GCIS Space IntelCenter

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The GCIS Space IntelCenter archives all space security briefings from the Griffith Colson Intelligence Service.

Blogs I follow:

1. GCIS SPACE SECURITY BRIEFING (UPDATE): SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH FOR ATLANTIS

   

   14 MAY 2010   11:46AM PST UPDATE — CAPE CANAVERAL — Space shuttle Atlantis is on its way to orbit for the last time.
   
   Atlantis and an experienced crew of six blasted off Friday afternoon. More than 40,000 guests gathered at the Florida launch site, all of them eager to catch one of the few remaining shuttle flights. NASA said it was the biggest launch-day crowd in years.
   
   The shuttle is bound for the International Space Station. It should reach the orbiting complex Sunday.
   
   Atlantis is carrying a full shipment of space station gear.
   
   Only two shuttle flights remain after this one. Discovery is due to fly in September, followed by Endeavour in November. The fleet is being retired so NASA can pursue more ambitious exploration.
   
   This is the 32nd flight for Atlantis.
   
   Earlier report: An experienced crew of astronauts boarded space shuttle Atlantis today for its final journey, a delivery trip to the International Space Station that will provide fresh batteries and extra room.
   
   Atlantis was slated to blast off at 2:20 p.m. Everything was going well in the countdown, and the weather was looking favorable. Forecasters were sticking with their 70 percent odds of good weather. Clouds were the lone concern.
   
   More than 40,000 guests - the biggest launch-day crowd in years - descended on the Kennedy Space Center and the roads leading into it, all of them eager to witness Atlantis’ last launch.
   
   “Hock, you look good in that seat,” Mission Control told commander Kenneth Ham as he strapped in.
   
   “Thanks for checking in, brother,” Ham replied to the astronaut who conducted the voice check from Mission Control in Houston.
   
   The six astronauts - all men - waved and shook their fists as they headed to the launch pad at midmorning.
   
   They were fortified by a substantial breakfast: medium-rare steaks and french fries for three of them, a cheeseburger for another and sandwiches for the remaining two. As a joke, they donned blue and black smoking jackets, white shirts and black bow ties - probably the most formal attire ever worn by astronauts on launch day, even if it was just for a quick photo.