Space Shuttle Atlantis Set To Launch, Friday 8th July 2011

[KekeTheKing]

Astronauts on the way to the Launch Pad. But that certainly doesn't mean the launch will go ahead as planned.

It's quite overcast in Central Florida today, but that shouldn't stop the take-off.

 

[Speshal]

Well they are strapped in - looks pretty cloudy tho

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

 

[mjo]

Is lift - off at 4:30pm UK time?

 

[KekeTheKing]

Local weatherman saying he expects it to be scrubbed. They can't have a single rain cloud within 20 nautical miles of Cape Canaveral, and that seems unlikely at this point.

The Brevard County Tourism Board probably wouldn't be too dismayed.

Selfishly, I would prefer a clear day launch as well.

 

[McZiderRed]

Is lift - off at 4:30pm UK time?

If the launch goes ahead, lift off will be 4.26pm UK time, but as Keke said, the weather may stop the launch going ahead today...

Will have to wait and see.

 

[KekeTheKing]

Latest weather update is looking good.

 

[Brogan]

Except I heard that a moth shifted position on a tree branch 4km from the launch pad, so it's touch and go.

Seriously, there can be such a thing as over the top, unnecessary caution.

 

[Jen]

Except I heard that a moth shifted position on a tree branch 4km from the launch pad, so it's touch and go.

Seriously, there can be such a thing as over the top, unnecessary caution.

Like the humour!

But I do think they have to be cautious, having already lost two shuttles and a dozen astronauts.

 

[Brogan]

That's what you get when you award contracts to the lowest bidder.

I can't see space travel ever becoming the norm if you have to check in 24 hours before departure, board the craft 8 hours before take off and then the flight is cancelled because it's raining...

 

[KekeTheKing]

They wouldn't risk ANY chance of trouble on the last launch.

 

[Speshal]

They've lost 14 out of nearly 1000 - probably safer than driving.

 

[KekeTheKing]

probably safer than driving.

Maybe in New Delhi.

They say there is about a 1 in 75 chance of disaster. Not exactly a guarantee.

 

[Brogan]

I'd take those odds for the chance to do this...

From here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14056002

 

[KekeTheKing]

Looking like a GO, GO, GO!!!!!

 

[Jen]

Stunning!

 

[McZiderRed]

Strangely enough, I felt quite emotional watching that...

 

[KekeTheKing]

Apparently the USSR is protesting the notion of a successful launch due to the illegal use of exhaust gasses in a suspicious overrun manner.

Wait, this is the British GP discussion thread right?

 

[Jen]

Travelling too fast to be a RBR.

 

[Speshal]

Keke

Here is a nice little video of Endeavour's launch with all 4 cameras from the SRB edited together

http://www.vimeo.com/24304855

 

[KekeTheKing]

Strangely enough, I felt quite emotional watching that...

Definitely a sad day for the US and Space Travel enthusiasts.