THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

Space Shuttle Discovery Mission # STS-119 Landed safely today March 28, 2009, at Kennedy Space Center in Florida

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:18:02 GMT
Later this afternoon, Discovery will be towed back to an orbiter processing facility, which is located near the Vehicle Assembly Building and not far from the runway. Once the orbiter returns to its processing bay, crews will begin preparing it for its next flight, STS-128. READ THE LANDING BLOG BELOW.

From NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, thanks for joining us.

The astronauts and their families will return to Houston tomorrow.

"Welcome home, Discovery, after a great mission to bring the ISS to full power," CAPCOM George Zamka told the crew on board.

"Thank you very much, it's good to be back home," Commander Archambault responded.

The astronauts are dressed and seated just as they were for liftoff two weeks ago. On Discovery's flight deck, Commander Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli are seated in Seats 1 and 2, with Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba and Steve Swanson behind them in Seats 3 and 4. Below them on the middeck are Mission Specialists Richard Arnold, Sandra Magnus and John Phillips in Seats 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Magnus is returning to Earth after spending more than four months on the International Space Station.

Managers opted to skip today's first landing opportunity due to weather concerns. A second landing opportunity is available at 3:14 p.m. The deorbit burn to begin Discovery's return to Earth is scheduled for 2:08 p.m.

Astronaut Brent Jett is flying the Shuttle Training Aircraft at Kennedy, evaluating and reporting the weather conditions at the landing site. Meanwhile, the Spaceflight Meteorology Group is observing a shift in wind direction due to the developing sea breeze. The weather trends are improving, and flight controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston are expected to make the "go/no-go" decision on the deorbit burn in about 15 minutes.

Stay with NASA's Landing Blog for the latest from Kennedy Space Center.

]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:44:06 GMT
This Concludes Live Coverage
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:18:02 PM EDT

With the astronauts on their way back to their crew quarters and Discovery safe on the runway, this concludes our live landing coverage. For the latest space shuttle news and information, go to www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

From NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, thanks for joining us.

STS-119 Draws to a Close
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:17:28 PM EDT

The astronauts just took a moment to pose for photos before departing the runway. Commander Lee Archambault made a brief statement, thanking the launch and landing teams for their hard work and expressing the crew's pride following the successful STS-119 mission.

Later this afternoon, Discovery will be towed back to an orbiter processing facility, which is located near the Vehicle Assembly Building and not far from the runway. Once the orbiter returns to its processing bay, crews will begin preparing it for its next flight, STS-128.

The astronauts and their families will return to Houston tomorrow.

STS-119 Astronauts are on the Runway
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:57:51 PM EDT

The STS-119 astronauts are off the crew transport vehicle now, shaking hands with people gathered on the runway and taking a look at Discovery. Astronaut Sandra Magnus, who is returning from a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station, remained inside the CTV.

Awaiting the Astronauts
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:41:13 PM EDT

The astronauts are expected to emerge from the crew transport vehicle soon. They'll visit with managers and other personnel on the ground while taking an up-close look at Discovery. After the walk-around, they'll depart for the Astronaut Crew Quarters.

All Astronauts Off Discovery
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:11:40 PM EDT

All seven crew members are now off Discovery and are inside the crew transport vehicle. After a routine checkup, some of the astronauts will have a chance to take the traditional walk-around of the shuttle while it sits on the runway.

Post-Landing Operations Continue
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:58:22 PM EDT

It's been 45 minutes since space shuttle Discovery touched down on Kennedy Space Center's runway. The landing convoy surrounds the orbiter as personnel continue working on post-landing activities. The crew will undergo a medical exam in the crew transport vehicle before stepping out onto the runway to take a look at Discovery.

Official Landing Times
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:34:49 PM EDT

Main gear touchdown occurred at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT, followed by nose gear touchdown at 3:13:40 and wheelstop at 3:14:45. In Mission Elapsed Time, main gear touchdown took place at 12 days, 19 hours, 29 minutes and 33 seconds into the flight, followed by nose gear touchdown at 12 days, 19 hours, 29 minutes and 56 seconds and wheelstop at 12 days, 19 hours, 31 minutes and one second.

Astronauts "Go" to Remove Suits
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:32:11 PM EDT

Discovery's astronauts have been given the go-ahead to climb out of their orange launch-and-entry suits. Post-landing operations continue on Kennedy Space Center's Runway 15.

STS-119 Landing Statistics
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:30:23 PM EDT

Discovery is home at Kennedy Space Center after traveling more than 5.3 million miles during its STS-119 mission. The orbiter spent eight days docked to the International Space Station, leaving behind Japan's first long-duration space flyer, astronaut Koichi Wakata, and adding more power capability to the station. Discovery returned to Earth with astronaut Sandra Magnus, who spent 129 days aboard the orbiting outpost. STS-119 was the 36th flight for Discovery and the 125th of the Space Shuttle Program. Today's landing is the 70th at Kennedy.

Wheelstop: Discovery is Home
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:16:17 PM EDT

Discovery has stopped rolling, and with that, the STS-119 mission is officially complete. The landing convoy will move onto the runway to begin the work of safing the orbiter and assisting the crew.

"Welcome home, Discovery, after a great mission to bring the ISS to full power," CAPCOM George Zamka told the crew on board.

"Thank you very much, it's good to be back home," Commander Archambault responded.

Nose Gear Touchdown
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:13:39 PM EDT

Nose gear touchdown! Discovery is rolling out on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, wrapping up a 13-day mission to the International Space Station.

Main Gear Touchdown
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:13:33 PM EDT

Discovery's main landing gear touched down on Runway 15, kicking up swirls of dust as the vehicle made contact at more than 200 mph. Discovery's drag chute has been deployed to help slow the vehicle further as it continues down the runway.

Final Approach
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:12:58 PM EDT

Discovery and crew have the runway in sight. Only seconds until landing. Main and nose landing gear are down and locked. Stand by for touchdown.

Sonic Booms Echo Across Landing Site
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:10:19 PM EDT

Sonic booms! The unmistakable sound of an incoming shuttle orbiter just rattled the windows here at Kennedy Space Center. The distinctive booms are often heard across the state of Florida on landing day.

Discovery Circling Toward Final Approach
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:10:13 PM EDT

Archambault is guiding Discovery into a sweeping 261-degree turn around the "heading alignment circle," an imaginary circle that will bring the orbiter in line with Runway 15.

Commander Takes Control
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:10:03 PM EDT

Commander Lee Archambault is flying Discovery as the orbiter continues its steep glide toward touchdown.

Air-data Probes Deployed
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:05:34 PM EDT

Two probes have been released from Discovery's forward fuselage to measure air pressure and temperature. That information is used by the orbiter's computer to aid in guidance and steering.

10 Minutes Until Touchdown
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:04:25 PM EDT

Only 10 minutes until touchdown. Communications are now provided by Merritt Island Tracking Station in Florida. The orbiter's global positioning system is handling navigation.

Discovery Continues Toward Landing
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:00:44 PM EDT

All Discovery's systems are in good shape as the vehicle descends from an altitude of 185,000 feet. Forward speed is 9,800 mph. Range to landing 730 miles.

Discovery's Landing Path
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:56:57 PM EDT

Today's landing path will bring the shuttle over Central America and across the Gulf of Mexico as it approaches Florida from the southwest. Discovery will cross Central Florida as it descends toward Kennedy Space Center.

Aerosurfaces Control Steering
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:55:43 PM EDT

Enough aerodynamic pressure has built up around Discovery for the vehicle's reaction control thrusters to be deactivated. The ailerons and elevons are taking over steering. Range to landing site is 1,700 miles. Discovery is traveling 14,400 mph as approaches Central America from the southwest.

22 Minutes Until Touchdown
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:53:32 PM EDT

Discovery is traveling 15,300 mph. Range to Kennedy Space Center is 2,200 miles.

Landing Convoy Lines Up
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:52:14 PM EDT

With Discovery and its seven astronauts on their way back to Kennedy, the landing convoy is lining up at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The convoy's 20 to 30 specialized vehicles and units will approach Discovery following wheelstop. Convoy personnel will work to make sure Discovery is safe and ready for towing to a nearby orbiter processing facility. They'll also help the crew out of the crew module and into the waiting crew transport vehicle.

Discovery Begins Roll Schedule
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:50:37 PM EDT

Discovery is rolling 80 degrees to the right in the first of four steep banks designed to use up excess energy and reduce the orbiter's forward speed. This first roll will be followed by a series of three roll reversals. As the atmospheric pressure increases, the orbiter's elevons, body flap and rudder speed brake panels take over steering. Range to Kennedy Space Center 2,900 miles.

Discovery Encounters Earth's Atmosphere
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:42:58 PM EDT

Gliding just below 400,000 feet, Discovery has reached entry interface and is beginning to slow down as it passes through Earth's atmosphere. The astronauts will feel the faint pull of gravity begin to build up as they continue their descent.

Discovery Approaching Entry Interface
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:37:45 PM EDT

Discovery is oriented with wings level and nose angled upward 40 degrees as it approaches "entry interface," the point at which the vehicle begins to encounter the upper levels of Earth's atmosphere.

All Three APUs Up and Running
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:30:43 PM EDT

Discovery's three auxiliary power units are up and running. The trio of auxiliary power units provide hydraulic pressure to the shuttle's aerosurfaces, landing gear, main landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering.

45 Minutes Until Touchdown
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:29:47 PM EDT

Discovery is expected to arrive at Kennedy Space Center in 45 minutes.

One Hour Until Touchdown
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:14:17 PM EDT

With the deorbit burn complete, Discovery is headed for touchdown on Kennedy Space Center's Runway 15 at 3:14 p.m. EDT, one hour from now.

Burn Complete: Discovery is Coming Home
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:11:47 PM EDT

Discovery's OMS engines shut down right on time, completing a perfect deorbit burn with no trim required. Archambault and Antonelli will rotate Discovery back into a forward-facing orientation, with the vehicle angled so its underside will absorb the heat of re-entry. One hour until touchdown on Kennedy Space Center's Runway 15.

Deorbit Burn Begins
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:08:49 PM EDT

The deorbit burn is under way. Discovery's OMS engines will fire for two minutes and 59 seconds, enough to reduce Discovery's speed by 339 feet per second. Stand by for completion of the burn.

Discovery in Position for Deorbit Burn
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:06:52 PM EDT

Two minutes until the deorbit burn. During the burn, Discovery's two orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, engines will fire into the direction of travel, slowing the orbiter just enough to begin the descent back to Earth.

Crew Prepares for Florida Homecoming
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:59:41 PM EDT

Deorbit burn is set for 2:08 p.m., 10 minutes from now. In orbit, Commander Lee Archambault and the rest of the STS-119 astronauts have prepared themselves and Discovery for the return to Kennedy. The payload bay doors were closed this morning and the orbiter's flight computer was transitioned to the deorbit-and-entry software package, known as "OPS 3."

The astronauts are dressed and seated just as they were for liftoff two weeks ago. On Discovery's flight deck, Commander Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli are seated in Seats 1 and 2, with Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba and Steve Swanson behind them in Seats 3 and 4. Below them on the middeck are Mission Specialists Richard Arnold, Sandra Magnus and John Phillips in Seats 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Magnus is returning to Earth after spending more than four months on the International Space Station.

Go for the Deorbit Burn!
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:56:43 PM EDT

Discovery is "go" for the deorbit burn. The flight crew just received the good news from astronaut George Zamka, serving as Mission Control's capsule communicator, or CAPCOM. Landing site weather is observed "go" and forecast "go."

Discovery Aims for Landing Today
Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:44:06 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery and the STS-119 crew are due back at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this afternoon, wrapping up a 13-day assembly mission to the International Space Station.

Managers opted to skip today's first landing opportunity due to weather concerns. A second landing opportunity is available at 3:14 p.m. The deorbit burn to begin Discovery's return to Earth is scheduled for 2:08 p.m.

Astronaut Brent Jett is flying the Shuttle Training Aircraft at Kennedy, evaluating and reporting the weather conditions at the landing site. Meanwhile, the Spaceflight Meteorology Group is observing a shift in wind direction due to the developing sea breeze. The weather trends are improving, and flight controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston are expected to make the "go/no-go" decision on the deorbit burn in about 15 minutes.

Stay with NASA's Landing Blog for the latest from Kennedy Space Center

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY COMES HOME TODAY @1:39 PM,3-28-2009

Will the bat come back from space ? Just kidding. Scroll down for the pics.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — It's landing day for space shuttle Discovery.
Discovery and its crew are scheduled to touch down at NASA's Florida spaceport early Saturday afternoon. Favorable weather is expected.
The seven astronauts are winding up a 13-day mission that was highlighted by the successful installation and unfurling of the space station's last pair of solar wings. The $300 million addition brought the orbiting outpost up to full power. It's an essential part of NASA's plan to double the space station population by late spring and boost the amount of science work

Discovery Crew Set for Saturday Landing

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:17:39 PM EDT
The astronauts on space shuttle Discovery are preparing to spend what is planned to be their final night in orbit, with wake up set for 5:13 a.m. EDT Saturday to ready for a 1:39 p.m. landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Weather conditions are forecast to be acceptable for the shuttle's return home to Florida.Discovery's crew will go to sleep at 9:13 p.m. Following wake up on Saturday, they will begin deorbit preparations at 8:33 a.m. Discovery will fire its engines at 12:33 p.m. to begin the descent to Florida. A second opportunity is available if needed for Discovery to land at Kennedy on Saturday, beginning with a deorbit burn engine firing at 2:08 p.m. leading to a 3:14 p.m. touchdown

Bat Hung onto Shuttle During Liftoff
03.17.09

This free tail bat was hanging on to space shuttle Discovery as the countdown proceeded. Credit: NASA View Hi-res Image

The bat was seen on the external tank as the shuttle cleared the launch tower at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA View Hi-res Image

A bat that was clinging to space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank during the countdown to launch the STS-119 mission remained with the spacecraft as it cleared the tower, analysts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center concluded.Based on images and video, a wildlife expert who provides support to the center said the small creature was a free tail bat that likely had a broken left wing and some problem with its right shoulder or wrist. The animal likely perished quickly during Discovery’s climb into orbit.Because the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge coexists inside Kennedy Space Center, the launch pads have a number of measures available, including warning sirens, to deter birds and other creatures from getting too close. The launch team also uses radar to watch for birds before a shuttle liftoff. Nevertheless, the bat stayed in place and it was seen changing positions from time to time.Launch controllers spotted the bat after it had clawed onto the foam of the external tank as Discovery stood at Launch Pad 39A. The temperature never dropped below 60 degrees at that part of the tank, and infrared cameras showed that the bat was 70 degrees through launch.The final inspection team that surveys the outside of the shuttle and tank for signs of ice buildup observed the small bat, hoping it would wake up and fly away before the shuttle engines ignited.It was not the first bat to land on a shuttle during a countdown. Previously, one of the winged creatures landed on the tank during the countdown to launch shuttle Columbia on its STS-90 mission in 1998.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

Shout First, Ask Questions Later: It's A Fiscal "Tramp Stamp"

Shout First, Ask Questions Later: It's A Fiscal "Tramp Stamp"

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR BEING MY PRESIDENT. JOB WELL DONE.
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING AMERICA SAFE. May God bless you and your family always. You are missed greatly.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY !

HAPPY ST. PATRICK DAY TO ALL* MARCH 17, 2009

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH THE MOST GRACIOUS PRESIDENT EVER !

Bush: Obama 'Deserves My Silence,' Won't Criticize New Administration

Bush declined to critique the Obama administration Tuesday in his first speech since leaving office.

CALGARY, Alberta -- Former President George W. Bush said on Tuesday that he won't criticize Obama because the new U.S. president "deserves my silence," and said he plans to write a book about the 12 toughest decisions he made in office.

Bush declined to critique the Obama administration in his first speech since leaving office in January. Former Vice President Dick Cheney has said that Obama's decisions threatened America's safety.

"I'm not going to spend my time criticizing him. There are plenty of critics in the arena," Bush said. "He deserves my silence."

Bush said he wants Obama to succeed and said it's important that he has that support. Talk-show host Rush Limbaugh has said he hoped Obama would fail.

"I love my country a lot more than I love politics," Bush said. "I think it is essential that he be helped in office."

The invitation-only event titled a "Conversation with George W. Bush" attracted close to 2,000 guests who paid $3,100 per table. Bush received two standing ovations from the predominantly business crowd.

About 200 protested outside the event; four of them were arrested. Some protesters threw shoes at an effigy of Bush, and one carried a sign calling him a war criminal.

Bush is unpopular in Canada but less so in oil-rich Alberta, the country's most conservative province and one sometimes called the Texas of the north.

"This is my maiden voyage. My first speech since I was the president of the United States and I couldn't think of a better place to give it than Calgary, Canada," Bush said.

The event's organizers declined to say how much Bush was paid to speak at the gathering.

Bush said that he doesn't know what he will do in the long term but that he will write a book that will ask people to consider what they would do if they had to protect the United States as president.

He said it will be fun to write and that "it's going to be (about) the 12 toughest decisions I had to make."

"I'm going to put people in my place, so when the history of this administration is written at least there's an authoritarian voice saying exactly what happened," Bush said.

"I want people to understand what it was like to sit in the Oval Office and have them come in and say we have captured Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, the alleged killer of a guy named Danny Pearl because he was simply Jewish, and we think we have information on further attacks on the United States," Bush said.

Bush didn't specify what the 12 hardest decisions were but said Iraq is better off without Saddam Hussein in power.
Bush was also full of jokes during his appearance. He joked that he would do more speeches to pay for his new house in Dallas.

"I actually paid for a house last fall. I think I'm the only American to have bought a house in the fall of 2008," he quipped.

He also said his mother is doing well. Barbara Bush was released from a Houston hospital Friday, nine days after undergoing heart surgery. "Clearly he can't live without her," Bush said of his father and former President George H.W. Bush.

Bush seemed to enjoy himself even though the event started a half later than expected because of tight security. "I'll sit here all day," Bush said during a question-and-answer session. "I'm flattered people even want to hear me in the first place."

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always.

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY NIGHT LAUNCHES TODAY 3-15-2009~STS-119

AFTER A 4 DAY DELAY SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LIFTS OFF FLAWLESSLY.














STS-119 Launch Coverage STS-119 Launch Blog

Space shuttle Discovery launched March 15, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. EDT, carrying a crew of seven and the final set of power-generating solar arrays to the International Space Station. The successful liftoff highlighted a day of perfect Florida weather and a smooth countdown.

Discovery's two Orbital Maneuvering System engines now are assisting the trio of main engines

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:44:55 GMT
Ten seconds into flight, control is handed over to the Mission Control team in Houston as Discovery clears the tower. The shuttle is rolling into a head-down, wings-level orientation as it rockets away from Kennedy Space Center on a path to link up with the orbiting station.
the Launch Control Center here at Kennedy and at the Mission Control Center, located at Johnson Space Center in Texas.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:06:07 GMT
Astronaut Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will strap into Seat 6. On the return flight, Seat 6 will be occupied by returning space station crew member Sandra Magnus.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:49:58 GMT
Pilot Tony Antonelli is taking his seat, Seat 2, on the forward right side of the flight deck. STS-119 will be his first shuttle flight.

Next to board Discovery is Mission Specialist Richard Arnold, also embarking on his first space mission. He'll sit in Seat 5, on the left side of the middeck.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:37:53 GMT
The crew accesses Discovery's crew module through the pad's White Room, the environmentally-controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Assisting the astronauts with boarding is the Closeout Crew, a seven-person team whose task is to ensure that the orbiter cockpit is properly configured for flight and to help the astronauts with entry into the orbiter. Closeout Crew members also ensure the side hatch is properly closed and that the White Room is prepped for launch.

Astronaut Support Personnel (ASPs) are affectionately known as the "Cape Crusaders." Astronaut Ken Ham is the prime ASP today, with additional support provided by astronauts Butch Wilmore, Shane Kimbrough, Steve Bowen, and Marsha Ivins. As part of the Closeout Crew, Ham is in the White Room to assist the astronauts as they climb into the orbiter and get strapped in.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:45:32 GMT
Led by Commander Lee Archambault, Discovery's crew also includes Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata. Once aboard the International Space Station, Wakata will replace departing Flight Engineer and Science Officer Sandra Magnus, who is returning to Earth aboard Discovery at the end of the STS-119 mission.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:59:23 GMT Nearly 500,000 gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants began flowing into Discovery's massive orange external tank at 10:20 a.m. This fueling operation, known as "tanking," wrapped up three hours later and now is in stable replenish, meaning both propellants will be topped off continuously until the final minutes of the countdown.

Kennedy is enjoying postcard-perfect spring weather today. The launch forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of good conditions at launch time, and alternate landing sites across the U.S. and at emergency landing sites overseas also have favorable forecasts.

The countdown clock is holding at the T-3-hour mark. This planned hold is expected to be released at 3:48 p.m. when the clock begins counting once more. Stay with us for a front row seat as the launch time approaches.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:22:00 GMT
This Concludes Our Live Launch Coverage

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:55:08 PM EDT
After a spectacular twilight liftoff from Kennedy Space Center, shuttle Discovery is in orbit and beginning a two-day chase to catch up to the International Space Station.
Tonight's countdown went well and weather cooperated, leading to an on-time launch at 7:43 p.m. EDT. For ongoing mission updates, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

Thanks for joining us for today's coverage. From Firing Room 3 of the Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this is NASA's Launch Blog.

MECO! Discovery Reaches Orbit
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:52:36 PM EDT

Mission Control confirms main engine cutoff -- Discovery is in orbit! The spent external fuel tank has been jettisoned and will burn up as it falls back toward Earth.

Press to MECO
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:50:17 PM EDT

At this point, Discovery can make it into orbit even if one engine failed. However, all three space shuttle main engines are performing as expected.

Roll to Heads-Up
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:49:51 PM EDT

Discovery is returning to a head-up orientation. Less than three minutes remain in the climb to orbit.

Press to ATO
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:49:13 PM EDT

If one of Discovery's main engines were to fail at this point, the orbiter would still be capable of reaching orbit in an "Abort to Orbit" abort mode, known as ATO. However, Discovery's engines are performing well as the orbiter and its crew of seven continue on a path toward the International Space Station.

No Turning Back
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:47:50 PM EDT

Discovery has passed the point of "negative return," meaning the vehicle is too far down range and too high in altitude to return to Kennedy Space Center.

Solid Rocket Booster Separation
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:46:14 PM EDT

The shuttle's two solid rocket boosters have burned out and jettisoned on time. They'll fall back into the Atlantic Ocean below, where NASA's two retrieval ships, Freedom Star and Liberty Star are stationed offshore to recover the spent boosters. Discovery and its external tank will continue the rest of the climb to orbit.

Discovery's two Orbital Maneuvering System engines now are assisting the trio of main engines.

Throttle-up Call
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:44:55 PM EDT

Commander Lee Archambault reports Discovery's engines are throttling up to 104 percent of rated thrust. Coming up on separation of the vehicle's twin solid rocket boosters.

Liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery!
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:43:53 PM EDT

Booster ignition and liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on a mission to deliver more power and expanded capability to the International Space Station!

Ten seconds into flight, control is handed over to the Mission Control team in Houston as Discovery clears the tower. The shuttle is rolling into a head-down, wings-level orientation as it rockets away from Kennedy Space Center on a path to link up with the orbiting station.

T-1 Minute and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:42:51 PM EDT

T-1 minute and counting. At T-31 seconds, the ground launch sequencer gives the command for auto-sequence start. At this point, the orbiter's onboard computers assume control of all the vehicle's critical functions. The launch pad's sound suppression water system will activate shortly before liftoff, unleashing about 350,000 gallons of water across the pad's surface and into the flame trench to dampen the shock waves generated at ignition.

Astronauts Instructed to Close and Lock Visors
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:41:47 PM EDT

T-2 minutes and counting. Orbiter Test Conductor Laurie Sally just advised the astronauts to close and lock their visors and turn on the air flow to their helmets. With launch approaching, stable replenish has ended and Discovery's external tank is fully pressurized. The vent arm and "beanie cap" that allowed venting during the countdown has been retracted.

Five More Minutes
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:39:06 PM EDT

The ground launch sequencer is "go" for APU start. Discovery's three auxiliary power units are being activated. T-5 minutes and counting.

Orbiter Access Arm is Retracted
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:36:32 PM EDT

The Orbiter Access Arm is being pulled away from Discovery. This walkway connects the launch pad's fixed service structure to the orbiter's crew module, providing access for the Closeout Crew and astronauts. It is moved out of the way for liftoff but can be quickly returned to position if necessary.

T-9 Minutes and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:34:51 PM EDT

T-9 minutes and counting. The computerized ground launch sequencer is controlling the countdown, issuing the commands to put Discovery and the launch pad into the final configuration for liftoff. The GLS, as it's called, monitors about a thousand critical orbiter functions through launch.

Discovery and Crew are "Go" for Launch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:31:55 PM EDT

Launch Director Mike Leinbach and NASA Test Director Steve Payne have completed their prelaunch polls and all members of the launch team are reported "go" for launch.

Mission Management Team is Ready to Proceed
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:25:56 PM EDT

Mission Management Team Chairman Mike Moses has polled the members of the management team, and they confirm they're ready to proceed with the countdown.

Countdown Update
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:19:44 PM EDT

The sun is setting at Kennedy Space Center, where space shuttle Discovery is poised to lift off in less than half an hour. The countdown clock is holding at T-9 minutes, and the count will resume at 7:34 p.m. Liftoff is targeted for 7:43:44 p.m.

Closeout Crew Leaves Launch Pad 39A
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:51:29 PM EDT

The STS-119 flight crew is safely strapped in aboard space shuttle Discovery, the orbiter's side hatch is closed and sealed, and it's time for the Closeout Crew to depart Launch Pad 39A. They'll watch tonight's launch from a roadblock a safe distance away from the pad. At this point, the only people remaining at Launch Pad 39A are the seven astronauts scheduled to lift off tonight.

T-9 minutes and holding
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:49:32 PM EDT

The countdown has entered the final planned hold.

One Hour Until Launch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:43:38 PM EDT

There is only one hour left in the countdown tonight. Discovery remains on track to lift off at 7:43 p.m. EDT.

T-20 Minutes and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:38:12 PM EDT

The countdown has resumed. The final hold in tonight's countdown is coming up at T-9 minutes.

T-20 Minutes and Holding
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:28:07 PM EDT

The countdown has entered a built-in hold at the T-20-minute mark. The clock will resume counting in 10 minutes.

Weather Reconnaissance Data Factors into Forecast
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:18:29 PM EDT

Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying weather reconnaissance aircraft this evening. He flew a T-38 earlier, and soon will take off in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He'll practice landing approaches to the long runway at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility to assess the current weather's effect on the orbiter in the unlikely event of a Return to Launch Site abort. He is passing his observations to astronaut John Casper, who is serving as weather coordinator in the firing room. Weather looks ideal for launch tonight at 7:43 p.m. EDT.

T-45 Minutes and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:02:53 PM EDT

Launch teams are not working on any issues that would interfere with launch this evening. Discovery's hatch is closed and latched and cabin leak checks are under way.

Closeout Crew is "Go" to Close the Hatch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:48:18 PM EDT

Now that the astronauts are strapped in and air-to-ground voice checks are complete, the Closeout Crew has been given the go-ahead to close Discovery's side hatch. The hatch will be closed and latched, then sealed for flight.

Weather is Perfect
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:30:22 PM EDT

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters just briefed Launch Director Mike Leinbach on the weather, and she has upgraded our forecast to 100 percent "go" -- there is no chance of weather prohibiting launch tonight at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The countdown is going smoothly at T-1 hour, 18 minutes and counting, and the Closeout Crew is preparing to close Discovery's side hatch shortly.

All Aboard
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:06:07 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Steve Swanson has climbed into Seat 4, on the rear left side of the flight deck, behind Archambault. Like Archambault, Swanson's first spaceflight was aboard shuttle Atlantis on the STS-117 mission.

The entire STS-119 crew now is on board. Next on the agenda is a checkout of the astronauts' air-to-ground voice communications with the Launch Control Center here at Kennedy and at the Mission Control Center, located at Johnson Space Center in Texas.

Acaba and Wakata Enter Discovery
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:49:58 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is next to climb aboard. This will be the first spaceflight for the former middle school and high school science teacher. He'll ride into space in Seat 3, in the rear right side of the flight deck, behind the pilot.

Astronaut Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will strap into Seat 6. On the return flight, Seat 6 will be occupied by returning space station crew member Sandra Magnus.

Phillips, Antonelli and Arnold Now On Board
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:37:53 PM EDT

Mission Specialist John Phillips will fly into space in Seat 7, on the right side of Discovery's middeck. Phillips, a spaceflight veteran, previously served aboard the International Space Station as Expedition 11 flight engineer.

Pilot Tony Antonelli is taking his seat, Seat 2, on the forward right side of the flight deck. STS-119 will be his first shuttle flight.

Next to board Discovery is Mission Specialist Richard Arnold, also embarking on his first space mission. He'll sit in Seat 5, on the left side of the middeck.

Crew Boarding Begins
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:22:08 PM EDT

Commander Lee Archambault is climbing into Discovery's crew module. Seat 1, the commander's seat, is located on the forward left side of the flight deck. Archambault, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, is making his second spaceflight. He flew space shuttle Atlantis as pilot on mission STS-117.

The crew accesses Discovery's crew module through the pad's White Room, the environmentally-controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Assisting the astronauts with boarding is the Closeout Crew, a seven-person team whose task is to ensure that the orbiter cockpit is properly configured for flight and to help the astronauts with entry into the orbiter. Closeout Crew members also ensure the side hatch is properly closed and that the White Room is prepped for launch.

Astronaut Support Personnel (ASPs) are affectionately known as the "Cape Crusaders." Astronaut Ken Ham is the prime ASP today, with additional support provided by astronauts Butch Wilmore, Shane Kimbrough, Steve Bowen, and Marsha Ivins. As part of the Closeout Crew, Ham is in the White Room to assist the astronauts as they climb into the orbiter and get strapped in.

Countdown Proceeding Smoothly
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:08:51 PM EDT

At T-minus 40 minutes and counting, the countdown is going well this afternoon and there are no issues being handled right now that could impact launch this evening at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The astronauts, riding in the vintage silver Astrovan, have arrived at the base of the launch pad and will ride the elevator up to the 195-foot level to board Discovery in the next few minutes.

Discovery to Deliver Station's Final Truss Segment
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:59:32 PM EDT

After launch, Discovery and the STS-119 astronauts are bound for the International Space Station to deliver the fourth and final set of power-generating solar arrays. The S6 truss segment will complete the outpost's backbone and provide enough power to support an expanded crew of six resident astronauts.

Crew Departs for the Launch Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:53:17 PM EDT

The STS-119 astronauts are departing Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building. A small crowd has gathered to wave and cheer, giving the astronauts a proper send-off as they board the silver Astrovan and pull away in a motorcade. In less than half an hour, they'll be at the pad, preparing to board Discovery.

Final Inspection Complete
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:48:44 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team has completed its check of the shuttle and pad and is preparing to leave. They've found no issues other than a sleeping bat that is hanging onto the external tank. The bat is not expected to interfere with launch this evening.

T-3 Hours and Counting
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:48:23 PM EDT

The countdown has resumed. The next planned hold begins at T-20 minutes. The STS-119 flight crew will leave for the launch pad in about five minutes.

Red Team Departs Launch Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:45:32 PM EDT

The red team has successfully made the necessary manual adjustments at Launch Pad 39A, raising the helium pressure. With this issue resolved, the team is departing the pad.

Discovery Astronauts Include a New Station Crew Member
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:28:44 PM EDT

Right now the astronauts are at their crew quarters, which is located across the space center. They'll soon begin climbing into their bright orange launch-and-entry suits, then they'll depart for the launch pad at about 5:30 p.m. EDT.

Led by Commander Lee Archambault, Discovery's crew also includes Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata. Once aboard the International Space Station, Wakata will replace departing Flight Engineer and Science Officer Sandra Magnus, who is returning to Earth aboard Discovery at the end of the STS-119 mission.

Helium Pressure Issue Not an Impact to Launch
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:26:56 PM EDT

The "red team" of technicians and safety personnel are accessing a panel inside the MLP to increase the pressure of helium that feeds to a "gap" area between the external tank and shuttle. This area, where liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen lines run from the tank to the shuttle, is purged with helium to prevent the formation of ice and the accumulation of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Helium does not freeze in the presence of super-cold hydrogen. The helium level was on the lower side of acceptable limits, and the red team will adjust the pressure to create the proper margin. This issue will not interfere with today's launch attempt.

Team Conducts Final Inspection of Shuttle and Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:15:11 PM EDT

The seven-member Final Inspection Team is at Launch Pad 39A right now, conducting a thorough check of the shuttle assembly and the pad structures prior to liftoff. The team includes both NASA and contractor personnel who search for ice build-up or debris that could pose a danger to the vehicle during launch and ascent. The inspection typically lasts two-and-a-half to three hours, and during that time the team members move methodically from the top of the pad all the way down to the surface of the mobile launcher platform.

"Red Team" Dispatched to Launch Pad
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:59:23 PM EDT

The launch team is monitoring a drop in helium pressure in a liquid hydrogen umbilical disconnect. Launch Director Mike Leinbach has sent a "red team" of specially trained personnel to the pad to make manual adjustments in order to increase the pressure.

About Built-In Holds
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:44:11 PM EDT

During every countdown, there are times when the clock is temporarily stopped. These periods are called "built-in holds," and the launch team uses these pauses to synchronize with other countdown clocks, monitor weather events, make final adjustments to the launch time and check various systems before resuming the countdown.

Welcome to the Countdown
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:30:24 PM EDT

At T-3 hours and holding, this is NASA's Launch Blog. Thanks for joining us for the countdown to tonight's launch of space shuttle Discovery, which is set for 7:43 p.m. EDT. The launch blog comes to you from Firing Room 3 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, about three miles west of Launch Pad 39A.

Nearly 500,000 gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants began flowing into Discovery's massive orange external tank at 10:20 a.m. This fueling operation, known as "tanking," wrapped up three hours later and now is in stable replenish, meaning both propellants will be topped off continuously until the final minutes of the countdown.

Kennedy is enjoying postcard-perfect spring weather today. The launch forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of good conditions at launch time, and alternate landing sites across the U.S. and at emergency landing sites overseas also have favorable forecasts.

The countdown clock is holding at the T-3-hour mark. This planned hold is expected to be released at 3:48 p.m. when the clock begins counting once more. Stay with us for a front row seat as the launch time approaches.

Join Us Today for Live Launch Coverage
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:22:00 PM EDT

NASA's Launch Blog will begin live countdown coverage this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. EDT. We hope you'll join us for the liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-119 mission.

In Memory of Richard Mackey Rothfritz~3 years

Gone from earth but not forgotton !


Richard Rothfritz
1946-2006



































On MARCH 15th, 2006, My lifetime best friend lost her husband of 38 years. They were high school sweethearts. He died suddenely without a warning. No health problems or nothing to expect that he would leave us so quickly. Apparently it was a heart attack. He went out and got in his vehicle at 7:30 in the morning to go to work as usual and he never made it out of the driveway,if he did he did not go far before he returned. His son found him at 10:30 when he walked outside to get the mail. It was a very tramatic for his son to find him there behind the wheel sitting in the driveway. I cannot imagine how he must have felt and how he still feels. It has been hard for him to deal with. His wife, my best girlfriend was in Texas visiting their daughter when this happened. I cannot even begin to also imagine how tramatic this must have been for her on that plane ride back home. This was so very sad. I am myself still having a hard time coming to grips that this was reala nd not just a dream.
Richard was like a brother to me. God bless him and keep him til they meet again. Bless this family ! See articles below and a beautiful poem.






















































































Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that swiftly blow.
I am the diamond glint
on newly fallen snow.
I am the sunlight
on ripened grain.
I am the soft and gentle autumn rain

When you wake from sleep in the early morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft, starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep.

























http://www.legacy.com/Atlanta/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=17100712

http://www.legacy.com/Atlanta/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonId=17100712&MailType=Guestbook

http://tcbc.homestead.com/tri_county.html

Richard Rothfritz

Family-Placed Death Notice

Richard Mackey Rothfritz, age 59, of Marietta passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2006. Mr. Rothfritz was a Data Base Administrator for the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the past eight years. He was an avid Bass Angler fisherman and Treasurer of the Tri-County Bass Club in Douglasville. Mr. Rothfritz was previously employed by Electro-Luks Corporation in Atlanta and Coats and Clark in Clarksdale. Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Linda Green Rothfritz: daughter, Ellen Rothfritz Lachney and husband Eric of Houston, Texas: son, Richard Jason Rothfritz of Marietta: brother, Bob Rothfritz of Marietta: grandson, Tyler Ross Lachney: granddaughters, Jacqueline Leah Lachney and Shelby Marie Lachney. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday at White Columns Chapel in Mableton, with Rev. Terry Braswell officiating. Burial will be in Georgia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 today at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 3/17/2006.




















Linda, when I think of you this song came to mind. I know that life without Richard will be hard.
He was so young and this was so unexpected. I know how much you will miss him and how hard its going to be for you as days go by. My love, my heart, my thoughts and prayers are with you always. YOUR OTHER SISTER, MA



BROKEN LADY
by Larry Gatlin


She's a broken lady, waiting to be mended
Like a potter would mend a broken vase
A broken lady waiting to be mended
And have what's left of the pieces put back in place

Her love was like a fortress around a man she would have died for
Takin' care to take care of all he needed
But the lady's fortress slowly turned into a prison
And the warnin' signs he gave she never heeded
She vowed every morning that what God joined together
No one else in the world could put apart
Then the walls came tumbling to the ground
And her world came crashing down around her heart

She's a broken lady waiting to be mended
Like a potter would mend a broken vase
A broken lady waiting to be mended
And have what's left of the pieces put back in place.































YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY ! The chair may be empty now, but your memory will never be forgotton !
















Richard Rothfritz
1946-2006

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO LIGHT A CANDLE FOR RICHARD.

http://www2.postcards.org/go2/candles?5652889