dutton was initially assigned to the Exploration Branch working on the development of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) cockpit and to the Capcom Branch as a shuttle capsule communicator. He was the Ascent/Entry Capcom for STS-122 in February 2008 and STS-123 in March 2008. Dutton is assigned as pilot on the crew of STS-131, targeted for launch in April 2010.

MARCH 2010

NASA astronaut James P. Dutton Jr., pilot STS-131

NASA Astronaut Alan G. Poindexter, commander.

NASA Astronaut Alan G. Poindexter, commander. STS-131

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA in June 1998, he reported for training in August 1998. Initially Poindexter served in the Astronaut Office Shuttle Operations Branch performing duties as the lead support astronaut at Kennedy Space Center. In 2008 he completed his first space flight as pilot on the STS-122 and has logged over 306 hours in space. Poindexter is assigned to command the crew of STS-131, targeted for launch in April 2010.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: STS-122 Atlantis (February 7-20, 2008) was the 24th Shuttle mission to visit the International Space Station. Mission highlight was the delivery and installation of the European Space Agency’s Columbus Laboratory. It took three spacewalks by crew members to prepare the Columbus Laboratory for its scientific work, and to replace an expended nitrogen tank on the Station’s P-1 Truss. STS-122 was also a crew replacement mission, delivering Expedition-16 Flight Engineer, ESA Astronaut Léopold Eyharts, and returning home with Expedition-16 Flight Engineer, NASA Astronaut Daniel Tani. The STS-122 mission was accomplished in 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 40 seconds, and traveled 5,296,832 statute miles in 203 Earth orbits.

 

MARCH 2010

Discovery and Crew Draw Closer to Launch Day

Discovery and Crew Draw Closer to Launch Day

At Launch Pad 39A today, NASA's Kennedy Space Center technicians will pressurize space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system for flight in preparation for its 6:21 a.m. EDT liftoff on April 5.

The STS-131 crew continues to slip their sleep schedules to accommodate their mission flight schedule, as they prepare to fly to Kennedy from their home base in Houston on April 1.

Last Friday, NASA managers gave Discovery the "go" for launch after an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting. At the review, they determined that there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.

Looking Back NASA's First Class of Female Astronauts

NASA's First Class of Female Astronauts

From left to right are Shannon W. Lucid, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, and Sally K. Ride. NASA selected all six women as their first female astronaut candidates in January 1978, allowing them to enroll in a training program that they completed in August 1979.

Image Credit: NASA

Discovery Launch One Week Away

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:12:22 -0500

Today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A are preparing space shuttle Discovery's reaction control system for pressurization of the main propulsion system for flight. The shuttle and crew are scheduled to liftoff April 5 at 6:21 a.m. EDT to begin the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the astronauts continue slipping their sleep schedule in preparation for the mission. This afternoon, they will review procedures with the piston grip tool used during spacewalks.

Last Friday, NASA managers gave Discovery the "go" for launch after an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting. At the review, they determined that there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.

IMAX 3D - BRING THE UNIVERSE TO YOUR STUDENTS’ FINGERTIPS

HUBBLE 3D

BRING THE UNIVERSE TO YOUR STUDENTS’ FINGERTIPS!

Treat your students to the ultimate field trip! Through the power of IMAX® 3-D, your class can journey through distant galaxies to explore the mysteries of our celestial surroundings, accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult tasks in NASA history, and experience never-before-seen 3-D flights through Hubble imagery.

Visit www.imax.com/hubble to download classroom activities inspired by the film to further extend the learning experience into the classroom. Curriculum tie-ins include science and technology, communication, critical thinking, and more!

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble 3D reunites the Space Station 3D filmmaking team, led by producer/director Toni Myers. James Neihouse, director of photography, also doubles as the astronaut crew trainer. Judy Carroll is associate producer. Graeme Ferguson, co-founder of IMAX and pioneer producer of many IMAX space films, is executive producer. Hubble 3D is an IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures production, in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Exclusive IMAX engagements of Hubble 3D are taking place in March/April 2010. The film will have a wider release in August 2010.

 

For more Hubble-related educational resources, visit the sites listed below.

Hubble Education Resource site

www.nasa.gov/education/hubble

One stop shop for 125 Hubble Education resources and activity products, plus links to 11 related sites.

Introduction to Hubble (15 products + links to 4 related sites)

 

Hubble Careers (82 products/profiles + links to 2 related sites)

From Galileo to Great Observatories (13 products + links to 3 related sites)

Hubble Spacewalks and Technologies (15 products + links to 2 related sites)

Hubble Career Multimedia -- Special Editions

The Hubble Legacy

http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a010400/a010473/index.html

 

Duration: 4.5 minutes

Astronaut Kathryn Thornton and NASA engineer Russ Werneth look back at the challenges and triumphs of the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions.

The video clip includes footage from Servicing Mission 1 and Servicing Mission 4.

Hubble Career Profiles

http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a010400/a010474/index.html

 

Duration: 3.0 minutes

These two video profiles begin to explore what systems engineering is as seen through the roles of Benjamin Reed and Jackie Townsend on the Hubble Space Telescope. Through their personal backgrounds and current work, Reed and Townsend show that great engineers share patience, tenacity, and a passion for problem solving.

Reed is a materials assurance engineer who has a background in chemistry and has most recently worked on improving Hubble's outer blanket layer.

Townsend came to Goddard with a background in physics and has served as the instrument manager of Hubble's newest imager, Wide Field Camera 3.

Hubble Top Star Activities

http://topstars.strategies.org/showcase.php

 

U.S. formal (K-12 and college) and informal educators are invited to submit their best examples of using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope for science, technology, engineering or mathematics education.

Top Stars Educators receive national recognition and awards and their Hubble activities are showcased on this site.

Amazing Space Features Hubble SM4

http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/sm4/

Amazing Space brings emphasis to the science of Hubble.

Visit their SM4 microsite and discover a Hubble image gallery, trivia, lithographs, science activities, career of the day and special edition of Star Witness News.

Sight/Insight

http://www.hubble-sightinsight.com/

Special Note

Through Sight/Insight, a free education initiative created by USA TODAY in cooperation with NASA, students learn how NASA professionals bring Hubble's extraordinary discoveries to the world and become involved in activities based upon the technology and science of Hubble.

Products

The Hubble Legacy: Collegiate Case Study.

Understanding Hubble’s Contributions to the Study of the Cosmos: Collegiate Case Study.

The Hubble Legacy: A High School Case Study.

Understanding Hubble’s Contributions to the Study of the Cosmos: High School Case Study (In Process).

Designing An Astronaut Tool for a Hubble Servicing Mission: A High School Engineering Project Based Learning Activity.

Designing An Astronaut Tool: Abridged Version.

Color the Universe: A High School Project Based Learning Activity (In process).

NASA Careers

http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com/

No Boundaries helps students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while learning about NASA -- the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The Career component of the Hubble Education Resource site coordinates with this site.Hubble 3D

http://www.imax.com/hubble/

Education Page

Educator’s Resource Guide (Grades 3-5 available online; Grades 6-8 to be added).

Features 3 activities: Build a Robotic Arm: Communication Station; Images from Hubble (simulation).

NASA Education Robotics Web site

http://www.nasa.gov/education/roboticsInnovation, creativity, problem solving -- the world of robotics at NASA is all of these things.

This site includes information about robotics and Hubble.

 

Shuttle Prelaunch Events And Countdown Details Announced by NASA

NASA Announces Shuttle Prelaunch Events And Countdown Details

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- News conferences, events and operating hours for the news center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., are set for the upcoming launch of space shuttle Discovery.

Shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to lift off at 6:21 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 5. Detailed lists of countdown milestones, news briefing times and participants, and hours of operation for Kennedy's news center and media credentialing office are available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news

A NASA blog will update the countdown beginning April 5 at 1:15 a.m. Originating from Kennedy, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch. During the mission, visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the mission's three spacewalks live.

As Discovery's flight concludes, the NASA blog will detail the spacecraft's return to Earth. For NASA's launch blog and continuous mission updates, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

The NASA News Twitter feed will be updated throughout the shuttle launch countdown, mission and landing. To follow, visit: http://www.twitter.com/nasa

Mission Specialists Clayton Anderson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency are sending updates about their training to their Twitter accounts and plan to tweet from orbit during the mission. They can be followed, respectively, at: http://www.twitter.com/Astro_Clay and http://www.twitter.com/Astro_Naoko

For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

STS-131 T-Shirts Get Yours Today

Discovery Fit to Fly April 5th 2010

Go for Discovery Launch

NASA managers gave space shuttle Discovery the "go" for an April 5 launch date for the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. After an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting, there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.

In discussing the earlier problem regarding a troublesome helium isolation valve, it was decided that the built-in redundancy in regulator valves provides protection for the reaction control system. All other shuttle systems, as well as the payload and crew, were deemed ready for flight as well.

At a news conference following the meeting, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, described a thorough review and concluded, "We are ready to fly."

Discovery is set to liftoff into the predawn darkness from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A at 6:21 a.m. EDT.

STS-131 Souvenirs from the UK Space Store

Preparing Discovery Space Shuttle Discovery STS-131 for Flight

Preparing Discovery for Flight

A specialized transporter brought the payload canister to Launch Pad 39A in preparation for the STS-131 mission. The canister, which is the same dimensions as the shuttle's cargo bay, held the Leonardo supply module during the move from processing to the shuttle. Leonardo will be packed inside space shuttle Discovery for launch. In this image, the payload canister holding the Leonardo supply module is hoisted to the clean room at Launch pad 39A. Image Credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

Discovery STS-131 Launch Preps in Final Stretch

Discovery STS-131 Launch Preps in Final Stretch

Crews at Launch Pad 39A finished installing the STS-131 payload into space shuttle Discovery's cargo bay as launch preparations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reach the final stretch. Technicians are working to connect the necessary electrical connections today and closeout procedures on the vehicle's aft compartment are expected to be completed tomorrow.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Discovery's astronaut crew members are set to begin their gradual sleep shift today in preparation for the mission. Commander Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists James P. Dutton Jr. and Clayton Anderson will fly T-38 jets to Kennedy for additional flight training time in the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Tomorrow at Kennedy, shuttle program managers will conduct the agency-level Flight Readiness Review. At the conclusion of the day-long meeting, officials will set the official launch date for the STS-131 mission, which currently is targeted for April 5.

Disney, Buzz Lightyear and NASA

New DVD Features Buzz Lightyear’s Mission Logs From the

International Space Station

After living his dream of space travel, Buzz Lightyear returned to Earth aboard space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission on Sept. 11, 2009, following more than 15 months of dedicated service onboard the space station. The 12-inch-tall action star flew to space as part of an education initiative between Disney Parks, Pixar and NASA.

NASA, Pixar and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment teamed up to celebrate Buzz Lightyear's cosmic achievement as the longest tenured space ranger with the March 23, 2010 release of the Toy Story and Toy Story 2 on Blue-ray + DVD Combo Pack. Both Blue-ray DVDs contain special bonus educational material – Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs – as Buzz reports back about his adventures aboard the International Space Station. The mission logs were produced as part of an agreement between NASA and Disney-Pixar to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in younger audiences through the familiar venues of Buzz Lightyear, NASA and space station.

"Buzz's historic spaceflight is a great example of spreading the excitement of space exploration to students around the world," said Joyce Winterton, assistant administrator for education at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We hope that our space station crews and Buzz will spark student interest in the International Space Station and its scientific potential."

Geared toward viewers of all ages, the "Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs" bonus feature segments provide a look at the experience of flying to the space station aboard the space shuttle, the day-to-day life onboard the orbiting laboratory, the affects of gravity on humans living in space, as well as the task of assembling the station - the largest space vehicle ever constructed. The entertaining Mission Logs' commentary showcases the voices of many including Tim Allen and John Ratzenberger. It also features actual onboard high-definition footage taken during Buzz's stay on the space station.

Buzz's trip to the station kicked off the Space Ranger Education Series – part of NASA's "Toys in Space," an educational program for teachers and students. Additionally, NASA and Disney also launched a set of educational online game as part of the Space Ranger Education Series, both in the NASA Kids' Club. The series includes fun, educational games for students, as well as materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum.

Buzz Lightyear is the intrepid space ranger toy from the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2." Originally released in 1995, "Toy Story" was the first fully computer-animated feature film, which earned director John Lasseter a Special Achievement Award (Oscar®) from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Both films chronicle the comedic adventures of a group of toys that come to life when humans aren't watching. Buzz is one of the beloved toys of child-owner Andy, along with the rest of Andy's toy gang, including the likeable cowboy Woody, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog, Hamm, Jessie the cowgirl and Bullseye the horse.

Related Links:

› Buzz Lightyear on NASA's Kids' Club

› More on Buzz Lightyear's Visit to the Space Station

 

Space Station Souvenirs from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store 

 

Discovery's Launch Preparations

Discovery's Launch Preparations

Mon, 22 Mar 2010

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A completed performing additional tests on space shuttle Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators this past weekend. Preliminary data shows that thus far the regulators are functioning within specifications. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning. Today's launch preparation work at the pad will include closeout of the shuttle's aft compartment.

Today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-131 astronauts will review stowage and transfer activities for the items that will be transported on Discovery during the flight to the International Space Station.

Astronauts on Twitter (2)

Yet more Astro-Twitters

Jeff Williams   https://twitter.com/Astro_Jeff

Soichi Noguchu   https://twitter.com/Astro_Soichi

Cady Coleman     https://twitter.com/Astro_Cady

TJ Creamer    https://twitter.com/Astro_TJ

Buzz Aldrin  https://twitter.com/TheRealBuzz

Nicholas Patrick  https://twitter.com/Astro_Nicholas

Naoko Yamazaki   https://twitter.com/Astro_Naoko

Clay Anderson    https://twitter.com/Astro_Clay

Astronauts on Twitter

Astronauts on Twitter

Here are the ones I can currently find...do you know of anymore?

Dr Robert L Satcher     http://twitter.com/ZeroG_MD

Leland Melvin    http://twitter.com/Astro_Flow

Mark Kelly    http://twitter.com/ShuttleCDRKelly

Ron Garan    http://twitter.com/Astro_Ron

Nicole Stott   http://twitter.com/Astro_Nicole

Jose Hernandez    http://twitter.com/Astro_Jose

Sandy Magnus   http://twitter.com/Astro_Sandy

Mike Massimino   http://twitter.com/Astro_Mike

Space Souvenirs and Memorabilia from Project Mercury

thru International Space Station

Tests under way on shuttle Discovery's right reaction control system

Tests under way on shuttle Discovery's right reaction control system

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:56:28 -0500

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, crews are performing additional tests on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. Preliminary data shows the regulators are functioning within specifications so far. Testing is expected to be completed this evening. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning.

NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman

NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman

Photo Credit: NASA

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA as a Mission Specialist in June 1998, Dr. Reisman reported for training in August 1998. Astronaut Candidate Training included orientation briefings and tours, numerous scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training and ground school to prepare for T-38 flight training, as well as learning water and wilderness survival techniques.

After completing this training, Dr. Reisman was assigned to the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch where he worked primarily on the Space Station robotic arm.

In October 2001, Dr. Reisman was assigned to the Astronaut Office Advanced Vehicles Branch where he worked on the displays and checklists to be used in the next generation Space Shuttle cockpit.

In June 2003, Dr. Reisman was a crewmember on NEEMO V, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius habitat for two weeks.

Dr. Reisman completed his first space flight in 2008, logging over 3 months in space and 7 hours and 01 minutes of EVA in one spacewalk. He is currently assigned to the crew of STS-132 targeted for launch in May 2010. The flight will deliver the Russian-built Mini Research Module (MRM1) to the International Space Station.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: Dr. Reisman served with both the Expedition-16 and the Expedition-17 crews as a Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station.. He launched with the STS-123 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on March 11, 2008 and returned to Earth with the crew of STS-124 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on June 14, 2008. During his 3 month tour of duty aboard the station, Dr. Reisman performed one spacewalk totaling 7 hours and 01 minutes of EVA and executed numerous tasks with the Space Station robotic arm and the new robotic manipulator, Dextre.

NASA Astronaut Piers Sellers

NASA Astronaut Piers Sellers

PHOTO CREDIT : NASA.

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in April 1996, Piers reported to the NASA Johnson Space Center in August 1996. He completed two years of training and evaluation and was initially assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office Computer Support Branch, followed by service in the Astronaut Office Space Station Branch. During that time, Piers worked part time in Moscow as a technical liaison on ISS computer software. Twice flown, Piers has logged over 559 hours in space, including almost 41 EVA hours in 6 spacewalks. Piers Sellers is currently assigned to the crew of STS-132 targeted for launch in May 2010. The flight will deliver the Russian-built Mini Research Module (MRM1) to the International Space Station.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: STS-112 Atlantis (October 7-18, 2002) was an International Space Station assembly mission during which the crew conducted joint operations with the Expedition-5 in delivering and installing the S-One Truss (the third piece of the station's 11-piece Integrated Truss Structure). To outfit and activate the new component Sellers performed three spacewalks and logged a total of 19 hours and 41 minutes of EVA. The crew also transferred cargo between the two vehicles and used the shuttle's thruster jets during two maneuvers to raise the station's orbit. STS-112 was the first shuttle mission to use a camera on the External Tank, providing a live view of the launch to flight controllers and NASA TV viewers. The mission was accomplished in 170 orbits, traveling 4.5 million miles in 10 days, 19 hours, and 58 minutes.

STS-121 (July 4-17, 2006), was a return-to-flight test mission and assembly flight to the International Space Station. During the 13-day flight the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery tested new equipment and procedures that increase the safety of space shuttles, and produced never-before-seen, high-resolution images of the Shuttle during and after its July 4th launch. The crew also performed maintenance on the space station and delivered and transferred more than 28,000 pounds of supplies and equipment, and a new Expedition 13 crew member to the station. Piers Sellers and Mike Fossum performed 3 EVAs to test the 50-ft robotic arm boom extension as a work platform. They removed and replaced a cable that provides power, command and data and video connections to the station’s mobile transporter rail car. They also tested techniques for inspecting and repairing the reinforced carbon-carbon segments that protect the shuttle’s nose cone and leading edge of the wings. The STS-121 mission was accomplished in 306 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds.

See the associated fan tribute site for NASA Astronaut Piers Sellers

NASA Astronaut Scott D Altman

NASA Astronaut Scott D Altman

NASA EXPERIENCE: Altman reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995 as an astronaut candidate. He was the pilot on STS-90 (1998) and STS-106 (2000), and the mission commander on STS-109 (2002) and STS-125 (2009). Following two years as Shuttle Branch Chief for the Astronaut Office and lead for the Cockpit Avionics Upgrade, he was assigned on temporary duty to NASA Headquarters as Deputy Director, Requirements Division of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. On returning to Houston, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Exploration Branch of the Astronaut Office. A veteran of four space flights, Altman has logged over 51 days in space.

 

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: STS-90 Neurolab (April 17 to May 3, 1998). During the 16-day Spacelab flight the seven person crew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia served as both experiment subjects and operators for 26 individual life science experiments focusing on the effects of microgravity on the brain and nervous system.

 

STS-106 Atlantis (September 8-20, 2000). During the 12-day mission, the crew successfully prepared the International Space Station for the arrival of the first permanent crew.

 

STS-109 Columbia (March 1-12, 2002). STS-109 was the fourth Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission. The STS-109 crew successfully upgraded the Hubble Space Telescope leaving it with a new power unit, a new camera and new solar arrays. HST servicing and upgrade was accomplished during a total of 5 EVAs in 5 consecutive days. STS-109 orbited the Earth 165 times, and covered 3.9 million miles in over 262 hours, culminating in a night landing at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

 

STS-125 Atlantis (May 11-24, 2009) was the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission. The 19 year old telescope spent seven days in the Shuttle’s cargo bay undergoing an overhaul conducted over five back to back spacewalks. The crew overcame frozen bolts, stripped screws, and stuck handrails to complete all mission objectives. The refurbished Hubble Telescope now has four new or rejuvenated scientific instruments, new batteries, new gyroscopes, and a new Command and Data Handling computer. The STS-125 mission traveled over 5.3 million miles in 197 Earth orbits, and ended with a day landing at Edwards AFB following two days of wave offs due to poor weather in Florida.

NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino

NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in May 1996, Mike reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. He completed two years of initial training and evaluation and is qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. Prior to his first space flight assignment, Mike served in the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch, and in the Astronaut Office Extravehicular Activity (EVA or spacewalking) Branch. In 2002, following his first spaceflight, Mike served as a CAPCOM (spacecraft communicator) in Mission Control and as the Astronaut Office Technical Liaison to the Johnson Space Center EVA Program Office.

A veteran of two space flights, (STS-109 in March 2002 and STS-125 in May 2009) Massimino has logged a total of 571 hours and 47 minutes in space, and a cumulative total of 30 hours and 4 minutes of spacewalking in four spacewalks.

In addition to various technical tasks, Massimino also serves as Chief of the Astronaut Appearances Office.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: STS-109 Columbia (March 1-12, 2002). STS-109 was the fourth Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. The crew of STS-109 successfully upgraded the Hubble Space Telescope leaving it with a new power unit, a new camera (the Advanced Camera for Surveys), and new solar arrays. STS-109 set a record for spacewalk time with 35 hours and 55 minutes during 5 spacewalks. Massimino performed 2 spacewalks totaling 14 hours and 46 minutes. STS-109 orbited the Earth 165 times, and covered 4.5 million statute miles in over 262 hours and 10 minutes.

STS-125 Atlantis (May 11-24, 2009) was the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission. The 19 year old telescope spent six days in the Shuttle’s cargo bay undergoing an overhaul conducted by four spacewalkers over five daily spacewalks, with the assistance of crewmates inside the Atlantis. The space walkers overcame frozen bolts, stripped screws, and stuck handrails. STS-125 set a new record for spacewalking with 36 hours and 56 minutes during five spacewalks. Massimino performed 2 spacewalks totaling 15 hours and 58 minutes. The refurbished Hubble Telescope now has four new or rejuvenated scientific instruments, new batteries, new gyroscopes, and a new computer. The STS-125 mission traveled 5,276,000 miles in 197 Earth orbits and was accomplished in 309 hours, 37 minutes and 9 seconds.

For SPACE Shuttle Collectables and Souvenirs

STS-125 Crew Visits the Stock Exchange

STS-125 Crew Visits the Stock Exchange

NASA astronauts Scott Altman and Mike Massimino of the STS-125 mission visit the New York Stock Exchange to support the release of Hubble 3D, the newest IMAX film, which documents the mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope and features never-before-seen 3D flights through Hubble imagery such as the Orion Nebula. In honor of the occasion, Altman and Massimino ring 'The Closing Bell' ending the day's trading at the Exchange on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Image Credit: NYSE 

Discovery's Payload Arrives at the Launch Pad

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:44:49 -0500

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister carrying the payload for space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station made its way to Launch Pad 39A in the predawn darkness this morning, arriving at 2:51 a.m. EDT. The canister will be installed in the pad's payload changeout room, and its contents, including the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, is set to be transferred to Discovery's cargo bay on March 24.

 

During the upcoming weekend, crews at the launch pad will perform additional tests on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. Engineers will evaluate the data and discuss options Tuesday morning.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-131 astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson will rehearse techniques for the mission's third spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab's huge tank.

Experience Hubble's Universe in 3-D

Experience Hubble's Universe in 3-D

This image depicts a vast canyon of dust and gas in the Orion Nebula from a 3-D computer model based on observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and created by science visualization specialists at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Md. A 3-D visualization of this model takes viewers on an amazing four-minute voyage through the 15-light-year-wide canyon.

 

The model takes viewers through an exhilarating ride through the Orion Nebula, a vast star-making factory 1,500 light-years away. This virtual space journey isn't the latest video game but one of several groundbreaking astronomy visualizations created by specialists at STScI, the science operations center for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The cinematic space odysseys are part of the new Imax film Hubble 3D, which opens today at select IMAX theaters worldwide.

The 43-minute movie chronicles the 20-year life of Hubble and includes highlights from the May 2009 servicing mission to the Earth-orbiting observatory, with footage taken by the astronauts. The giant-screen film showcases some of Hubble's breathtaking iconic pictures, such as the Eagle Nebula's "Pillars of Creation," as well as stunning views taken by the newly installed Wide Field Camera 3.

 

While Hubble pictures of celestial objects are awe-inspiring, they are flat 2-D photographs. For this film, those 2-D images have been converted into 3-D environments, giving the audience the impression they are space travelers taking a tour of Hubble's most popular targets.

 

Based on a Hubble image of Orion released in 2006, the visualization was a collaborative effort between science visualization specialists at STScI, including Greg Bacon, who sculpted the Orion Nebula digital model, with input from STScI astronomer Massimo Roberto; the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and the Spitzer Science Center at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

 

For some of the sequences, STScI imaging specialists developed new techniques for transforming the 2-D Hubble images into 3-D. STScI image processing specialists Lisa Frattare and Zolt Levay, for example, created methods of splitting a giant gaseous pillar in the Carina Nebula into multiple layers to produce a 3-D effect, giving the structure depth.

 

Image Credit: NASA, G. Bacon, L. Frattare, Z. Levay, and F. Summers (STScI/AURA)

Expedition 22 Crew Lands

Expedition 22 Crew Lands

The Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft is seen as it lands with Expedition 22 Commander Jeff Williams and Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev near the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan on Thursday, March 18, 2010. NASA Astronaut Jeff Williams and Russian Cosmonaut Maxim Suraev are returning from six months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 21 and 22 crews.

Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Expedition 22 Lapel Pin Mission Insignia

Soyuz Landing Caps Milestone Space Station Mission

Soyuz Landing Caps Milestone Space Station Mission

WASHINGTON -- Expedition 22 Commander Jeff Williams and Flight Engineer Max Suraev landed their Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft on the steppes of Kazakhstan Thursday, wrapping up a five-and-a-half-month stay aboard the International Space Station.

Suraev, the Soyuz commander, was at the controls of the spacecraft as it undocked at 4:03 a.m. EDT from the station's Poisk module. The duo landed at 7:24 a.m. at a site northeast of the Kazakh town of Arkalyk.

 

Working in frigid temperatures, Russian recovery teams were on hand at the landing site to help the crew exit the Soyuz vehicle and readjust to gravity. The crew members will return to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, outside of Moscow.

 

Williams and Suraev launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 30, 2009. As members of the Expedition 21 and 22 crews, they spent 167 days on the station, presiding over the completion of the complex's U.S. segment.

 

The astronauts supported two space shuttle flights and helped install the Tranquility module, the cupola viewing port and a second Russian docking module. Scientific research aboard the station continued to ramp up with the increase in available crew time and laboratory facilities.

 

Williams now has logged 362 total days in space, placing him fourth on the all-time U.S. list of long-duration space travelers. Peggy Whitson, who has spent 377 days in space, tops that list.

 

The station now is occupied by Expedition 23 Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineers Soichi Noguchi and T.J. Creamer. A new trio of Expedition 23 flight engineers -- Alexander Skvortsov, Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Mikhail Kornienko -- will launch from the Baikonour Cosmodrome on April 2 and join the current station crew with a docking on April 4.

 

For information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

International Space Station Expedition 22 Souvenirs from SPACEBOOSTERS

STS-134 Official Insignia Released

STS-134 Official Insignia Released

The design of the STS-134 crew patch highlights research on the International Space Station (ISS) focusing on the fundamental physics of the universe. On this mission, the crew of Space Shuttle Endeavour will install the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) experiment - a cosmic particle detector that utilizes the first ever superconducting magnet to be flown in space. By studying sub-atomic particles in the background cosmic radiation, and searching for anti-matter and dark-matter, it will help scientists better understand the evolution and properties of our universe.

The shape of the patch is inspired by the international atomic symbol, and represents the atom with orbiting electrons around the nucleus. The burst near the center refers to the big-bang theory and the origin of the universe.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour and ISS fly together into the sunrise over the limb of Earth, representing the dawn of a new age, understanding the nature of the universe.

For STS-134 Souvenirs visit the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store - Today. Support the Space Program!

Atlantis STS-132 Space Shuttle Mission Insignia

STS-132 Space Shuttle Mission Insignia

The STS-132 mission will be the 32nd flight of the space shuttle Atlantis. The primary STS-132 mission objective is to deliver the Russian-made MRM-1 (Mini Research Module) to the International Space Station (ISS). Atlantis will also deliver a new communications antenna and a new set of batteries for one of the ISS solar arrays.

The STS-132 mission patch features Atlantis flying off into the sunset as the end of the Space Shuttle Program approaches. However the sun is also heralding the promise of a new day as it rises for the first time on a new ISS module, the MRM-1, which is also named “Rassvet,” the Russian word for dawn.

STS-132 Atlantis Space Shuttle Mission Souvenirs available from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store

STS-131 Space Shuttle Discovery Mission Insignia

STS-131 Space Shuttle Discovery Mission Insignia

The STS-131/19A crew patch highlights the Space Shuttle in the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver (RPM). This maneuver is heavily photographed by the International Space Station (ISS) astronauts, and the photos are analyzed back on earth to clear the Space Shuttle's thermal protection system for re-entry.

The RPM illustrates the teamwork and safety process behind each Space Shuttle launch. In the Space Shuttle's cargo bay is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), Leonardo, which is carrying several science racks, the last of the four crew quarters, and supplies for the ISS.

Out of view and directly behind the MPLM, is the Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) that will be used to replace the current ATA. This will take place during three Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs).

The 51.6° Space Shuttle orbit is illustrated by the three gold bars of the astronaut symbol, and its elliptical wreath contains the orbit of the ISS. The star atop the astronaut symbol is the dawning sun, which is spreading its early light across the Earth.

The background star field contains seven stars, one for each crewmember; they are proud to represent the United States and Japan during this mission.

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