STS 99 Returns to Kennedy Space Center!

As always, the return of the Space Shuttle to the Space Coast is defined by the dual sonic booms. You would think that everyone here was accustomed to the sound, but that doesn't seem to be the case - even when it is expected! The crew of STS 99 returned to the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center at 6:22 p.m. EST landing on runway 33. Mission Commander, Kevin R. Kregel; Mission Pilot, Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie; Mission Specialist's, Janet L. Kavandi;  Janice E. Voss;  Mamoru Mohri and Gerhard P.J. Thiele traveled 4 millions miles in space and mapped more than 47 million square miles of the earth's surface during the SRTM!

The crewmembers will be returning to their homes to reunite with their families and Endeavor will be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility, Bay 2. The crews at Kennedy Space Center will begin processing Endeavor for the STS-97, International Space Station flight 4A.

The launch of STS 99 was one of the best I have ever seen. The mission was a complete success and was highlighted by the crew adjusting to an adverse fuel problem in which they had to conserve fuel due to a faulty propulsion nozzle on the SRTM mast. The landing was a compliment to this incredible mission and to the crew that performed the mission.

Be sure to join the QUEST "Mission Follow Up" web cast on February 28th, at 1:00 PM EST.