APOD ISS

Stunning image on APOD today of the shuttle and the ISS

antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/

This remarkable image of the space shuttle orbiter Atlantis docked with the International Space Station (ISS) was taken at a range of 190 nautical miles. To record the fast moving pair, last week astronomers at Clay Center Observatory, near Boston, Massachusetts, planet Earth, used a satellite tracking system and 25-inch diameter telescope in combination with a digital video camera. In the sharp picture, Atlantis is below and left of center. The aft view shows three main engines just below its vertical tail glinting in the sunlight.

What stuck me after seeing the detail is that it must have been feasible to image Columbia from the ground. At least this shows that it's an option for examining craft in future.

And Mr. Lillis, now that you have your obsession scope we'll be expecting similar images from you :lol:

WOW ... amazing to think that was taken from earth!

Bart.

:shock: :shock:

What stuck me after seeing the detail is that it must have been feasible to image Columbia from the ground. At least this shows that it's an option for examining craft in future.

I believe NASA did receive offers from various organisations to image Columbia with telescopes and satellites but, they knew better...

Michael.

I remember an interview Ron Dantowitz did with Sky and Telescope a good few years ago when he was probably one of a handful of people developing satellite imaging techniques with off-the-shelf equipment. He commented that he had previously had a "courtesy" visit from government personnel VERY interested in what he achieved. They were astonished that Joe Public could image orbiting satellites with cheap gear whereas they had spent zillions of dollars to do the same

I can dig out the interview if anyone is interested.

John

And Mr. Lillis, now that you have your obsession scope we'll be expecting similar images from you :lol:

What I would like to know from Mr Lillis is what he has been doing all this time with his scope? :lol:

Instead of congratulating Dave for such an incredible photo,, we are marvelling over the effort by Ron.