|
|
Browse All
:
Columbia and STS-55 and Earth of Johnson Space Center (JSC)
|
Printer Friendly |
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of a thunderstorm over the coast of Nigeria |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows a 30-mile-wide thunderstorm (tops estimated near 45,000 feet). It was photographed by the STS-55 crew from an altitude of 162 nautical miles over the coast of Nigeria, 05-02-93, at 11 hours, 13 minutes, 34 seconds GMT (near noon, local time). A Meteosat view taken at almost exactly the same time allows us to pinpoint the location of the storm but does not show any of the detail evident in the Shuttle photograph. This huge thunderstorm was in the early stages of formation, as can been seen by the intense turbulence in the cauliflower shape of the top. Two major updrafts can be seen as the rose-shaped regions in the cloud tops. An easterly wave in the low levels of the atmosphere created a line of instability, which, together with an ample supply of moisture from the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea and solar heating over the coast throughout the morning, caused this megastorm to occur. North is to the left |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Veh
…
| Title |
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, crew insignia |
| Description |
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, crew insignia (logo), the Official insignia of the NASA STS-55 mission, displays the Space Shuttle Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, over an Earth-sky background. This mission is the second dedicated German (Deutsche) Spacelab flight and has accordingly been designated D-2. Depicted beneath the orbiter are the American and German flags flying together, representing the partnership of this laboratory mission. The two blue stars in the border bearing the crewmembers' names signify each of the backup (alternate) payload specialists -- Gerhard Thiele and Renate Brummer. The stars in the sky stand for each of the children of the crewmembers in symbolic representation of the space program's legacy to future generations. The rainbow symbolizes the hope for a brighter tomorrow because of the knowledge and technologies gained from this mission's multifaceted experiments. The crewmembers are Commander Steven R. Nagel, Pilot Terrence T. Henricks. Missi |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Pilot Henricks with b
…
| Title |
STS-55 Pilot Henricks with baroreflex collar in SL-D2 module onboard OV-102 |
| Description |
Working in the shirt-sleeve research environment of the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module, STS-55 Pilot Terence T. Henricks, shirtless and wearing the baroreflex (BA) collar, conducts a space adaptation experiment at Rack 12, an experiment rack. The BA experiment is designed to investigate the theory that light-headedness and a reduction in blood pressure behaves differently after having adapted to a microgravity environment. These space-based measurements of the baroreflex will be compared to ground measurements to determine if microgravity affects the reflex. The SL-D2 module is located in the payload bay (PLB) of the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of agricultural development in northern Argentina |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, is of agricultural development in northern Argentina. This photograph is from a mapping strip of photographs acquired by the STS-55 crew. This mapping strip runs from the "eyelash forests" of the Bolivian Andes, southeast across the Chaco Plains, and into the upper Parana River Basin of north-central Argentina. The formerly densely forested areas between the upper Rio Pilcomayo and the Rio Teuco of NW Argentina rest on deep, rich alluvial and loess deposits. These modern soils were carried into the region by rivers from the Andes and by dust storms from large playa areas of the Altiplano (high plains) of Peru and Boliva. In this scene, representative of the long mapping strip, the process of converting forests to agriculture is far advanced. The original road network, a series of grids laid out in the forest, has nearly coalesced into a farm and ranch landscape. Some few relict forests are still visible as distin |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 MS2 Precourt changes
…
| Title |
STS-55 MS2 Precourt changes LiOH canister in SL-D2 module aboard OV-102 |
| Description |
STS-55 Mission Specialist 2 (MS2) Charles J. Precourt changes lithium hydroxide (LiOH) canister in the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Precourt lifts one LiOH canister from its subfloor location while holding the replacement canister and the access panel open with his left hand. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 MS3 Harris conducts H
…
| Title |
STS-55 MS3 Harris conducts HOLOP experiment at SL-D2 Rack 11 aboard OV-102 |
| Description |
STS-55 Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) Bernard A. Harris, Jr works at Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) Rack 11 with the Holographic Optics Laboratory (HOLOP) aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of Somalia |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows Somalia, with the Gulf of Aden and South Yemen toward the north (top) and the Indian Ocean to the east (right). This LINHOF photograph provides a synoptic view of the Sanaag and Bari provinces. Clouds accentuate the escarpment running across the northern coast. Cape Guardafui, the tip of the Horn of Africa, is traditionally taken as the easternmost point of Africa. The strange-shaped promontory immediately south is about 0.1 degree farther east, however. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 MS1/PLC Ross monitors
…
| Title |
STS-55 MS1/PLC Ross monitors Payload Specialist Walter's Anthrorack activity |
| Description |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter breathes into Rack 9 Anthrorack (AR) (Human Physiology Laboratory) device for Pulmonary Perfusion and Ventilation During Rest and Exercise experiment while working inside the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Seated on the bicycle ergometer, Walter utilizes the respiratory monitoring system, part of a broad battery of experiments designed to investigate human physiology under microgravity conditions. In the background, Mission Specialist 1 (MS1) and Payload Commander (PLC) Jerry L. Ross monitors Walter's activity. Walter represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day SL-D2 mission. Visible on the aft end cone are a fire extinguisher and the Crew Telesupport Experiment (CTE) Macintosh portable computer mounted on an adjustable work platform. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Veh
…
| Title |
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, payload bay with SL-D2 module |
| Description |
Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module and spacelab tunnel is documented in the payload bay (PLB) of the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. On the Earth's surface below, lightning and man-made lights are visible in this fast speed, 35mm frame. The cluster of lights near frame center are believed to be from Mexico City. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of the Timor Sea |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken from Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows the Timor Sea along the south coast of Timor. The sunglint pattern shows a sharp boundary in sea surface temperature, with cooler water along the coast and warmer water offshore. The sunglint brightness reveals water surface roughness with bright indicating smooth water and dark representing rough water. Cooler water is smoother because it acts to stabilize the atmospheric boundary layer, while the warm water acts to destabilize the atmosphere. Another indication of water temperature is the cloud pattern. Advection within the atmosphere as a result of warming at the sea surface forms low-level clouds with the small, popcorn-like appearance seen in upper right corner of the photograph. The cool water, on the other hand, is relatively free of the popcorn-like clouds. The distribution of the clouds indicates that the wind is blowing toward the upper right corner of the photograph. Also note the line of low-level |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of Altiplano ash/dust plume in Argentina |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken from Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows several plumes of blowing material over northern Argentina. All plumes originate downwind of the recent volcanic eruption of Lascar Volcano (just over the border in northern Chile). It seems most likely, therefore, that the blown material is dust-sized particles of ash that was deposited on the high Andean plateau by Lascar during the eruption of 04-20-93. The large, dense, V-shaped plume in this frame is about 40 kilometers long. It is blowing eastwards from a point about 100 km southeast of Lascar. On 05-10-93, images from the AVHRR sensor on the environmental satellite NOAA-11 showed the dust from these parts of Altiplano reaching the lowlands hundreds of kilometers to the east. This photo was recorded on 05-04-93 at 19 hours 10 minutes 38 seconds GMT. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 MS1/PLC Ross and Payl
…
| Title |
STS-55 MS1/PLC Ross and Payload Specialist Walter work in SL-D2 module |
| Description |
STS-55 Mission Specialist 1 (MS1) and Payload Commander (PLC) Jerry L. Ross floats near cycle ergometer and Rack 9 Anthrorack (AR) (Human Physiology Laboratory) as German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter reviews a checklist in front of Rack 11 Experiment Rack. These experiment stations and the crewmembers are in the shirt-sleeve environment of the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module onboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. In the background is the SL-D2 aft end cone. Behind Ross and Walter is Rack 12 Experiment Rack with Baroreflex (BA). |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 German payload specia
…
| Title |
STS-55 German payload specialists Walter and Schlegel work in SL-D2 module |
| Description |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter, wearing special head gear, conducts Tissue Thickness and Compliance Along Body Axis salt-water balance experiment in the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Walter's activities in front of Rack 9 Anthrorack (AR) are monitored by German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel. Walter uses intravehicular activity (IVA) foot restraints. Walter and Schlegel represent the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 German payload specia
…
| Title |
STS-55 German payload specialist Schlegel and MS3 Harris work in SL-D2 module |
| Description |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Ulrich Walter, wearing special head gear, finds plenty of room to "spread out" (head to the floor, feet at the ceiling) while conducting Tissue Thickness and Compliance Along Body Axis salt-water balance experiment in the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Schlegel represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). In the background, Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) Bernard A. Harris, Jr monitors an experiment in Rack 11, an experiment rack. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 MS3 Harris draws bloo
…
| Title |
STS-55 MS3 Harris draws blood sample from Payload Specialist Schlegel |
| Description |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel (left) serves as a test subject inside the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module onboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) Bernard A. Harris, Jr, a physician, performs one of many blood draws designed to help investigate human physiology under microgravity conditions. The two crewmembers use intravehicular activity (IVA) foot restraints (foot loops) in front of Rack 10, a stowage rack, to steady themselves during the procedure. Schlegel represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 crewmembers work in t
…
| Title |
STS-55 crewmembers work in the SL-D2 module onboard OV-102 |
| Description |
Working in the shirt-sleeve research environment of the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module are STS-55 Mission Specialist 1 (MS1) and Payload Commander (PLC) Jerry L. Ross, MS3 Bernard A. Harris, Jr, German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel, and German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter. Ross examines sample tube at Rack 8 Werkstofflabor (WL) (left). Harris, holding his arm, waits to have his blood drawn by Schlegel (right). Wearing the baroreflex (BA) collar at Rack 12 Experiment Rack and waving is Walter. The SL-D2 module is located in the payload bay (PLB) of the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Veh
…
| Title |
STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, payload bay with SL-D2 module |
| Description |
Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module and spacelab (SL) long tunnel is documented in the payload bay (PLB) of the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. The support struts and handrails on the SL joggle section are visible in the foreground with the SL-D2 flex section and interface behind it. On the SL-D2 module foward end cone applied to the thermal blanket cover are the insignias of the European Space Agency (ESA) (left) and the SL-D2 payload. In the background are OV-102's vertical tail and the two orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods backdropped against the cloud-covered Earth surface and the blackness of space. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 German Payload Specia
…
| Title |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist Walter at the SL-D2 Fluid Physics Module |
| Description |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter conducts an experiment using the advanced fluid physics module located in Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) Rack 8 Werkstofflabor (WL) (Material Sciences Laboratory) aboard Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Walter uses intravehicular activity (IVA) foot restraints to position himself in front of the rack. Walter represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day mission. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation sho
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation shows a sunset over South America |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows a spectacular sunset view over South America and the cleanest atmosphere since before the volcanic eruptions of 1991, according to NASA scientists studying the STS-55 photography. A dark cloud layer is evident at an altitude of 7 to 9 kilometers. Five kilometers higher, a pink layer of sulfuric acid droplets and ammonium sulfate particles begins at the tropopause and extends upward into the stratosphere to 19 kilometers. Above that, blue scattering by the atmosphere diminishes until, at an altitude of 60 kilometers, the blackness of space is predominant. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Columbia, OV-102, ext
…
| Title |
STS-55 Columbia, OV-102, external tank (ET) falls back to Earth |
| Description |
After main engine cutoff (MECO) and external tank (ET) separation, the ET falls back toward Earth. Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, continues to orbit insertion and circularization for its STS-55 mission. The ET orbiter aft attachment and feedline are clearly visible. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 MS3 Harris and Payloa
…
| Title |
STS-55 MS3 Harris and Payload Specialist Schlegel conduct Anthrorack experiment |
| Description |
STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel breathes into Rack 9 Anthrorack (AR) (Human Physiology Laboratory) device for Pulmonary Perfusion and Ventilation During Rest and Exercise experiment while working inside the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. In the background, Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) Bernard A. Harris, Jr monitors his activity. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of Lake Natron, Tanzania, East Africa |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows Lake Natron in Tansania, in the 35-mile-wide East African Rift Valley. This lake is surrounded by sodium carbonate volcanoes. Through erosion, these salts of volcanic origin are transported into the rift valley lakes. The various shades of bright red reflecting from the lake result from the water chemistry and biotic blooms. The white spots in the lakebed are drying soda salts. The depth and circulation of the water in the southern end of the lake cause it to appear dark blue rather than bright red. In the repeated photographs of this lake from orbit, we have seen the extent and intensity of its colors fluctuate seasonally. In this photograph, the biotic activity appears to be at a peak. Such a large extent of red-colored water was not present in the photos taken from STS-56, just a few days before (04-10-93). |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
STS-55 Earth observation of
…
| Title |
STS-55 Earth observation of Lake Natron, Tanzania, East Africa |
| Description |
STS-55 Earth observation taken aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, shows Lake Natron. Taken with color infrared (CIR) film, the typical red-colored water appears greenish. The drying soda salts in the lakebed are seen in greater detail in this CIR view. From the signatures seen in this photograph, the lake appears to be highly saline and to contain aquatic biota with little or no chlorophyll. The biomass over the rift valley escarpment is clearly defined by the reddish color in this CIR photo. Refer to STS055-93-037 for a comparative view photographed in regular color. |
| Date Taken |
1993-05-06 |
|
|
