Just two weeks after retiring the shuttle program NASA is proving it is still the front-runner in space exploration. An unmanned space probe called Juno on route to Jupiter launched on Friday at Cape Canaveral at 17:25 (UT) – slightly delayed due to a helium leak in a ground system for the probe’s Atlas 5 rocket. You can watch the launch below.
Juno is NASA’s $1.1bn mission to beam back data and close-up images from the largest and oldest planet in our solar system. Jupiter is a giant in our solar system, taking most of the gas and dust left over as the system formed resulting in it becoming the king of planets. Jupiter has twice as much mass as everything else in the solar system put together (excluding the sun). However, very little is actually known about the planet – we do not know if there is a solid core of heavy elements or if this giant is made entirely of gas and it is still unclear how and where Jupiter formed.
Astrophysicists believe by understanding the make up and the structure of Jupiter we can learn more about the origins of our solar system.
Juno has a long road ahead. It is the first solar-powered mission to venture this far from the Sun. It will take Juno five years to reach its target, 400 million miles, which is five times further from the sun than Earth. Once there Juno will spend a year studying Jupiter’s atmosphere and composition as well as map and gauge its magnetic and gravitational fields to discover if a solid core exists. Once it has completed its studies Juno will kamikaze dive into the planet ensuring it does not crash into any of Jupiter’s moons.
Three LEGO figurines representing the Roman god Jupiter (right), his wife Juno (middle) and Galileo Galilei (left) - Credit: NASA/LEGO/collectSPACE.com
Although this is an unmanned mission there are a few special guests on board! The Roman god Jupiter, his wife Juno and “father of science” Galileo Galilei. These guests are three specially made LEGO figurines created as part of the Bricks in Space project, a joint project between NASA and the LEGO Group to inspire children to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
To find out more about the mission and to get Juno updates click here.
NASA’s shuttle program is over, all three birds are safely home, and millions of us around the world watched in wonder (and a little sadness) knowing we would never see Atlantis and her sisters fly again.
I’ve watched replays of the launch more times than I care to admit and have seen the mission highlights shown on NASA TV many times too, so don’t be too surprised to see more NASA vids as time goes by!
Below you’ll find a half hour Atlantis “ascent highlights” video. Cameras mounted on the SRB’s (Solid Rocket Boosters) rolled from launch, through ascent, separation, and back again to splashdown in the Atlantic ocean.
We love this footage, it helps highlight just how brave and ingenious us human beings can be when everyone is focused on achieving the same goal.
Following the successful launch of STS-135 Atlantis on the last ever shuttle mission yesterday, you may want to keep tabs on its location while it orbits!
The NASA ISS Tracker also shows the current orbital location of Atlantis, first as it maneuvers to rendezvous with the International Space Station, and then when it undocks to head back to Earth (after completion of its mission objectives).
Click above to open tracker - Credit: NASA Human Space Flight (HSF) Orbital Tracking
There is also a Google Earth add-on available from the NASA site (click here) which shows the shuttle location in 3D, in real-time (updated using information direct from mission control).
Click above to visit NASA Google Earth add on - Credit: Google Earth/NASA
The last ever launch of NASA’s space shuttle blasted STS-135Atlantis into orbit yesterday. Weather concerns had worried mission controllers throughout the long countdown, but as the lift-off time approached the weather broke and all teams polled go for launch.
STS-135 Atlantis spears skyward and makes history (Click to supersize) - Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The 135th and final space shuttle mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 11:29 EDT (15:29 GMT/16:29 BST) on Friday 8th July.
On its 12 day mission Atlantis will deliver 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS.
The thousands of spectators lining the roads and beaches around KSC began cheering as the countdown clock got closer to lift-off, but at T-minus 31 seconds the timer stopped.
During the 3 minute delay NASA technicians visually checked the complete retraction of the gaseous vent arm (which failed to automatically signify control of complete retraction), before the countdown resumed.
STS-134 Endeavour photographed during the "back-flip" manoeuvre (Click to supersize) - Credit: NASA
Today the crew have carried out the first stage of visual inspections on the wing heat shields using the orbiter’s robotic arm, with the second stage “back-flip manoeuvre” on approach to the ISS due before docking on Sunday (at 11:07 EDT (15:07 GMT/16:07 BST).
NASA Technicians will then review the images taken and launch footage video to determine if any damage to the heat tiles has occurred.
When Atlantis returns to Earth it will signal the end of the 30 year space shuttle program, with all 3 remaining shuttles of the orbiter fleet being retired to museums.
Docking may not be covered live on NASA TV, but the hatch opening is scheduled at 13:19 EDT (17:19 GMT/18:19 BST)
Kennedy Space Center is abuzz with activity as the countdown to the last ever shuttle launch continues.
Inspections had to be carried out after an amazing 50 lightning strikes in 20 minutes battered the KSC, with at least one bolt striking pad 39A where STS-135 Atlantis is being prepared. Thankfully the all clear was given after no damage was found.
A contact at the launch today confirmed NASA have changed their forecast from 40% (two days ago), to only a 30% chance of launch on time.
Lightning strike at pad 39A - Credit: NASA TV
This historic event currently has a lift-off scheduled for Friday 8th July at 11:26 EDT (15:26 GMT/16:26 BST).
We’ve got the NASA TV feed for you below (which will feature launch information in real-time), and we will update our Twitter feed and the blog as and when new developments occur.
Keep watching this space, Atlantis will fly (eventually!) and we can all watch in awe and wonder at the power and beauty of a space shuttle launch, for the last ever time.
The shuttle program has been one hell of an emotional ride, but this launch will be just that bit more special…
History in the making people.
If you have Google Earth installed you can follow the shuttle from launch to landing via NASA (click here)
