NationStates Jolt Archive

Today, after years of planning, the National Space Program finally launched Robert Kennwik into space, the first Austarian in space ever. He launched successfully at 0600 hours, and he is currently in low orbit. He will expierience space for a further 24 hours, then he will come back to earth in a slow descent.

This is expected to signify a great future in Austarian space missions.

Here are some pictures of his mission:

The Launch

http://www76.pair.com/tjohnson/sts112.jpg

Liftoff!

http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/photos/images/liftoff-5.jpg

Higher...

http://www.distant-star.com/Images/shuttle_launch.jpg

Into Space!

http://hubble.nasa.gov/art/shuttle_missions/sm2/launch.jpg

View from Space

http://www.naturepostcards.com/space/earth/STS057-073-075.jpg

NBC News

The NSP reports that communications with the ship signify that the mission is on course and going as planned. Astronaught Robert Kennwik is expected to return within the next 6 hours.