Madelain Tigano–The Corsair Spectators at the Kennedy Space Center got a double treat today as they gathered before dawn to witness the International Space Station cross the moon about 15 minutes before Discovery launched in a spectacular show. The pre-dawn launch was right on schedule at 6:21 a.m. this morning. “With the shuttle going up through sunrise we got a...
Six hours until expected blastoff of Discovery
Madelain Tigano–The Corsair Alan Poindexter, PJC alumnus and Commander of the STS-131 Discovery space shuttle, is scheduled to walk out with his crew of seven at 2:34 a.m. EST. From there the crew will take a bus to the Discovery shuttle, boarding the shuttle at 3:01 a.m. Poindexter will lead the crew to the international space station on a 13-day...
Fueling of the external tank has begun
At 9:28 p.m. EST, NASA started to fill the external tank attached to Discovery with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The tank is used to fuel the shuttles three main engines weighing at 58,500 pounds and 1,668,500 pounds after it is filled with the propellants. The tank estimates at three hours to complete fueling. The external tank is known as...
Kennedy Space Center showcases wildlife
It is the night before our morning launch and the Corsair team is preparing for an all-nighter of shuttle and astronaut observation. As this blog is being composed the shuttle’s external hydrogen tank is being filled in preparation for the vessel’s 13-day interstellar mission. During our time here we’ve been able to catch glimpses of the diverse habitat that...
NASA informs weather is the only possible delay in STS-131 mission
Madelain Tigano–The Corsair Weather may be the only factor for delay in the launch of STS-131, which is scheduled for Monday morning at 6:21 a.m. EST. PJC’s alumnus, Alan Poindexter will be commanding the Discovery launch. Today at the Kennedy Space Center for the STS-131 news conference, the management team took on questions revolving around system and weather briefings. ...
First day of NASA coverage concludes
We are here in the official NASA Kennedy Space Center news center and have completed the first press conferences of our stay. We positioned the high definition camera in the conference room and made sure to set up early in order to reserve our spot. The technician running sound cables told us that there are a lot of Japanese media...
The Corsair is at NASA
This morning started off with a slope. Breakfast took an hour, and finding the right building for our press passes followed with another hour. But now, The Corsair staff is finally located at the NASA News Center. We have our spot which is seat number 32 out of 42. Even though we line up on the back third row, other...
Multimedia department preps for NASA launch
HD camera? Check. Boom microphone? Check. Reporter’s notebook? Check. Journalistic objectivity? Check. Jubilant anticipation that will probably make me lose sleep? Check. In a dynamic journalism career that has had its ups and downs, I’ve had an opportunity to get close and personal with some intriguing and historic subjects, but none can match the Discovery shuttle. In 2006 I covered...
College students look forward to a long spring break
Madelain Tigano– The Corsair A salty aroma fills the air as the hot rays beat down, tanning exposed flesh. Booze and sun oil lie next to oversized towels of the vacationers who have flocked to the warmth of the shore to release their stress in a week of freedom. Spring break: it’s what most college students look forward to every...