Will the Current Shuttle Mission Be Visible?

Hi all,

Just wondering whether the next set of ISS passes start again in time for observers from Ireland that we might see the shuttle either catch up to the ISS, or attached to it etc? Anyone know?

Thanks

Neill

Hi Neill

just checked heavens above and ISS is not visible til 19th. So unless we get to see shuttle after it leaves ISS then we are out of luck. I am not sure how long more the shuttle is in orbit for

I am not sure how long more the shuttle is in orbit for

The shuttle is scheduled to land at 16:17 EST on the 21st. According to spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html there should be a sighting opportunity in Ireland earlier that day, so I'd say there's a decent chance you could see both on that pass.

Seán

Seán is right. Heavens above quotes two passes for Dublin as

19 Dec 18:29:46
20 Dec 18:51:42

I don't know whether Chris Peat's elements take into account the extra drag of the shuttle so these may be out a little. What is certain is that they will pass on these evenings. HA also predicts the shuttle making a pass at 18:40:02 a full 11 minutes ahead of ISS tho I guess that is VERY subject to change.

Lets see, looks very promising.

Hi,

I observed and imaged both the ISS and Shuttle Discovery on the evening
of 22 Dec 2006 from Rush, Co Dublin.
See:
www.irishastrosoc.org/obs.htm#iss


The shuttle image is only approx in focus as it was a bit rushed (I had not expected it to be above the house!).

The ISS was considerably brighter.

By the way you can see how light polluted my back garden is!

John