General Chat

Looks like its going to be Edwards Airforce Base California About 12 12 midday, our( uk) time. Correction. 13 12 bst Bon voyage Discovery, Happy Landings.... Bob

Thanks bob for the information I should think there will be a bit of tension with this landing until its on the ground good luck to them Howardxx

Im watching the coverage on Nasa tv now (free on the web) It also has live coverage on the site (you have to refresh to update) http://www(.)nasa(.)gov/returntoflight/launch/landing-vlcc(.)html Im so excited, and nervous for the crew God speed them safe home Elaine x

Nail biting time, Elaine, Ive got it on www.aol.*co.uk/shuttle in real time... Bob

If you have digital TV you can also watch it via the red button and the BBCi site. It seems to be the same as on NASA TV. Regards Marion

Bob Im watching it on realtime too..the link for nasa tv is on the site Its just the ordinary site with written info you have to refresh It will also be on the major tv news channels too....They keep on updating on sky news and will show coverage nearer the time Elaine x

Thanks for the info, Bob - I shall be watching with fingers crossed for them. Anna

I remember Columbia, the 1st shuttle, landing at Edwards in April 1981. Isn't it going to be 13.12 BST?

Seems like its all GO ! E x

Yes John..........you are right, forgot that bit.....

(We are five hours in front) 7:20 a.m. - Part of Discovery's reaction control system, the rear steering jets control the orbiter during the early part of descent. As the orbiter transitions from spacecraft to aircraft, those jets are phased out as air pressure builds, and the orbiter's aerosurfaces become active. 7:25 a.m. - Fifteen minutes until Entry Interface, when Discovery begins to feel the effects of Earth's atmosphere. Discovery's altitude is 175 miles as it continues its descent 7:28 a.m. - All three of Discovery's APUs are now up and operating well. 7:30 a.m. - Ten minutes until Entry Interface. 7:40 a.m. - Now flying almost 400,000 feet above the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, Discovery is just beginning to encounter the upper reaches of Earth's atmosphere. Landing due at 1:15pm our time

7:43 a.m. (12;43pm our time)- Altitude 56 miles. Discovery is traveling 17,000 miles per hour and is less than 4,000 miles from Edwards Air Force Base. 7:45 a.m.(12;45pm) - Discovery is beginning its first in a series of four banks that will help dissipate its speed as it plunges through the atmosphere. The first roll is to the left at 74 degrees to horizontal. The orbiter's nose is angled upward 40 degrees. 7:46 a.m. - The rear steering jets have been activated; Discovery is beginning the transition from spacecraft to aircraft as it descends toward landing. The first roll reversal is coming up shortly. 2000 miles to landing