Space shuttle Endeavour and seven astronauts have safely reached orbit.The shuttle's main engines cut off 8.5 minutes into flight, followed by separation of the external fuel tank.
The orbiter is flying at 17,500 mph.
NASA analysts will immediately begin examining launch images to determine if any debris might have struck Endeavour's heat shields during its ascent.
Endeavour's payload bay doors should be opened in about 20 minutes to officially begin operations for the 16-day International Space Station assembly mission.
4 comments:
That SURE was a lot of debris that came off the External Tank during the climb to orbit...
Absolutely amazing, Todd: I just watched the orbiter and the ET high in the sky over downtown Dublin. The ET was unmistakable even to the naked eye as a large orange object. We had a similar pass last year, but it was cloudy and this was by far the most dramatic display over Ireland in the entire shuttle programme. My wife wants to know if this mean we don't have to go to the Cape any more, but I assured her it was a very very rare sight - so Cassidy's needn't worry! I'll link to pictures when I see them posted. Leo Enright
For the first time in the history of the Spaxce Shuttle Program I hoped the shuttle would be delayed to July 27. Because at July 26 I with my 3 children would arrive at Florida for the first time! And as a spaceflight follower since 1968 it would be my first launch present. Now during the three weeks I will be at Florida no Shuttle launch is planned!
But I congratulate NASA and the SIS-127 with a save and wonderfull launch. Now I must plan a trip to KSC on one of the last 7 Space Shuttle launches this coming year.
Anthonie Smalin/The Netherlands/EUROPE
Wow!
Watching coverage on NASA-TV and The Flame Trench from North Wales. Saw the ISS fly over at 10:00 pm local time, did the math and then saw Endeavour AND the separated external tank fly over at 11:25 pm. Rounded things off with another ISS pass at 23:40 pm.
A good night's viewing!
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