Space Shuttle fleet to get moving maps, catch up to GA

NASA is set to roll out it's final software update for the Space Shuttle fleet before their pending retirement and no it isn't Vista SP1. The 33rd Operational Increment, or OI33, as it is called will give the shuttle pilot and commander a top-down view of the orbiter and locations for abort sites during ascent and orbital insertion. Endeavour, just freshly back from it's jaunt on STS-123 last week, will be the first shuttle to receive the upgrade in time for it's October launch on STS-126. The new capability will vastly improve situational awareness and the ability to handle the potential for a Main Engine shutdown during ascent, even though that has never happened, ever. I'm glad to see our nation's most expensive pride and joy when it comes to aerospace engineering finally getting the same moving map capability that you can find in a Cessna 172.

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Endeavour wraps up impressive mission

Some nice video of Endeavour's landing last night at the Kennedy Space Center following the completion of STS-123. Their mission was far from ordinary as they delivered Dextre, a crazy space construction robot; and the first component of Kibo, Japan's contribution to the ISS. The mission was also the first to use the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System where Endeavour was able to be powered by the ISS while docked, allowing for a longer mission. Too bad this feature is online late in the shuttle fleet's life as this would have been beneficial earlier on in the building phases of the ISS. The next shuttle mission should have Discovery bringing the other portion of the Kibo lab by the end of May. Up next for the ISS is the automated docking of ESA's Jules Verne ATV which will provide the station crew supplies and be capable of boosting the ISS to a higher orbit.

iPods Are Everywhere

Yes, you are not seeing things and this image has not been photoshopped, aside from the arrow and text. That is an iPod on board the Space Shuttle Endeavor, taken during the current shuttle mission, STS-123. Interestingly, NASA has to replace the standard rechargable lithium ion battery with specially designed alkaline alternatives to ensure safety standards are met. Sounds like the NASA iPod just got a little more expensive as compared to is earth bound cousins.

Endeavour Lifts Off on STS-123

In Tuesday's pre-dawn hours at Kennedy Space Center, more specifically at 2:28AM EDT (0628 GMT), space shuttle Endeavour lifted off launch pad 39A with an international payload incluiding two of the newest components of the space station: a two-armed Canadian robot and the first piece of Japan's three-part Kibo laboratory.

This was only the second dark or nighttime launch of a space shuttle by NASA since the Columbia disaster (2/2003). The first was in 2006. Daytime shuttle launches have been preferred, and were initially required because any debris falling from the shuttle and possibly impacting it would be more visible. Nighttime launches are now allowed, and somewhat preferred due to radar clearness. One piece of debris was noted falling from the external tank 83 seconds into the launch. NASA officials believe it missed the right wing of Endeavour.

This was NASA's second of six planned missions for 2008. STS-123 will also be NASA's longest space station mission at a planned 16 days, which includes 5 planned spacewalks (also a record). Click on the picture, it is very HQ (credit: NASA).