Space Shuttle Launch tonight...

[SoMissTV]

If anyone cares.

DirecTV Channel 376.

[SoMissTV]

STS-116 will be the first night launch in 4 years. The Discovery crew will rewire the International Space Station and continue to bring new systems online. The anticipated launch time is 8:35pm CT.

[aaron]

Who owns 376? I have Comcast.

[kevin]

Such a waste of Tax-payers dollars.What this time breeding fruit flies in zero gravity?

[No-Halo]

Is it still set for the 8:35 launch SMT?

[SoMissTV]

Missed the launch window due to weather. Launch attempt is scrubbed.

[No-Halo]

Have they set a new time yet?

[SoMissTV]

Next launch attempt is being determined.

Aaron, Ch 376 is NASA TV.

[SoMissTV]

Such a waste of Tax-payers dollars.What this time breeding fruit flies in zero gravity?

The STS-116 Mission (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts116/mission_overview.html)

We spend one half of one percent of the federal budget on space exploration. I'm not sure how we could spend any less.

[No-Halo]

Ok thanks, I was outside looking but the wind blew me back in the house....brrrrrr

[SoMissTV]

Everything you need to know about STS-116 (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html)

[SoMissTV]

Incidentally, NASA TV is available for online viewing on the mission main page. I've used it at work, and it's pretty good. For those of you on Comcast, use the online viewer for the next launch.

[No-Halo]

Cool, I feel more "rocket scientisty" already, SMT did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?

[SoMissTV]

[quote=No-Halo;144672SMT did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?[/quote]

No, I'm a rocket scientist.

:)

[No-Halo]

No, I'm a rocket scientist.

:)
I knew it, I knew it!! :smt118

[SoMissTV]

The weather forecast for tomorrow is supposed to be worse than today, with conditions improving slightly by Saturday. The cold front brought in a low and thick cloud cover, which is a weather violation due to emergency landing operations (if needed). A determination is currently being made as to the next launch opportunity, which might either be a 24 or 48 turnaround.

[No-Halo]

Will they try to shoot for another night launch?

[SoMissTV]

Yes. The launch window for this mission has three more openings over the next four days; all are at night. The night launch is necessary to put the shuttle in the correct orbit and position to reach the International Space Station.

[No-Halo]

This may sound stupid but will there be a possibility to see the shuttle from our area as it reaches maximum atmospheric altitude?

[No-Halo]

Several years ago I was able to see the re-entry and approach, it went from the west horizon to the east horizon in about 15 seconds. The sun was nearly set and it caused the contrail to look bright orange. It was very interesting to see it cross the sky as it did....it was haulin tail

[kevin]

The STS-116 Mission (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts116/mission_overview.html)

We spend one half of one percent of the federal budget on space exploration. I'm not sure how we could spend any less.

By limiting it to only the necessary Defense missions.Do ya homework this is a waste of money.How many problems here on Earth can be addressed by scratching most of NASA.Sorry I'll shut up truth hurts.Oh,and yeah Rachel Ray's gourmet meals are available.

[SoMissTV]

By limiting it to only the necessary Defense missions.Do ya homework this is a waste of money.How many problems here on Earth can be addressed by scratching most of NASA.Sorry I'll shut up truth hurts.Oh,and yeah Rachel Ray's gourmet meals are available.

You're certainly welcome to your opinion. Luckily, you're in a very small minority, as both parties think that space exploration is a notable achievement.

Personally, I feel that we need to increase NASA funding.

[SoMissTV]

Next launch attempt: 8:47pm ET Saturday, December 9.

[Hermione]

I got to see the last (I think) Apollo go up -- was in Homestead FL, so it was just a little orange streak in the sky, but very exciting.
SMT, I wanted to be a rocket scientist too, ever since I read Heinlein in about the fourth grade (long, long ago). Sadly, I'm math-impaired!
I can remember standing out in my grandparents' back yard watching one of the early satellites, maybe Telstar? My granddad was so excited by that -- he had helped build airplanes out of wood and silk, and lived to see satellites. Anyway, I hope I live to see a real Moon colony and men on Mars.
"Boldly go . . ."

[SoMissTV]

Wanna watch the International Space Station fly over Hattiesburg?

The ISS (docked with the shuttle) will be viewable over Hattiesburg on Thursday, Dec 14th, from 6:16pm to 6:20pm. Watch for a small white speck shooting across the sky... that's it!

This site (http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html) gives you all flyover times for the ISS, Space Shuttle, and other satellites. Enter in your ZIP code and find out when the ISS passes over your house!

[carsalesguy]

No, I'm a rocket scientist.

:)

you are full of $hit.....:smt118


light a match and watch you propel yourself to space and join them folks on the starship enterprise........

[Conveyor Belt]

The things we've been able to accomplish in zero g environments that aren't available on earth is pretty amazing. Small steps, Kevin, small steps...

[SoMissTV]

I wouldn't bother arguing the case for space with Kevin. I don't think we'll change his mind, and I don't really care to change his mind. Whether he likes it or not, space exploration is here to stay!

:)

[Conveyor Belt]

I say take away Kevin's access to Google maps, all GPS, velcro, some polymers, lcd, etc... If you're going to protest, do it the right way... be true to your cause!

[SoMissTV]

and Tang... don't forget Tang!

[wilebill]

And those holographic video data crystals. No more of that, either.

[Conveyor Belt]

take away his lightsaber, too

[SoMissTV]

The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery is set for this evening at 7:47pm CT. Weather concerns give tonight's attempt a 40% chance of liftoff. DirecTV viewers can view the launch preparations and launch on channel 376. Viewers unable to receive NASA TV can watch the webcast on nasa.gov right now.

[SoMissTV]

UPDATE: Crosswinds have shifted, raising the chance of launch to 70%.

[big john]

I say pour on tons of money for this,get it safe for all to be able to travel into space,for some odd reason the thought of leaving earth for a little while,pleases me greatly.

[SoMissTV]

At T minus 9 minutes, NASA has entered the final scheduled hold for this attempt. The 45 minute hold gives launch managers time to review relevant data and make a decision as whether to launch. Currently, weather conditions are favorable. The launch is still scheduled for 7:47pm CT.

[SoMissTV]

NASA has given the final launch clearance to Discovery. Launch is 12 minutes, at 7:47:35pm CT.

[SoMissTV]

T minus 5:30, and I just found out that my brother is at Kennedy Space Center watching it live.

Bastard.

[SoMissTV]

T minus 2 minutes. This launch will be visible from the southeastern US gulf states.

[SoMissTV]

Liftoff!

[Hermione]

Woo-hoo!! Fair winds and following seas.

[aaron]

Here's a couple of interesting pictures
http://graphics10.nytimes.com/images/2006/12/09/science/10shuttle_boats.jpg

http://www.myhattiesburg.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_277416694_4815a71f46_d.jpg

[wilebill]

Don't they realize that outer space is straight up, not off to the side? :smt102

Cool pictures, though.

[Conveyor Belt]

can't go into orbit straight up... I'm sure somebody is taking this seriously and will spew it off like it's a stupid NASA thing or something... I know YOU know...

[wilebill]

:smt118
:)

[Astra]

can't go into orbit straight up... I'm sure somebody is taking this seriously and will spew it off like it's a stupid NASA thing or something... I know YOU know...
Not to mention that the Earth is turning constantly, so even if the shuttle's path were perfectly straight, the smoke path would appear to curve as the atmosphere follows the turning... :nerd:

[SoMissTV]

You guys should watch the spacewalks on NASA TV. It is amazing to me that I can address Christmas cards at my desk at work, and I can watch the spacewalk from the astronaut's point of view (they have a helmetcam) on my computer. It boggles the mind.

[SoMissTV]

Aaron, can you post the links where you got those pictures?

[aaron]

Must have used all of their bandwidth, because they are down. But they both come from blogs, so I'm sure they are just pictures being spread around the internet.

[Astra]

Try looking at the Florida Today (http://flatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage) site. It's the regional newspaper and there's usually a space section that runs photos of all the launches, both shuttle and rocket.

[iheartellisons]

a couple of years ago - well actually prob at least more than 6 years ago - i was able to see a launch when we were vacationing in Disney World - it took us three times but we finally got to see it and it was amazing!! it lit of the water and you could see the bottom so clearly.

[aaron]

I've got the a space walk picture from this mission up in my gallery.

http://www.myhattiesburg.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=28&pos=32