May 2005
STS-9 Docks with SCSS
Posted Monday, May 30, 2005
The STS-9 "Freedom" mission could not run any smoother. After yesterday's lift-off at 16:55:30 UT, Main Engine Cut-Off was recorded at 17:04:06 UT. Two adjustment burns followed later in the mission, with then a rendevous burn occuring at 23:27:00 UT. Soft dock with the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS) was achieved twenty minutes later, followed by hard dock.
PLT Miguel Villamor said after hard dock, "It's been hard work. With the station moving so much, I made the dock by hand... its been a great show!"
STS-9 docked to the SCSS:
This will be a quick turn-around mission, as STS-9 must return several members of the RTM-1 crew for their training on the upcoming SimNASA manned Mars missions.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
STS-9 "Freedom" Lifts-Off"
Posted Sunday, May 29, 2005
This morning, at 16:55:30 UT, STS-9 "Freedom" lifted off from SimNASA Launch Complex 39A. CDR Tim Novinger and PLT Miguel Villamor report all systems are nominal. The launch showed no problems and was reported to be another smooth launch for SimNASA.
STS-9 shall soon complete its plane alignment burn and then prepare for its docking scenario with the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS).
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
SimNASA STS-9 Launch Fly-In
Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2005
SimNASA Administrator Jeff Parker announced today the hosting of a fly-in. Below are the details as announced:
-----------------------------
SimNASA STS-9 Launch Fly-In
With the planned launch of STS-9 Sunday May 29, 2005, the SimNASA Executive Committee is requesting members to show their support for the crew by flying down to Kennedy Space Center the day before. This online event is open to all SimNASA members no matter where they are in their training, or on what mission they are assigned.
Below are your flight details based on your current training/mission status.
Regards,
Jeff Parker
Administrator, SimNASA
===== General Flight Requirements for all SimNASA Members =====
Profile: Your flight has the following requirements"
- Flown online on VATSIM
- IFR Flight plan required (must be either VOR-to-VOR or low/high enroute airways, GPS direct not allowed)
- Intermediate stops for refueling allowed if required (should be entered on flight plan)
- Must arrive at NASA Shuttle Landing Facility (KTTS/X68) between 20:00 and 23:00 UTC (16:00 and 19:00 EDT) on Saturday 28th May. Take-off time your discretion based on your flight planning.
===== Specific Flight Briefing for SimNASA Members currently in Basic 1 Training =====
Description: As a SimNASA trainee, you are required to fly to Kennedy Space Center for the STS-9 launch.
Departing: KNPA (Pensacola NAS)
Destination: KTTS/X68 (NASA Shuttle Landing Facility)
Aircraft: T-34 Turbo Mentor
===== Specific Flight Briefing for SimNASA Members currently in Basic 2 Training =====
Description: As a SimNASA trainee, you are required to fly to Kennedy Space Center for the STS-9 launch.
Departing: KNPA (Pensacola NAS)
Destination: KTTS/X68 (NASA Shuttle Landing Facility)
Aircraft: OV-10 Bronco
===== Specific Flight Briefing for SimNASA Members currently in Basic 3 Training =====
Description: As a SimNASA trainee, you are required to fly to Kennedy Space Center for the STS-9 launch.
Departing: KNPA (Pensacola NAS)
Destination: KTTS/X68 (NASA Shuttle Landing Facility)
Aircraft: T-38 Talon
===== Specific Flight Briefing for SimNASA Astronauts and Members currently in Mission Specialist Training =====
Description: As a SimNASA astronaut or Mission Specialist trainee, you are required to fly from Johnson Space Center in Houston to Kennedy Space Center for the STS-9 launch.
Departing: KEFD (Ellington Field)
Destination: KTTS/X68 (NASA Shuttle Landing Facility)
Aircraft: T-38 Talon
We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please ask at the "STS-9 Launch Fly-In" thread on our News forums.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
STS-9 "Go" for Sunday"
Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2005
SimNASA Manned Space Flight Director Neal Pizik gave the "GO" directive for STS-9, scheduled to launch this Sunday at 16:55:30 UT. STS-9 shall deliver the remaining SCSS-6 crew, resupply the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS), and return the RTM-1 crew, already at the SCSS.
STS-9 "Freedon" at Launch Complex 39A:
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
MARS-D Rolls Out to LC39B
Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The Mars missions continue with the rollout of the Saturn V for use in the MARS-D launch by the end of May. The MARS-D stack contains the Re-supply and Prepositioned Orbital Module (REPO). REPO is another required component which shall function as a resupply module for the Mars crew. If necessary, the REPO module can also function as an evacuation module for the Mars crew.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Set for Return to Earth
Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The first "Return to Moon" mission has been progressing so smoothly, it has been called a "textbook" mission.
Last Friday, at 12:32:50 UT, RTM-1 began its plane alignment with the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS). The burn lasted until 12:36:22 UT with 22.4% of fuel remaining in TUG "Armstong". The retrograde maneuver was completed with the engines fired at 12:48:11 UT and ended at 12:49:37 UT with 16.8% fuel left. The RTM-1 crew aligned for an elliptical orbit to meet the SCSS in orbit.
Once docked with the truss assembly, the LRV was detached and docked to Port #1 on the SCSS at 19:38 UT. "We are not officially back!" claimed CDR Brad Hodges. The crew then completed a powerdown checklist.
Two hours later, the LRV was undocked, re-attached to TUG "Armstrong" which, having been refueled in the interim, then undocked from the SCSS and began its return to the Moon.
Yesterday, the LRV/LANDER landed back at Amundsen Crater, having completed its voyage back to lunar orbit and meeting again with the LOLS. Landing was confirmed at 12:43:20 UT. The LRV can provide astronauts CDR Brian Lang and MS Chris Keever a way to abort from the lunar surface to the Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS) if necessary.
The RTM crew aboard the SCSS now await the upcoming STS-9 launch for their return to Earth.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Heading Home
Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The RTM-1 crew, less Brian Lang and Chris Keever who have remained on the Moon, is on their way back to the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS).
After docking with the Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS) yesterday, and securing the station for future use, RTM-1 used the Tug "Armstrong" to begin their voyage back to Earth orbit. At 05:06 UT today, the first course correction burn was started and ended at 05:08:10 UT. Calculations show this should be the only burn necessary. The expected arrival time is set for Friday at about 12:00 UT.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Completes Second EVA
Posted Tuesday, May 17, 2005
The second extra-vehicular activity (EVA) for the RTM-1 crew began at 02:12:42 UT this morning, May 17, 2005. During discussions with Mission Control the previous night, it was decided that the new Lunar Rover/Dozer/Crane (LRDC) would not be deployed until RTM-2 arrived since the RTM-1 "stay-behind crew" is at its minimum. The "stay-behind crew" consists of Brian Lang and Chris Keever, who shall continue with research and MoonBase preparations, while Brad Hodges, Chuck Bourdreux, and Preston Bartlett shall return to the SCSS. The later three were part of the first crew to assist with the initial set-up.
After the outer hatch was opened at 02:12:42 UT, Hodges stepped onto the Moon again at 02:14:10 UT and was quickly followed by Lang at 02:15:43 UT, Keever at 02:20:10 UT, Boudreaux at 02:22:40 UT, and Bartlett at 02:30:10 UT.
The crew quickly began working where they had left off by finishing aligning the solar power station and tuning the LGNPU (Low Grade Nuclear Power Unit). In addition, Boudreaux and Bartlett gathered further lunar samples, surveyed, and mapped the area.
At 04:20:22 UT, Lang opened the outer hatch of the HAB1 module and entered at 04:22:40 UT. Lang was followed by Hodges at 04:30 UT, Keever at 04:43:05 UT, Bartlett at 04:50:21 UT, and Boudreaux at 05:10:24 UT. The crew then completed a four hour HAB1 systems diagnostics. At 09:20:33 UT, Bartlett exited the HAB1 and began a final visual inspection of "Phoenix". At 09:50:02 UT, Boudreaux exited the HAB1 with Hodges following at 10:15 UT. Lang and Keever stayed aboard the HAB1, which will be their home for the next several months.
At 10:30:20 UT Bartlett ended his EVA and re-entered "Phoenix". Boudreaux and Hodges checked ground systems around the HAB1 and at 11:20 UT, Boudreaux ended his EVA and re-entered the LRV/LANDER. At 11:35:10 UT, EVA #2 ended with seal of the outer hatch. After a systems pre-check of the LRV/Lander at 11:40 UT, launch from the lunar surface occurred at 12:29:45 UT.
Docking to the LOLS is expected around 15:45 UT, which shall shortly be followed by undocking from the Lander and docking the LRV to Tug "Armstrong".
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
First EVA for RTM-1
Posted Monday, May 16, 2005
Having completed a successful landing earlier this morning, CDR Hodges, along with Boudreaux, Bartlett, Lang, and Keever began preparations to conduct an extended extra-vehicular activity (EVA) this afternoon. With the pre-EVA checklist and suit checks completed, the landing steps of the LRV/LANDER were lowered at 12:00 UT. CDR Hodges was the first to enter the small airlock and shortly exited and progressed quickly down the stairs toward the surface of the Moon:
"As we reluctantly left, we now have returned, this time to stay... My step is the first of many that will touch this surface, and with it begins a new era of exploration and discovery. We come as explorers, as searchers, and as adventures to the future and for all mankind. Houston! Amundsen base here, We have returned!" Hodges said as he stepped onto the Moon at 12:14:11 UT. This makes him the first astronaut to twice step on the surface of the moon. During the SimNASA Apollo 17 mission, Hodges was the fifth person to step on the moon, and the seventh with this RTM-1 mission.
A long and loud applause was then heard by both fellow RTM crew members and SimNASA Staff gathered at Mission Control in Houston, Texas.
RTM Pilot Chuck Boudreaux was the next to stepped on the Moon at 12:19:10 UT. Boudreaux was the first SimNASA astronaut to step on the Moon with the Apollo 10 mission, and now the second to return. "It sure beats the view that I had the first time! Great to be back!" Boudreux exclaimed. Hodges and Boudreaux then performed the first "high-five" on the Moon as they congratulated each other.
"WOW!" Boudreaux exclaimed over and over again as he and Hodges viewed the surrounding area. "We're not in Kansas anymore!" Hodges joked. The two veteran astronauts then surveyed the area.
The following is a transcript from the first EVA:
Hodges: "We didn't sink in as much...ground is bit hard here, harder than what I remember at Tarsus Littrow."
Boudreaux: "Yep, I agree! The surface does seem a bit more compressed, Mare Tranquility was like powder. This is a bit more cohesive - The view is priceless! Look at that peak uplift! You can see the crater central peak uplift shining in the sunlight! You know what that means?!"
Hodges: "Possible water, she sure looks magnificent! Here comes Preston."
LRV/LANDER Pilot Preston Bartlett was next on the moon at 12:21:09 UT.
Hodges: "Nice handy work Preston!"
Bartlett: "Couldn't do it without the team...a great team! Thanks guys!"
The next several minutes the trio of astronauts checked the condition of the LRV/LANDER doing a complete walk around for any damage.
Bartlett: "Looks pretty good - not a scratch on her."
Boudreaux: "We don't want to ruin the new car look. (Laughter)"
Hodges: "A little bit more sinkage on the rear pad than the front, but overall it looks pretty good to me. Preston, why don't you start your LRV/LANDER exterior checklist while we get Brian and Chris out."
Bartlett: "Roger."
Exiting the LRV/Lander at 12:37:50 UT, RTM Station Commander Brian Lang stepped on the moon at 12:39:12 UT. "I finally made it!"
Hodges: "About time you made it. Just took you a bit longer than most! Glad to give you a ride!"
Lang: "And what a ride! The view was spectacular!"
CDR Hodges, PLT Boudreaux, and Bartlett congratulated Lang on making it to the Moon. Lang was scheduled to be the third person on the moon with the SimNASA Apollo 12 mission. However due to complications, the crew was unable to land and ordered back. With Lang's arrival, he becomes the tenth person to touch the surface of the Moon.
Chris Keever, the last of the RTM-1 crew, stepped on the moon at 12:42:12 UT.
Keever: "I checked three times to make sure she is unlocked."
Bartlett: "No worries, I've got the keys!"
Keever: "Great to be here guys! Thanks for the wonderful ride."
Bartlett: "Wait until you get the bill! (Laughter)."
With Keever on the Moon, SimNASA again sets another first by having five people on the Moon at the same time.
Boudreaux: "Sure beats the LEM for landings... although a good bird, she's more like a compact car when compared to the LRV/LANDER."
Hodges: "I'll second that! How's that checklist coming Preston?"
Bartlett: "Getting there."
Hodges had earlier planted the US Flag near the front of HAB1 inbetween the astronaut exits from the LRV/LANDER. The crew made its way to the front of the HAB1, where a series of pictures were taken.
Hodges: "Okay team, we've got a lot of work to do, let's get on with the checklists."
The crew worked outside on the lunar surface for the next several hours. During the EVA, the crew will lower the stair assemblies to the HAB1, as well as prepare to access the HAB1 early tomorrow morning. The crew will work in pairs to monitor each other and ensure that if there are any problems, another crew member is closeby to assist.
At 14:20:45 UT, the first of two stair assemblies had been lowered on the HAB1 and the crew completed further outside checks of the HAB1 and LRV/LANDER.
Bartlett: "She (LRV/LANDER) checks out okay. I am done with my post
landing checks on the Phoenix."
Hodges: "Copy that! Good work, Preston. You ready to go back inside?"
Bartlett: "Yep, just need to get few more things and I will climb back in and be in stand-by if needed."
At 15:40 UT, LRV/LANDER Pilot Bartlett climbed back into "Phoenix" to monitor systems while the remaining crew worked on the HAB1.
Starting at 16:00 hrs UT, CDR Lang began climbing the ladder on the outside of the HAB1 to access the antenna arrays on top of the module. Boudreaux followed Lang and assisted with the deployment of the antenna assembly, which was completed at 17:04:21 UT. Each then climbed down the ladder.
In addition, the crew deployed several solar panels and a low grade nuclear power unit as well as several other items from the cargo hold of the HAB1. Deployment of the lunar rover vehicle is expected in a later EVA, but may be postponed as needed.
Several surface soil and rock samples were collected during the EVA, in addition to core samples done with a drill.
"Okay, time to head back, we are done with all items on the EVA1 checklist," Hodges announced to the crew at 18:14 UT.
The crew then returned to LRV/LANDER "Phoenix". Chris Keever boarded "Phoenix" at 18:20:32 UT, followed by Lang at 18:33:10 UT. Boudreaux and Hodges then entered "Phoenix at 18:42:20 UT and 18:55:45 UT, respectively. The outer hatch was finally closed, completing EVA #1 at 18:58:21 UT.
EVA #2 will start at approximately 02:00 hrs UT on May 17. This second EVA will be the last EVA before Hodges, Boudreaux, and Bartlett leave Lang and Keever at Amundsen Crater on the HAB.
Hodges, Boudreaux, and Barlett are expected to leave the Moon surface tomorrow before Noon. They will first dock with LOLS then rejoin the LRV to TUG "Armstrong" for the journey home to Earth on Wednesday. Arrival back at Skylab-Columbia is scheduled for this weekend with the crew returning aboard STS-9 at the end of the month.
The RTM-1 crew poses for a quick picture:
The five suits have the name of the astronaut on its back and were color-coded with stripes according to the following:
RED - Brad Hodges
BLUE - Chuck Boudreaux
GREEN - Preston Bartlett
YELLOW - Brian Lang
WHITE - Chris Keever
The mission was followable through the use of the "SimNASA LIVE!" pictures and Ventrillo. A great day on the Moon for RTM-1!
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
SimNASA Has Returned to the Moon!
Posted Sunday, May 15, 2005
It has been a big day for SimNASA with the landing of the first "Return to Moon" (RTM-1) crew on the lunar surface early May 16th UT. The RTM-1 crew consists of: Brad Hodges, Chuck Boudreux, Preston Bartlett, Brian Lang, and Chris Keever.
First, the HAB1 module undocked, unmanned, from the Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS) at 23:55 UT and fired its engines at 23:55:30 UT. The engines stopped firing at 23:56:37 UT and then the HAB1 began its decent to the Moon. The HAB1 shall function as a temporary shelter for the astronauts until a permanent structure is constructed.
HAB1 descends:
Landing of the HAB1 occurred at 01:06:51 UT.
With the HAB1 safely on the surface, Preston Bartlett piloted the Lunar Return Vehicle (LRV). Bartlett undocked the LRV from the LOLS at 22:01:15 UT and then docked to the Lander at 22:15:58 UT. The LRV/Lander later undocked from the LOLS at 00:00:00 UT, according to schedule, and began their descent to the surface:
The descent was smooth and no problems were reported. Landing of the LRV was on target near the HAB1 at the Admunsen Crater landing site:
Upon landing, RTM crewmember Chuck Bourdreux stated, "As the first SimNASA astronaut to walk on the Moon, I just want to congratulate all who helped get me back there. Things have definitely changed since Apollo 10, but the rush of being back in orbit around the Moon is no less real. Well done all! But we do have much work left to do."
From Earth, SimNASA Administrator responded, "On behalf of the Executive Committee and myself, I want to wish you and your team best of luck for the landing. It is good to know that as we embark on a new chapter for SimNASA, in the establishment of a permanent manned lunar science station, we have an excellent crew ready to make it a reality."
The crew is currently in a rest period. The astronauts are expected to begin their first EVA at 12:00 UT tomorrow. This shall be broadcast at the "SimNASA LIVE!" section of the website.
Please join the Executive Committee in congratulating the RTM-1 crew for a safe and smooth "Return to Moon"!
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
SimNASA Aims to Land on Mars by 2006
Posted Saturday, May 14, 2005
In addition to the "Return to Moon" missions, SimNASA is also planning to develop and deliver a permanent manned operational science research station on the surface on Mars.
The goal is to have a minimal crew on station by the end of 2005, with a full crew by the end of 2006. This project is already underway, with the recent MARS-A, -B, and -C launches bringing components to the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS) over the last month. Several more missions are required to provide all of the components necessary for the first manned mission.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
All Set for May 16th Lunar Landing
Posted Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The crew of RTM-1, currently aboard the SimNASA Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS) reports systems are nominal. The crew, being the first inhabitants of the new station, have been starting and testing various systems aboard the station to prepare it for long-term use.
The RTM-1 crew is scheduled to land at the proposed site, Amundsen Crater, on May 16 when the site is again in sunlight. The crew has been reviewing landing operations and report all should run smoothly.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
STS-9 Rolls Out to Launch Pad
Posted Friday, May 6, 2005
STS-9 "Freedom" has rolled out to Launch Complex 39A, in preparation for its launch on May 29 at 16:55:30 UT. CDR Tim Novinger and PLT Miguel Villamor shall deliver the remaining members of the SCSS-6 mission - MS Steve Derby and MS Jan Varada, to the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS). In addition, STS-9 shall resupply the station and may return a portion of the RTM-1 crew to Earth. Part of the RTM-1 crew shall return to Earth to prepare for other missions, while the remainder constructs the beginnings of a permanent lunar base.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Docks with LOLS
Posted Friday, May 6, 2005
The RTM-1 crew docked the Tug "Armstrong" to the Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS) yesterday at 03:47:41 UT. The Lunar Return Vehicle (LRV), the capsule which carried our astronauts, was then undocked from the Tug at 03:51:10 UT, and then docked directly to the LOLS at 04:18:21.
The LOLS, with Tug "Armstrong" seen at the far left, the HAB1 module to the far right, as well as the LRV and Lander adjacent:
Today the RTM-1 crew, (which consists of: Brad Hodges, Chuck Boudreaux, Brian Lang, Preston Bartlett, and Chris Keever) unpacked the LOLS and tested its various systems.
The team has been discussing when they shall descend from the station to the targeted area of Admunsen Crater. Given the current orbital status of the LOLS, Admunsen Crater is not aligned for landing and is currently in the shadow. Given this fact, it has been decided that a landing will not be attempted before May 16. On the May 16, Admunsen Crater comes not only into alignment, but also the target landing area comes out of shadow and into the light.
The target area:
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
SimNASA Has Returned to the Moon!
Posted Wednesday, May 4, 2005
It has been two years since SimNASA has been to our Moon. Today, that period of absence is over, as the RTM-1 performed their Lunar Orbital Instertion (LOI) at 1:06:50 UT today. The burn lasted until 1:08:08 UT.
The RTM-1 crew is reported to be in high spirits and is currently undergoing maneuvers to dock with the SimNASA Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS). Soon after docking with this station, the crew shall enter, complete system checks and start-ups, and prepare the lander for its trip to the lunar surface.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Now 12 Hours from Moon
Posted Wednesday, May 4, 2005
The RTM-1 crew is very anxious to reach the Moon, which is now approximately twelve hours away.
Yesterday, at 00:20:00 UT a second course correction burn was performed. Fuel levels are, 66.2%, as expected.
Today, at 1210 UT, a minor course correction was made so as to intercept the SimNASA Lunar Orbiting Logistical Station (LOLS). The LOLS is the second space station for SimNASA, which has been orbiting the Moon uninhabited since March 3. The RTM-1 crew is expected to reach the Moon by 01:00 UT (9:00 PM Eastern) today. The mission may be viewed at the "SimNASA LIVE!" section of the website.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Half-way to Moon!
Posted Monday, May 2, 2005
The RTM-1 crew has reached the midpoint of its voyage to Moon. Reporting no problems, Hodges stated to reporters, "We are all smiles up here. Glad to be on our way to the moon! Slowly the earth is getting smaller and the Moon's size increases."
PLT Chuck Bourdreaux has placed the RTM craft in a slow roll to allow for thermal cooling. The crew shall soon perform its first course correction burn. Everything is on schedule for a late Tuesday/early Wednesday lunar arrival.
Follow the action at the "SimNASA Live!" link under "News & Events".
RTM-1 makes its way towards the Moon:
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
RTM-1 Enroute to Moon!
Posted Sunday, May 1, 2005
For the first time in over two years, SimNASA is once again on it way to the Moon! The SimNASA "Return to Moon" program is underway with no reported problems.
Last night, at 0214 UT, Brad Hodges and Chuck Boudreaux exited the airlock of the SkyLab-Columbia Space Station (SCSS). The two then completed a spacewalk by walking hand-over-hand across the long truss assembly, over the MARS-C third and fourth stages, and finally reaching the LRV main hatch by 0305 UT.
The main hatch was then shut, the pressure and atmosphere were established, and a pre-flight checklist was completed. By 0505 UT, the LRV was detached from the MARS-C segment, and manuvered to the Port #1. Hard dock was accomplished at 05:25:29 UT and docking hatch opened at 05:30 UT. Astronauts Hodges and Boudreaux were joined by the remaining RTM-1 crew: Preston Barlett, Brian Lang, and Chris Keever additional checks.
RTM-1 undocked from the SCSS at 14:30:50 UT and moved eight kilometers away from the space station. At 15:36:50 the crew started the trans-lunar injection burn, which ended at 15:43:10.
"We are now on our way to the moon!" Hodges exclaimed. The trip to lunar orbit is expected to take three days.
Check out live progress of the mission by clicking the "SimNASA LIVE!" section under the "News and Events" tab.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer,
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