STF: STSF-131 Landing

Posted on April 21, 2010 by spaceshark

George Schellenger and Tim Bailey report from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center on April 20, 2010. Space Shuttle Discovery landed after nearly 16 days in space during mission STS-131.

You can also check out our latest video of the STS-131 Landing on Vimeo!.

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STS-130, First of the Final Five Launches

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Tim Bailey

After low-lying clouds scrubbed the first attempt, STS-130 took off at 4:14 am in what is scheduled to be the last night launch of a space shuttle. The Space Task Force was on hand for the historic launch of Endeavour–as we will be for each of these ‘Final Five’ launches in 2010.

STS-130 is carrying the Tranquility module (formerly known as “Node 3”) along with the special multi-window “cupola” viewport. The crew of Endeavour will spend their first two days catching up to the space station before docking to start their mission.

The orbiter is scheduled to return to Kennedy Space Center Stay late on Feb 20 after 13 days in space. Stay tuned to the Space Task Force as we continue our extended mission coverage of STS-130 from rollout to the pad to rollout on the runway.

You can also download the video here: STS-130 Launch!

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STS-130 Scrub

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Tim Bailey

This is what it looks like at 4:30am in the KSC Press Center when a launch is scrubbed.

All eyes are on the Flight Director, waiting for his call. The launch polling just ended with two “NoGo” calls due to weather. Things have been tentative and getting worse all day.
Finally, he makes the tough call and scrubs the launch attempt. Everyone is a bit disappointed, but we know it is the safest thing to do. Now the press, much like the astronauts, must clean up enough to move out for a few hours and come back tomorrow.
Unlike the astronauts, we can get in our cars and go back to hotels (or for some of us, home to our families).  The crew of STS-130 has hours of work to do shutting-down the orbiter and getting out of their launch suits before they can retire–in quarantine–to the confines of the astronaut quarters.
And yet, there is a bit of excitement in the air knowing that we get to do it all again. We’d all prefer to have a good launch the first time, but there is also a knowledge that we won’t have many more shuttle launches. Very few of the Go/NoGo pollings are left to call. We’ll cherish every one and, if needed, come back and do it all again.
Good night, everyone. See you tomorrow!

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STS-128 Shockwaves

Posted on August 31, 2009 by spaceshark


We were on hand for the incredible night launch of STS-128. The Space Shuttle Discovery took off just before midnight on August 28, 2009. It’s the 128th shuttle flight.

We did something a little different for this video, we were at a viewing point three miles away. The camera is on a very smooth surface. The result is a pretty awesome representation of what the shockwaves feel like.

Take the time to see one of the remaining shuttle launches, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. More importantly, if you have children, give them the experience of a lifetime, by taking them to a launch. There’s plenty of information on the best viewing points for a shuttle launch. Check out SpaceFlightNow.com or NASA.gov for the schedule of the remaining flights.

Click here to download: Shuttle Shockwaves Video

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STS-120 prepares for launch!

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Tim Bailey

Space Shuttle Mission STS-120 is all fueled and waiting for launch! The Space Task Force has been busy working on the World Space Expo (coming up in only 9 days!) but we are taking a break to watch this amazing launch.

We’ll give you a quick update later today to discuss the launch and the latest space headlines. We’re still working out the technical requirements for our new video podcasts, so this may be a traditional audio-only recording.

Stay tuned as we prepare to launch here at the Kennedy Space Center!

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STS-120 prepares for launch!

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Tim Bailey

Space Shuttle Mission STS-120 is all fueled and waiting for launch! The Space Task Force has been busy working on the World Space Expo (coming up in only 9 days!) but we are taking a break to watch this amazing launch.

We’ll give you a quick update later today to discuss the launch and the latest space headlines. We’re still working out the technical requirements for our new video podcasts, so this may be a traditional audio-only recording.

Stay tuned as we prepare to launch here at the Kennedy Space Center!

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Space Task Force Episode 8

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Tim Bailey

A very busy week in space. We cover developments on board the International Space Station and the mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Tim talks about watching a top-secret Atlas 5 launch from his driveway and the launch of The Wonder of it All, a new movie dedicated to the Apollo astronauts. For me – it’s all about decorum in Zero-G (Bach versus Korn) and oceans on Mars (wonder what a Mars shark would have looked like?).

But wait – there’s more — don’t miss our review of – Mr. Bailey goes to Washington.
All ahead on Episode 8 of the Space Task Force.

Click here for Episode 8:Space Task Force Episode 8

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Space Task Force Episode 3

Posted on April 20, 2007 by Tim Bailey

The latest episode of the Space Task Force is now available for your listening pleasure. Just click here to download.

We were honored to have Paul Sierpinski from the United Space Alliance in the studio. He’s an expert on the Space Shuttle’s External Fuel Tank.

In the show, we talk about ZeroG (G Force One gets an upgrade).

Tim gives us a recap of Yuri’s Night – from Washington, DC to California. Pictures from Yuri’s Night. The story of Moon Trees.

In space headlines:

  • there could soon be a space raffle with your name on it from a man who’s walked on the moon. [link]
  • We also discuss the new Space Shuttle schedule. [link] In-studio guest Paul Sierpinski talks about the Shuttle’s External Tank and what’s involved in making it flight worthy.
  • Lawmakers argue with the NASA Administrator over money and moon landings [link]
  • Some sonic booms in the sunshine state – could they clear the way for-a-one-of a kind vacation?[link]

We also give a special shout out to the National Space Society and the International Space Development Conference coming up this May.

Enjoy the show… please let us know your feedback.

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