CNN - Astronauts chat about mission

Astronauts chat about mission

May 23, 1996
Web posted at: 11:15 a.m. EDT

SPACE CENTER, Houston (CNN) -- Astronauts aboard space shuttle Endeavour huddled inside the craft Thursday to answer questions from outsiders about their 10-day mission.

As four of the six crew members talked with CNN's John Holliman, they described the mission as a complex trip filled with experiments. Many of Holliman's questions were supplied by a group of Cub Scouts.

As Endeavour roamed 180 miles above the Atlantic Ocean, Commander John Casper said the shuttle's mission was twofold:

To test new technology for future spacecraft. Those tests began with the release of two satellites -- one on Monday, the other on Wednesday.(196K AIFF or WAV sound)

To work on semiconductor crystal experiments that could improve electronic devices such as portable computers.(196K AIFF or WAV sound)

Casper summed up the first four days of the 10-day mission as a "very, very productive flight" with very few problems. He attributed the near-perfect flight to a "maturing of the shuttle program."

"As we fly more of these vehicles, we are learning to turn these vehicles around and how to check them out on the ground," he said. "We're just getting a lot better at how to fly and operate in space."

This is the space shuttle program's 77th mission. The other astronauts sitting in on the interview were pilot Curt Brown and mission specialists Dan Bursch and Andy Thomas.

At one point, Thomas -- on his first mission in space -- described takeoff as a "spectacular" sight. (170K AIFF or WAV sound)

"As we went up, I saw the Earth roll away and the clouds recede. As we got higher and higher, faster and faster, I could see shock waves and a red glow out the end of the vehicle," he said. "It was truly a great experience -- one that I'll never forget."

When the interview ended, Mission Control complimented the crew for a "great" interview. The control center then told Casper he's a "master of the understatement" for calling the mission "complex." (145K AIFF or WAV sound)

"Thank you," Casper responded.

Earlier in the day, astronauts worked on the semiconductor tests. They hope to develop large, ultra-pure crystals that could produce faster and more efficient electronic equipment.

Scientists observed the experiments from afar, watching through cameras on Earth.

Endeavour is to return May 29 with a landing in Florida.

Related stories:

The crew of Endeavour - May 18, 1996
Endeavour releases experimental satellite - May 22, 1996
Endeavour captures roving satellite - May 21, 1996
Endeavour unfurls giant antenna - May 20, 1996

Back to the top

Feedback

Send us your comments.
Selected responses are posted daily.

Astronauts chat about mission

Related stories:

Feedback

| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN TECHNOLOGY PAGE |