USC: GTS-4 and GTS-5

[diogom]

The GTS-4 and GTS-5 joint mission ended with the safe landing of the Delta Gliders Columbia and Monitor.
It was the first docking for the Delta Glider. Each orbited the Earth 51 times, covering a distance of 1512660 miles.

The following are the reports on the Launch and Landing of both orbiters, and the docking between the two.

GTS-4 Launch

Columbia launched on the GTS-4 mission on September 10th, at 07:47:40 AM EST, from Kennedy Space Centre. 10 seconds after lift-off, the landing gear was retracted, and Columbia's autopilot banked the ship to align itself to the desired orbital plane off 51º. 10 minutes after lift-off, the Main Engines cut-off, leaving the DG in a 300km x 300km orbit, with an inclination of 51.67º. Radiators were deployed 10 minutes later, at 8:07 AM, and the window filter increased. After a flawless ascent, Columbia will stay at the circular 300 x 300 km orbit, waiting for Monitor to launch and rendezvous.
-Diogo

GTS-5 Launch

Monitor lifted-off at 07:54:58 AM EST, the day after the GTS-4 launch. As usual, 10 seconds after, landing gear was retracted. The ship's autopilot banked the spacecraft to align it to Columbia's orbital plane. After a nominal ascent, the main engines were cut-off 10 minutes after, leaving Monitor in a 240km x 240km orbit. Radiators were deployed 10 minutes later, at 08:14 AM. A plane alignment burn was made at 09:30 AM, and Monitor then began the rendezvous burns. Nothing unsual to report.
-Diogo

GTS-4 and GTS-5 Docking

After approximately one day of free-flying, Monitor began its approach to Columbia. Upon, reaching the closest distance, at 00:51 AM EST, September 12th, the DG's docking autopilot took over. After a nominal final approach, the two spacecraft successfully docked at 00:58 AM, over the Pacific Ocean. Hatch opening and crew meeting took place 1 hour later, at 02:03 AM, over Italy. The docking autopilot ran perfectly, during its first test. No problems to report.
-Diogo

GTS-4 and GTS-5 Undocking

After three and a half hours docked, the two spacecraft undocked at 05:20 AM EST, September 12th, over Germany. The docked time was short, but served its purpose well: to test the DG's docking system and autopilot.
-Diogo

GTS-4 Landing

Columbia performed the de-orbit burn at 07:20 AM EST, September 12th, off the west coast of Australia. Entry interface took place over the Pacific Ocean. After a nominal re-entry to Kennedy Space Centre, Columbia landed at Runway 33. Main gear touchdown took place at 08:31:22 AM EST, nose gear touchdown at 08:31:26 AM. Roll-out had a duration of 2 minutes. Monitor's landing is scheduled for today, the 13th.
-Diogo

GTS-5 Landing

Monitor performed the de-orbit burn at 07:30 AM EST, September 13th, off the west coast of Australia. Entry interface took place over the Pacific Ocean. After a nominal re-entry to Kennedy Space Centre, Monitor landed at Runway 33. Main gear touchdown took place at 08:43:15 AM EST, nose gear touchdown at 08:43:21 AM. Roll-out had a duration of 1:50 minutes. This landing brought the joint GTS-4 and GTS-5 mission to an end. All is go for the next mission.
-Diogo

This was done in real time.

For pictures of the flight, go to: http://unionspacecommand.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=12281140

Also, be sure to check in on our on-going expedition at the ISS, Expedition 56, which you can follow at this blog: http://www.orbiter-forum.com/blog.php?b=808

 

[IronRain]

Great missions guys!

 

[diogom]

Thanks!

 

[Eli13]

Thank you, IronRain.