COLBERT, Leonardo and a Neutralino Heading for Space Station
Written by Nancy Atkinson
Discovery lift off. Credit: flyingjenny on Twitpic. Click image for more of flyingjenny's images
The third launch attempt was a charm for space shuttle Discovery and her crew. The STS-128 mission is now underway with a successful liftoff one minute before midnight, local time, from Kennedy Space Center. Discovery is carrying the Leonardo supply module to the International Space Station, and tucked away inside is the COLBERT treadmill, along with several refrigerator-sized racks of science equipment, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system, and other supplies, plus another unusual object packed in Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang's belongings: a theoretical particle called a neutralino.
The plush particle with the CERN logo. Source: CERN
As you may have guessed, Fugelsang didn't bring a real neutralino, but a soft toy version (see the whole collection of particles at Particle Zoo.) Fugelsang is a former CERN physicist and he wanted to take something representing CERN up to space on his mission. He chose the neutralino because it links together astrophysics and particle physics. In particle physics, the neutralino is a hypothetical particle, one of many predicted by supersymmetric theories.
The countdown and launch were textbook, without any hitches or delays. The valve that scrubbed a launch attempt earlier this week behaved normally, and while weather (which forced the first launch scrub) was a concern early during the countdown, the Florida skies eventually cleared allowing for a gorgeous nighttime liftoff. The stunning lead image is courtesy of flyingjenny on Twitter. Click the image for more of her images. Several comments from Twitterers attending the launch said night was turned into day as the shuttle ascended!
The mission is commanded by veteran astronaut Rick "C.J." Sturckow. With him are pilot Kevin Ford and Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester, Jose Hernandez, John "Danny" Olivas, and Fugelsang, along with a new crew member for the station, Nicole Stott.
Of course, the treadmill is named after comedian Stephen Colbert, (if you've been living under a rock and haven't heard about this, read about it here) and otherwise is called the Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill.
Discovery is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Sunday August 30.
Sources: NASA TV, CERN
Filed under: Space Flight, Space Shuttle, Space Station
Tags: Space ShuttleRelated stories on Universe Today
Comment policy: Be nice and brief. Don't advertise your stuff, or promote your personal theories. We'll delete any comments that break these policies. Click here for more details.
August 29th, 2009 at 12:09 am
I watched the launch on NASA TV and it was spectacular, I love night launches.
I also love particle zoo and it's so cool that they're having one of their plushes heading into space.
August 29th, 2009 at 3:34 am
I filmed the launch from 60 miles away in Orlando,FL.with telescope an camera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3RXsStI8pg
The boosters seperating was Awsome!!
August 29th, 2009 at 5:33 am
I love it when big science comes together. Shame on me for not knowing Fuglsang is a particle physicist.
Call me selfish, but I really hope they get to pu up the alpha-spectrometer thingie.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:12 am
@ Sili:
Here's a description of how Fuglesang ran the ALTEA cosmic radiation experiment on his first space mission. (Also describes the DESIRE experiment.) Speak of having particles on your mind!
[And here's a funny example of how his accomplishment are spoofed in the name of education, that I stumbled on.]
"A little-known fact about Christer Fuglesang is that in 1980 the physics section of the students union at KTH awarded him their highest honour: the Order of the Integral for his "remarkable contributions in the services of the section", a recognition of his work helping to integrate new students, and organising and leading the singing at student parties during his time at KTH."
Right, organizing the "snaps" (vodka) songs that are so important for the students social … , em, education and research.
Btw, Fuglesang isn't your everyday swedish name, so I wonder what it comes from. "Bird song", um, Danish or German roots?
August 29th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Duh, a number of writing errors.
Most seriously of them, I meant to imply that I tentatively translate Fuglesang to what perhaps a danish or, less likely perhaps, a german say when they speak of "bird song". Is there a language expert in the house?
August 29th, 2009 at 7:32 am
@ Torbjorn Larsson
Although I am German, I don't know if "Fuglesang" could have German roots. Better ask some Swedish fellows
@ Sili
Selfish? No, everyone wants to see the AMS up and running! Would be too bad if an already buildt experiment cannot be run, especially since it is not just "one" experiment, I deem it to be rather important….
August 29th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Got a great view of the launch from across the state in Tampa, FL. A clear night with the setting gibbous moon low in the west. STS-128 rose above the horizon with a 3/4 degree tongue of orange flame beneath her. Naked-eye and 7×50 binoculars both provided spectacular views. SRB separation was incredible, with the spent, tumbling boosters visible for several minutes after separation. Wish I had a scope and camera for this launch. Quite a memorable August night in Florida
Great to see the plush 'neutralino' in space. Now if we could detect the real deal. Also looking forward to data coming back from the AMS experiment. Good luck and Godspeed to all aboard Discovery.
August 29th, 2009 at 9:53 am
HelloBozos, that's some great video you captured, especially being located in Orlando. Really great shots of SRB separation. Congrats on your efforts!
August 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I will do just like Discovery: A night launch
But I'm just off to a small island in the north see (Baltrum). 1 week of peace and holidays.
'Till then: Farewell!
August 30th, 2009 at 6:02 am
"Fuglesang" does indeed translate directly as "bird song" in Danish. But I suspect the version without e is an old alternativ since our neighbour's house when I was a kid was named "Fuglsang".
There are currently 43 Danes named "Fuglesang" and 1476 named "Fuglsang".
And by selfish I mean that I'm willing to put the lives of other people at stake for the sake of getting the damn thing up there. I wish the Automated Transfer Vehicle was further along (and stronger).
August 30th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
GO Discovery!
FINALLY, some science! Far too many have "poo-poo'd" the ISS as a waste of time, energy and money… And there have been some significant, even important statements made about some of the seemingly wasteful and inefficient methods used by NASA to get to this point. But…The BOTTOM LINE is: NOW, THE SCIENCE BEGINS!
And P.S…. good luck on that serendipitous potential thangy! HO!