"Launch Of The Space Shuttle Discovery”
By Bryan K. Scott
July 26, 2005
Hundreds were in attendance today to watch the
launch of STS-114 Discovery, including First Lady Laura Bush and her
brother-in-law, Florida Governor Jeb Bush. The roar of the
engines was almost drowned out by the roar of applause created by the
spectators. The Discovery carried Shuttle Commander Eileen
Collins, Pilot James Kelly, and Mission Specialists Charles Camarda,
Wendy Lawrence, Soichi Noguchi, Steve Robinson, and Andy Thomas safely
up into the heavens this morning.
In a spectacular display, the shuttle lifted
effortlessly off of the launch pad in an eruption of smoke and fire at
9:39 a.m. CST this morning. The final hours before went without
hesitation or problem. NASA Control Center did all of its
scheduled pre-flight work without flaw. At T-20 minutes, NASA
held its first pre-scheduled countdown hold which lasted 10 minutes so
the Launch Director can perform his final launch team briefing.
Then the countdown resumed without a problem.
At T-9 minutes, the final pre-scheduled countdown hold was performed so
that launch director, mission management team, and the Shuttle Test
Director can poll their perspective teams for go/no go for
launch. All sections reported go for launch. The countdown
was again resumed without incident.
One of the shuttles missions will be to test the new safety features
implemented by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board
recommendations. One of these new safety features is the debut of
a new external tank design that will minimize potentially damaging
debris during launch. Also, new ground and flight camera systems
will observe the shuttle during its launch and in orbit. New
techniques for in-flight inspection of the shuttle’s Thermal protection
system will be tested.
The other major part of the mission will to deliver a Multi-Purpose
Logistics Module to the International Space Station. This module
contains supplies like food, water, and the Human Research Facility for
use by the station. The shuttle is, also, carrying an external
stowage platform and Control Moment Gyroscope to be installed on the
station by the shuttle’s mission specialists.
This successful launch signifies a new era for human exploration of
space. We have safely returned to space. I wish the shuttle
crew Godspeed and a safe return home.
Bryan
Scott is a part time writer/columnist who comes to The Fedora
Chronicles from Oklahoma. He’s a big fan of sci-fi in general. Also
enjoys baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer… As well as
anything dealing with computers and NASA. He’s the security supervisor
at a auto parts manufacturing plant. He's married with THREE beautiful
little girls…
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