NASA: A Journey Through Space Season 1 Episode 39 Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-127 Launch

NASA: A Journey Through Space season 1 episode 39 is titled Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-127 Launch. This episode chronicles the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and it was tasked with the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS).

The episode begins with an overview of the mission objectives and the crew members. The STS-127 crew consisted of six astronauts, including Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Julie Payette, Christopher Cassidy, Thomas Marshburn, and Dave Wolf. The episode provides detailed biographical information on each of the crew members and their roles in the mission.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 15, 2009. The episode provides an overview of the launch procedures and the preparations that were made leading up to the launch. The launch was originally scheduled for June 13, 2009, but it was delayed due to the need for repairs to the shuttle's hydrogen gas leak.

The episode provides a detailed account of the launch, including the countdown, liftoff, and ascent into orbit. The episode also includes footage of the launch taken from different perspectives, including the cameras on the shuttle and from ground level.

Once the shuttle reached orbit, the crew performed a series of tasks to prepare for their arrival at the ISS. The episode provides an overview of these tasks and the challenges that the crew faced. The STS-127 mission was primarily focused on the assembly of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), which was a laboratory designed to conduct experiments related to space science and technology.

The episode provides an overview of the JEM module and the tasks that the crew performed to install it onto the ISS. The JEM module consisted of two main components: an exposed section that housed external experiments and a pressurized section that provided a workspace for the crew. The installation of the JEM module required several spacewalks, which the episode describes in detail.

The episode also provides an overview of the other tasks that the crew performed during their mission, including the replacement of a failed nitrogen tank and the installation of a new robotic arm on the ISS. The episode also describes the challenges that the crew faced during these tasks, including problems with a tool that was required to remove a bolt.

The episode concludes with the shuttle's return to Earth and the landing at the Kennedy Space Center. The STS-127 mission was considered a success, and the episode concludes by highlighting some of the major achievements of the mission. These achievements included the successful installation of the JEM module, the completion of several important tasks on the ISS, and the safe return of the crew to Earth.

Overall, NASA: A Journey Through Space season 1 episode 39 provides a comprehensive overview of the STS-127 mission and the Space Shuttle Endeavour launch. The episode combines detailed accounts of the mission with stunning footage of the launch and the tasks performed in space. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in space exploration and the history of the Space Shuttle program.