Journey to Orbit: STS-126 Liftoff and Ascent

Journey to Orbit: STS-126 Liftoff and Ascent

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The STS-126 Crew
3. Pre-Launch Preparations
4. Launch Day 4.1 Suiting Up 4.2 The Crew's Roles and Responsibilities 4.3 Launch Countdown
5. Liftoff and Ascent 5.1 The Roll Maneuver 5.2 Solid Rocket Booster Separation 5.3 Main Engine Cut-Off
6. In Orbit 6.1 Reaching Orbit 6.2 Plus X Maneuver 6.3 External Tank Jettison
7. Conclusion

Liftoff and Ascent

On the day of the STS-126 launch, the astronauts went through the final preparations and suited up in their launch and entry suits. Commander Chris Ferguson, a U.S Navy captain, and Pilot Eric Beau, a U.S Air Force colonel, led the crew. Mission Specialist Don L. Pettit, Sandy Magnus, Heidi Maurer, Army Lieutenant Colonel Shane Kimbrough, and Steve Bowen completed the team.

As the countdown continued, the crew boarded the shuttle and took their seats. Commander Ferguson, as the leader of the mission, had several important responsibilities onboard, including flying the shuttle, operating the systems, and conducting the docking with the International Space Station (ISS). Pilot Beau, as the backup for the commander, assisted in various tasks, such as shuttle arm operations and flying during the heading alignment cone for landing.

Once the crew was situated, the countdown entered its final moments. At T-minus 9 minutes, the engines were gimbaling into position for launch, and at T-minus 2 minutes 24 seconds, the gaseous oxygen vent hood started to retract from the external tank. The crew received the call to close and lock their visors and initiate oxygen flow, preparing for liftoff.

T-minus 0, and liftoff! Space shuttle Endeavour roared into the sky, marking the beginning of the mission to prepare the International Space Station for a larger crew. The twin solid rocket boosters provided the initial thrust to propel the shuttle into the atmosphere. As the shuttle ascended, it experienced maximum aerodynamic pressure known as "Max Q," a critical point in the ascent. Once through Max Q, the boosters were jettisoned, and the shuttle's three main engines continued to propel it into orbit.

During the ascent, Commander Ferguson, Pilot Beau, and the rest of the crew monitored the shuttle's systems to ensure a safe and successful flight. The shuttle's speed and altitude increased rapidly, reaching 10,000 miles per hour and an altitude of 67 miles. At this point, the shuttle was already 300 miles east of Kennedy Space Center.

About three minutes and 30 seconds into the flight, the shuttle's engines throttled back to 72% of their rated thrust. This was a normal procedure as the shuttle approached the planned orbit. The shuttle continued to accelerate, and at T-plus 8 minutes, the main engines shut down. Endeavour had reached orbit.

Now in orbit, the crew prepared for the next phase of the mission. They performed a Plus X maneuver, manually raising the shuttle's nose to allow for handheld photography of the external tank. The external tank, no longer needed, was jettisoned, and Endeavour continued its Journey towards the International Space Station.

In orbit, the crew would spend several days performing experiments, conducting spacewalks, and preparing the ISS for the upcoming arrival of additional crew members. The mission aimed to optimize the space station's capabilities and ensure its readiness to support a larger population.

With the successful liftoff and ascent, the STS-126 crew had crossed a major milestone in their mission. They were now one step closer to accomplishing their objectives and contributing to the advancement of space exploration.

Highlights:

• Liftoff and ascent of space shuttle Endeavour
• Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Eric Beau's roles during the launch
• Maximum aerodynamic pressure (Max Q) during ascent
• Jettisoning of the twin solid rocket boosters
• Achieving orbit and preparing for the next phase of the mission

FAQ:

Q: What is Max Q during the ascent? A: Max Q refers to the point in a spacecraft's ascent when it experiences the maximum aerodynamic pressure caused by the combination of the vehicle's speed and the density of the atmosphere. It is a critical phase for the spacecraft and its systems, as the high pressure can exert significant stress on the vehicle.

Q: Why were the solid rocket boosters jettisoned during the ascent? A: The solid rocket boosters provide the initial thrust to propel the shuttle into space. Once their fuel is depleted, they are jettisoned to reduce weight and allow the shuttle's main engines to continue propelling it into orbit.

Q: What is the purpose of the Plus X maneuver? A: The Plus X maneuver is a manual adjustment made by the commander to raise the nose of the shuttle into a specific position. This maneuver allows the crew to obtain clear photographs of the external tank, aiding in the inspection of its condition during the ascent.

Q: What happens after reaching orbit? A: Once the shuttle reaches orbit, the crew enters a period of weightlessness. They perform various tasks, including experiments, maintenance, spacewalks, and preparations for docking with the International Space Station. The mission's objectives depend on its specific goals and objectives.

Q: How long does it take for the shuttle to reach orbit after liftoff? A: The exact time it takes the shuttle to reach orbit can vary depending on several factors, such as the mission's trajectory and desired orbit. On average, it takes about 8-9 minutes for the shuttle to achieve a stable orbit around the Earth.