STS-114 lifted off from Launch Pad 39B, Kennedy Space Center, on 26 July 2005 at 9:39 AM CDT (14:39 GMT). This daylight launch was the most watched in Shuttle history, with the possible exception of STS-1, the initial Shuttle launch on 12 April 1981. The timing and solar angle were chosen to maximise opportunities to film the liftoff, and ascent, from every possible perspective. These even included modified old jet bombers from the 1950s (WB-57 Canberras), carrying special camera turrets in the nose for the purpose of photographing Discovery at high altitude as she was on her way to orbit. The reasoning behind all of this was to make sure that if there were ANY debris strikes on the orbiter's sensitive heat shield, like the one which doomed Columbia in 2003, they would be captured on film for detailed analysis before allowing Discovery to re-enter the atmosphere.

The Crew experienced some facets of Shuttle flight that are entirely new. On orbit inspection of the heat shield, manual repairs to that heat shield, and experiments with different methods of on orbit heat shield repair. In addition, Discovery carried over 15 tons of equipment and supplies to the International Space Station ( in the Raphaello MPLM module ), where she was greeted upon arrival by the Expedition 11 Crew. Three EVAs (Extra-Vehicular Activity or spacewalk) were carried out. These involved Space Station repairs, improvements, and attending to heat shield problems. A fourth EVA to repair a flaw in the insulation below Commander Eileen Collins window was cancelled as unnecessary.

Space Shuttle Discovery and her crew landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base (NASA's Dryden Research Center) in the California desert at 7:11 AM CDT (12:11 GMT) on 9 August 2005. Total flight duration was 13 days 21 hours 32 minutes. The mission was highly successful, accomplishing every goal set for it.

The sad news is that in the wake of continued problems with external tank insulation breaking away during liftoff, the Shuttle fleet has been indefinately grounded until the problem is solved.

The sequence of events began with a telescopic view of the constellation Orion rising over the eastern limb of Earth. Orion is possibly the best known of all the constellations to lay observers, due to it's easily recognized asterism of relatively bright stars. (The Mythology of Orion.)

Please note that the artificial mask of "snow" is missing throughout this sequence.

Please note that the star to the upper left corner is circled. This star (Betelgeuse or Alpha Orionis) seemed to attract the attention of the INCO, and he zoomed in on it, failing to focus as he did.

More on this business of focus during STS-114 night TV HERE.

Remember the smug attitude of certain cynical people at NASA toward so-called "Flying Saucer Nuts"? I suspect that this image was intended to deceive U.F.O. researchers (such as myself) into "crying wolf". Can't prove it, but why else play a game like this?

Please don't get me wrong about NASA, or NASA personnel. I am personally a fan of NASA and space exploration. Consider me a "booster"! (Pun intended...)

The condescending attitude of some outspoken individuals in that agency is certainly NOT held by all. Over the years I've received letters of encouragement, congratulation, thanks, and even offers of help from a number of brave NASA employees. In each and every case, these people were forced to discontinue their correspondence with me. NASA is very adamant about "policing" it's employees' contact with those who seek the truth about U.F.O.s. (One fellow said his boss referred specifically to me as the "fringe element" - - Ha Ha!)

Here are three examples of the results which came from these temporary alliances with courageous NASA employees.

NASA's Policy of Secrecy

STS-106 The UNidentified Identified Object

STS-109 The Right Angle Turn

There are other events which came to me via help from these friends, but these are not yet posted to Project P.R.O.V.E. In many of these cases, I "sit on" the material for the protection of identities. When sufficient time has elapsed, I bring them out. But ONLY when I am sure that there will be no retaliation against these persons.

To the brave souls who came forward, only to be threatened by their "superiors", I say...

THANK YOU!

You heroes know who you are...

***

At all times during this event, the camera was under the direct remote control of the INCO.

(INCO - INstrument & Communication Officer - The man in Houston Mission Control Center who is responsible for operating the Shuttle payload bay, and robotic arm, cameras. He also remotely operates the helmet cameras in space suits. In the case of ISS, this officer is referred to as the CATO - Communications And Tracking Officer. In both cases, these persons CONTROL everything which is PERMITTED to go out on broadcast to the public. It is a commonly believed falacy that the cameras are operated by Astronauts & Cosmonauts on the Shuttles, and Space Station. Very little camera work is done by the crews. They're way too busy for that.)

At the end of the day, it's up to YOU to draw your own conclusions.

© 2005 Jeff Challender