Space Shuttle Comms - Approach to Edwards AFB
Space Shuttle communications during its final approach and landing sequence at Edwards Air Force Base.
Summary
This recording captures the final approach of a NASA Space Shuttle as it prepares for touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base. The crew and Houston Mission Control coordinate critical landing data, including navigation system transitions, speed brake settings, and drag chute deployment. The exchange highlights the precision required to land the world’s most complex unpowered glider.
Analysis
The Space Shuttle was unique in aviation because, during its descent and landing, it functioned as a high-speed glider with no engine power. This meant the crew had exactly one attempt to land correctly; there was no possibility of a "go-around." This transcript captures the final minutes of that high-stakes process, likely during the final years of the Shuttle program (2009-2011).
The mention of "Taking TACAN and GPS" refers to the transition from orbital navigation to terrestrial landing aids. TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) provided the crew with range and bearing to the runway, while GPS provided high-fidelity positioning. As the Shuttle entered the lower atmosphere, the crew also "took air data," meaning they deployed probes to measure actual airspeed and barometric pressure, which are more accurate than GPS for the final flare and touchdown.
A key technical moment in the recording is the discussion of the speed brake. The speed brake consists of the split rudder on the vertical tail. Houston asks for verification of "6%"—a very small setting—and the crew corrects them to "Five-zero percent." This 50% setting is crucial for managing the Shuttle's energy; since it is a heavy glider, the pilot uses the speed brake to "steepen" or "shallow" the glide path to ensure they hit the landing marks perfectly.
The final phase mentioned is the "late chute deploy." The Space Shuttle utilized a 40-foot drag chute to assist in deceleration and reduce the wear on the landing gear brakes. A "late" deployment usually refers to deploying the chute after the nose gear has touched the ground, rather than while the nose is still in the air (aerobraking). The mention of "Kevin" likely refers to the pilot (possibly Kevin Ford of STS-128), and "covers closed" refers to the crew securing their helmet visors or cockpit equipment for the vibration and deceleration of landing.