THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR COMING HOME TODAY JULY 31st, 2009 @ 10:48AM EST

SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR STS 127 LANDS TODAY @10:48 AM.READ ON
A lot of more pictures further down. Awesome landing.


















Convoy Rolling
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:54:18 AM EDT

The ground support convoy is moving onto the runway to retrieve the crew and begin the lengthy process of getting the shuttle ready to be towed back to its Orbiter Processing Facility, the hangar where workers ready the shuttles for flight.

Touchdown!
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:49:00 AM EDT

Endeavour has landed!

Flare and Gear Down
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:47:59 AM EDT

Polansky pitches the nose of Endeavour up to slow Endeavour for touchdown on the runway. Landing gear down and locked.

Endeavour Gliding Over Kennedy!
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:45:01 AM EDT

The shuttle has just flown overhead here at Kennedy and Polansky is making his final line up to the runway.

Five Minutes
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:43:52 AM EDT

Endeavour continues on its prescribed landing path toward Kennedy. Polansky will guide the shuttle along the heading alignment cylinder in about two minutes.

Endeavour at Mach 2.5
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:42:12 AM EDT

The shuttle has slowed to Mach 2.5. Six minutes to landing.

10 Minutes to Landing
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:38:22 AM EDT

Endeavour will glide over Cuba before heading up Florida's Atlantic coast on its way to Kennedy. Landing is still on schedule for 10:48 a.m. Shuttle is 443,000 feet above Earth.

Roll Reversal
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:36:37 AM EDT

Moving at 11,000 mph and slowing, Endeavour is turning to the right now to conclude a sweeping S-turn that helps the shuttle dissipate speed and energy. 450 miles to go.

Peak Heating
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:29:27 AM EDT

Endeavour is now in the area of maximum heating. It will last another six minutes or so as the shuttle slows tremendously from its orbital speed of Mach 25. Polansky and Hurley work carefully to make sure they keep up the shuttle's energy to glide all the way back to Florida and land safely. All systems are working as they should.

First Roll
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:25:28 AM EDT

Steering through the thickening atmosphere, Polansky and the seven crew members are watching the plasma form around the spacecraft as the heat shield insulates the craft from the effects.

Support Convoy Moving Into Position
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:21:34 AM EDT

A long string of specialized trucks is lining up just off the runway here. They will move into place after Endeavour comes to a stop and the area around it has been deemed safe. Some of the trucks vent hazardous chemicals out of the orbiter's systems, while others tend to the crew and time-sensitive experiments and equipment. New NASA Administrator Charles Bolden is scheduled to be in the convoy commander's vehicle as it rolls out to meet Endeavour.

Entry Interface
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:16:44 AM EDT

Endeavour is starting to encounter the upper levels of the atmosphere. It is about 5,000 miles from Kennedy. Polansky will steer the shuttle into a sweeping left turn in about five minutes to help slow the spacecraft, sort of like a skier using the edges to bite into a snowy slope.

Less than an Hour Before Landing
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:56:07 AM EDT

Endeavour's return to Earth is about 50 minutes away, scheduled for 10:48 a.m.

Teams Watch for Birds
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:53:44 AM EDT

The Shuttle Landing Facility, like all the KSC facilities, is in a wildlife refuge. So occasionally a team goes out and fires blanks into the air to scare away groups of birds that mingle around the runway. The shots, along with the engines of the Shuttle Training Aircraft, define the sounds out here on landing day.

Burn Complete, Endeavour on Target
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:46:12 AM EDT

The orbital maneuvering system has done its job and Endeavour has taken a critical step to land at 10:48 a.m. at Kennedy today.

Engines Burning for Deorbit
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:44:37 AM EDT

The two orbital maneuvering system thrusters at the back of Endeavour are firing now to slow the spacecraft. They will slow Endeavour's Mach 25 velocity. Then Endeavour, which is flying backward with its payload bay facing Earth, will flip over so its nose is pointing forward and the heat shield will be facing the atmosphere.

Deorbit Burn at 9:42 a.m.
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:32:12 AM EDT

Polansky will maneuver Endeavour so it is facing backward in relation to the Earth. He will fire the twin orbital maneuvering system engines for a couple minutes, just enough to slow the shuttle's 17,500 mph speed so gravity can take hold and pull it into the atmosphere.

"Go" for Deorbit Burn
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:28:32 AM EDT

Mission Control cleared Endeavour to land at the 10:48 a.m. opportunity at Kennedy, the first of today. "You are a steely eyed hero," Polansky radioed back to Houston when told of the "go."

Crew Strapped In
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:17:58 AM EDT

The seven astronauts on Endeavour are not all keeping the same seats they had for launch. As commander and pilot, Polansky and Doug Hurley remain in the front seats of the flight deck. Each has identical controls and a stick and both can fly Endeavour's landing profile from their seats. Julie Payette keeps her station as flight engineer, sitting behind and between Polansky and Hurley as she did for launch. Tom Marshburn sits behind Hurley on the flight deck for landing, a change from his launch seat. On the lower level, called the middeck, Chris Cassidy sits on the left, closest to the hatch. Japan's Koichi Wakata, who was living on the International Space Station, will sit in a reclined seat between Cassidy and David Wolf, who is on the right side of the middeck.

Endeavour to aim for Runway 15
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:13:39 AM EDT

Commander Mark Polansky is to steer Endeavour to land from the northwest, on what is known as runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The SLF has only one runway, but it is numbered differently depending on which direction the shuttle approaches from. The runway 33 designation uses a glide approach from the south east.

Landing Tracks
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:59:42 AM EDT

Paste this address into your browser to see the paths Endeavour would take during its two landing opportunities: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts127/news/landing.html

"Go" for Fluid Loading
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:39:40 AM EDT

The astronauts inside Endeavour have been told to begin drinking fluids in preparation for the return to gravity.

What to Expect This Morning
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:34:25 AM EDT

The decision from Mission Control to "go" for landing sets off a timeline that begins when the shuttle is floating in space at 17,500 mph and ends with the shuttle sitting still on the runway at Kennedy. Although there are scores of small steps along the way, the major milestones are the deorbit burn, entry interface, peak heating and the long glide before banking the shuttle through a broad turn to line up with the runway. Then there's the touch down of the main gear and nose gear before the landing can be declared a success. We'll highlight these crucial points throughout the morning. The "go/no-go" decision is expected at 9:22 a.m. and the weather here remains acceptable for landing at 10:48 a.m.

STS-127 a Busy but Successful Mission
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:21:57 AM EDT

Endeavour's seven astronauts spent more than two weeks in space, and they needed all of it to pull off a challenging array of tasks. They installed the last piece of Japan's "Kibo" space laboratory complex on the International Space Station, performed five spacewalks and used three robotic arms to help in the work along the way. Tim Kopra, who flew into space aboard Endeavour, remains on the station after trading seats with Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, who is returning to Earth today aboard Endeavour.

Lindsey Takes Off to Evaluate Weather
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:07:48 AM EDT

Chief astronaut Steve Lindsey just took off from the Shuttle Landing Facility in a Shuttle Training Aircraft to study weather conditions along Endeavour's projected landing path. The STA, as it is known, is a Gulfstream II business jet that has been modified to fly like a gliding shuttle so commanders and pilots can practice landings. Lindsey's experiences this morning will be radioed to Endeavour Commander Mark Polansky so he can know more of what to expect as when he and his crew land.

Welcome to Landing Coverage of Endeavour!
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:44 AM EDT

Good morning from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where the sun is helping provide us with a bright but humid morning. We are at the Shuttle Landing Facility, a 3-mile-long runway built specifically for the space shuttle. Landing time is 10:48 a.m. and we expect the seven astronauts on Endeavour to get an official "go/no-go" decision at 9:22 a.m. for this first landing try. The weather forecast remains acceptable for landing this morning, although meteorologists will watch the conditions carefully throughout the morning. There is also a second opportunity today at 12:22 p.m. here at Kennedy. Enjoy the coverage!

Weather Forecast "Go" for First Opportunity
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:30:14 AM EDT

The current and forecast weather conditions are "go" for that landing try, but meteorologists will continue to monitor the conditions throughout the morning. A final decision on the first landing time will be made at about 9:20 a.m. Right now, Endeavour's payload bay doors are closed and latched. First landing try would put Endeavour on the runway at 10:48 a.m.

Endeavour Gets "Go" to Close Doors
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:00:26 AM EDT

Mission Control gave STS-127 Commander Mark "Roman" Polansky the go-ahead to close Endeavour's payload bay doors. That is a critical step in the landing procedure, though it doesn't necessarily mean controllers have decided to land at the first opportunity today, which is at 10:48 a.m.

Join Us at 8 a.m. for Landing!
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:50:27 AM EDT

Space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven astronauts are to return to Kennedy Space Center in Florida today after more than two weeks in space. We will cover the entry and landing from here at the Shuttle Landing Facility starting at 8 a.m. EDT.

Landing 101

Follow along with the landing! Whether the space shuttle lands at the prime landing site at Kennedy Space Center in Florida or its backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the Virtual Launch Control Center is the only place online to get breaking information directly from NASA.

When it is time to return to Earth, the orbiter is rotated tail-first into the direction of travel to prepare for another firing of the orbital maneuvering system engines. This firing is called the deorbit burn. Time of ignition (TIG) is usually about an hour before landing. The burn lasts three to four minutes and slows the shuttle enough to begin its descent.

Leaving behind in orbit a new porch for the International Space Station, two pair of small research satellites, and a new space station resident, the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour is turning its attention toward home.

Endeavour is scheduled to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center on Friday with a touchdown at 9:48 a.m. CDT. The shuttle would begin its descent from orbit with a deorbit engine firing at 8:42 a.m. CDT. In preparation for that landing, Endeavour's payload bay doors would be closed at 6:02 a.m. CDT. Weather conditions at Kennedy are forecast to be favorable for landing, although a slight chance of rain is possible.

A second opportunity exists for a landing in Florida on Friday, beginning with a deorbit engine firing at 10:17 a.m. CDT, leading to an 11:22 a.m. CDT touchdown. No other shuttle landing sites are being considered for a Friday landing. If weather prevents a landing Friday, alternate landing sites would be called up for Saturday’s landing opportunities.

Today, Endeavour Commander Mark Polansky and Pilot Doug Hurley checked out the systems the shuttle will use as it returns home, finding everything in excellent shape. The crew also deployed two pairs of small satellites from canisters in the shuttle’s payload bay. The first, called Dual RF Astrodynamic GPS Orbital Navigator Satellite (DRAGONSat), studies the independent rendezvous of spacecraft in orbit using Global Positioning Satellite data. The two satellites were designed and built by students at the University of Texas, Austin, and Texas A&M University, College Station.

The second pair of satellites, called Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment-2 (ANDE-2), measure the density and composition of the rarified atmosphere 200 miles above the Earth’s surface.

Endeavour will bring home Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, who has spent 138 days in space and was a member of three station expedition crews. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra launched aboard Endeavour and remains on the station as a resident.

Endeavour's crew begins its sleep period at 5:03 p.m. CDT. The crew will awaken at 1:03 a.m. CDT Friday. The next shuttle status report will be issued after landing, or earlier if events warrant.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

Space shuttle Endeavour STS MISSION 127 Launches from Kennedy Space Center JULY 15, 2009 @ 6:03 PM after 5 previous attemps

Lift off! Space shuttle Endeavour STS MISSION 127 launches from Kennedy Space Center July 15, 2009 @ 6:03 PM.












After 5 scrubs, space shuttle Endeavour has finally lifted off from launch pad 39a at Kennedy Space Center, starting its 16-day mission to the international space station.

After 3 weather related delays in the last week and 2 delays due to a hydrogen leak in June, it was starting to look like Endeavour would never get off the ground, but weather cooperated at the end.

Endeavour Reaches Orbit
Main engine cutoff is confirmed: space shuttle Endeavour has reached orbit. The shuttle lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as planned at 6:03 p.m. EDT and began its orbital chase of the International Space Station, orbiting 225 miles above Earth's surface.

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.

The STS-127 crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Kopra will join the space station crew and replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Wakata will return to Earth on Endeavour to conclude a three-month stay at the station.

Endeavour heads toward busy, complex construction job

Finding just enough blue sky to streak through on yet another stormy day, Endeavour blasted off at last Wednesday evening -- headed for one of the longest, most crowded and complex missions in space shuttle history.

The 6:03 p.m. launch – on NASA’s sixth attempt in 33 days -- appeared flawless at Kennedy Space Center and mission managers reported no immediate technical concerns as the seven astronauts headed out on what is largely an international space station construction and resupply mission. On schedule, the shuttle dropped the external tank 9 minutes into the flight and rocketed toward orbit.

The seven astronauts will dock Friday with the space station, which already has six crew members. That puts 13 people onboard for the first time. Endeavour’s 16 days in space will mark one of NASA’s longest space shuttle missions.

Who’s on board?
Mark Polansky, 53, from northern New Jersey, is commander of a shuttle for the second time. He is providing brief Internet updates from space to more than 30,000 people following him on Twitter.com, where he’s known as ASTRO_127. “Hope next tweet is from orbit. We’ll see,” he posted before boarding on Wednesday.

Marine Col. Doug Hurley, 42, will be the pilot, on his first shuttle mission. The rest of the crew includes shuttle veterans Dave Wolf, 52, of Indianapolis, on his fifth space flight; and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette, 45, of Montreal, Quebec; and first-time astronauts Navy Cmdr. Chris Cassidy, 39, of Maine; Tom Marshburn, 48, a medical doctor from North Carolina; and Tim Kopra, 46, of Austin, Texas. Kopra will stay on the space station as its new flight engineer, replacing Koichi Wakata, 45, who will leave with Endeavor July 28.

What will they do?
NASA put so many people, days and tasks into the mission in part because time is running out. NASA plans just seven more shuttle flights.

The 13 people will work together onboard the space station for 13 days, making five space walks and maneuvering three robotic space arms for the first time.

Their biggest project: finishing the $1 billion, Japanese “Kibo” lab. Endeavour’s crew will deliver and install the final two sections, including a six-meter exposed space lab – essentially an outdoor balcony with an out-of-this-world view -- for open-space experiments and Earth and space observations.

“They have one of the most complex missions we have ever set out to do, in terms of the amount of spacewalking and the amount of robotics, and in terms of the choreography,” observed fellow NASA astronaut Cady Coleman.

Florida summer
Mission STS-127 originally was to launch June 13. Two attempts in June were scrubbed due to a hydrogen line leak. Stormy evening weather pestering Cape Canaveral all week forced NASA to scrub launches Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On Wednesday afternoon storms lifted just an hour or so before launch time.

NASA had no choice but to schedule evening times – always a weather gamble in Central Florida in the summer – to minimize the flight paths needed to chase and catch the orbiting space station.
Columbia holds the with seven delays before a 1995 liftoff.

SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR & MISSION STS127 TO LIFT-OFF TODAY JULY 15, 2009 AT 6:03 PM

LIFT OFF OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR, STS MISSION 127. !!!












Liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:03:21 PM EDT

Space shuttle Endeavour and a crew of seven astronauts are rocketing into orbit, beginning a two-day pursuit of the International Space Station. Endeavour's two solid rocket boosters ignited right on schedule at 6:03 p.m. EDT, sending the shuttle soaring past the launch tower at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The boosters burn out about two minutes into the climb, leaving Endeavour's trio of main engines to complete the ascent to orbit. Stand by for main engine cutoff, expected about eight-and-a-half minutes into flight.












See you for landing!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:21:15 PM EDT

NASA’s Launch Blog is closing up for the evening after the launch of space shuttle Endeavour. You can follow the 16-day mission of STS-127 on NASA TV and on NASA's shuttle Web site at www.nasa.gov/shuttle. The crew will conduct five spacewalks and install the last piece of the Japanese "Kibo" space laboratory complex on the International Space Station during the flight. We will return on landing day to track Endeavour as it comes back to Earth and lands at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Thanks again for joining us today!

Tank Jettisoned
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:12:35 PM EDT

The external tank has fallen away from Endeavour as scheduled.

MECO! Endeavour is in Space and in Pursuit of ISS
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:11:56 PM EDT

Eight-and-a-half minutes after launch, space shuttle Endeavour has reached orbit and is on its way to the International Space Station with the final piece of the Japanese Kibo laboratory. Even at 17,500 mph, it will take the shuttle two days to catch up to and dock with the station. Endeavour is scheduled to return to Earth in 16 days.

8,300 MPH
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:09:45 PM EDT

Six minutes after launch.

Negative Return
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:08:50 PM EDT

Endeavour is too far away and going to fast to return to Kennedy in the unlikely event of an emergency. All systems are go and the main engines are working fine.

Booster Separation!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:05:41 PM EDT

Endeavour is flying on the strength of its three liquid-fueled engines now after the twin solid rocket boosters have burned out and fallen away. The shuttle’s engines are burning propellants stored in the external tank. The engines will shut down in about six minutes, which is when Endeavour will be at orbital velocity and in space.

Endeavour Rides Pillars of Fire Skyward
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:04:58 PM EDT

After rolling into a heads-down position, Endeavour is flying precisely along its path to catch the International Space Station. All systems are working fine. The twin solid rocket boosters will separate 2 1/2 minutes after launch.

Liftoff!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:03:26 PM EDT

Space shuttle Endeavour, seven astronauts and the last piece of Japan’s space lab are bound for orbit! Endeavour has cleared the tower.

Main Engines Ignite!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:03:14 PM EDT

The three liquid-fueled engines on the back of Endeavour are roaring to life. Six seconds to liftoff!

Crew Closes Visors
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:02:13 PM EDT

The astronauts have closed and locked their visors for liftoff. All systems "Go."

Vent Hood Retracting into Launch Tower
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:01:08 PM EDT

The white “beanie cap” that funnels evaporating oxygen away from the external tank has been lifted off the tank and is swinging toward the launch tower into its position for liftoff.
Eight large bolts are holding the shuttle stack to the pad. The bolts will split at the T-0 point to allow Endeavour to lift off on its mission to the International Space Station.

T-5 Minutes and Counting . . .
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:58:33 PM EDT

Endeavour will go through a series of automated tests in the last few minutes to make sure its control surfaces, engines and other systems are working right.

Crew Access Arm Moves Away from Endeavour
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:56:08 PM EDT

T-7 minutes and counting . . . The platform from the launch tower to the shuttle’s hatch has been retracted and is moving into launch position where it will not obstruct Endeavour’s liftoff. The arm holds the White Room, which is the enclosed area where the astronauts get ready to board the shuttle. The arm can be moved back into position quickly if it is needed.

Nine Fast Minutes
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:54:49 PM EDT

The last portion of the countdown is the most dynamic of launch day, as you might expect. The Ground Launch Sequencer is now running the countdown. The orbiter access arm, with the white room at the end, will swing away from Endeavour seven minutes before launch. The vent arm that captures evaporating oxygen off the top of the external tank moves away 2 1/2 minutes from liftoff. In between all that, the shuttle's computers and systems spring into operation, including the auxiliary power units and fuel cells. Onboard computers take control of the countdown 31 seconds before launch. The three main engines come to life six seconds before launch and build up pressure. At T-0, the solid rocket boosters ignite and the gaseous hydrogen vent arm falls away from the tank while Endeavour vaults straight up. On the strength of some 7 million pounds of thrust from the boosters and three main engines, the shuttle reaches 100 mph as it clears the tower seven seconds after launch.

Countdown Resumes
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:54:17 PM EDT

T- 9 minutes and counting . . . With good weather and no technical issues, the countdown for STS-127 has resumed on time. Launch time is 6:03 p.m.

Endeavour Go for Launch!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:52:20 PM EDT

"It is now time to fly," Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told the STS-127 astronauts.

"We're ready to go and we're taking all of you with us on a great mission," Commander Mark Polansky radioed back.

Final “Go/ No-Go” Polling Under Way
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:50:11 PM EDT

Launch Director Pete Nickolenko is polling the launch team and the crew before clearing Endeavour for liftoff at 6:03 p.m. There are no technical issues and the weather is holding steady.

NASA’s mission management team has given its unanimous approval for launch.

Less than 10 percent Chance of Poor Weather
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:40:45 PM EDT

After a day of rain, the weather has cooperated with STS-127 and forecasters predict a better than 90 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time.

MMT Poll Complete
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:38:34 PM EDT

The prelaunch Mission Management Team conducted its readiness poll and Chairman Mike Moses will relay that to STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko during the launch director's final readiness poll. Liftoff is on schedule for 6:03 p.m.

Today’s Launch Window
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:22:29 PM EDT

While Endeavour has 10 minutes to liftoff on its mission to the International Space Station this evening, the optimum time is in the middle, at 6:03 p.m. That is the time the launch pad at Kennedy is “in-plane” with the International Space Station. That means the shuttle does not have to use as much of its fuel during the climb into space to catch the station on time. Launching today, Endeavour would dock with the station Friday afternoon.

Weather Odds Improving
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:17:34 PM EDT

Forecasters have increased the odds of acceptable conditions to launch today at 6:03 p.m. The forecast stands now at 80 percent chance of good weather at liftoff, up from 60 percent earlier.

Countdown in Final Hold
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:10:22 PM EDT

T-9 minutes and holding . . . The countdown will pause for 45 minutes to set up everything for the last run to liftoff. The launch team, mission control and the mission management team will conduct their last readiness polls during this hold. The clock is to resume at 5:54 p.m. to launch at the preferred time of 6:03 p.m.

One Hour to Launch
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:03:44 PM EDT

We are one hour from the preferred launch time for STS-127. Weather continues to show improvement and no technical issues have developed.

Important Piece for Station
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:00:30 PM EDT

Endeavour is carrying a complex platform to the International Space Station that will complete the Japanese space laboratory "Kibo" which means "Hope." The platform is outfitted to hold experiments, instruments and equipment designed to work outside the station in the vacuum of space. The Japanese lab is made of three components: The Pressurized Module, which is an enclosed area that astronauts can work in without special suits, the Logistics Module which serves as a high-tech closet for equipment and experiments, and the Exposed Facility, which is the platform Endeavour is carrying. Endeavour is also carrying the Exposed Section, which is a storage platform designed to work with the Exposed Facility. The transport section is loaded with experiments and equipment that will be moved to the Exposed Facilty. Then the Exposed Section will come back with Endeavour.

Countdown Resumes
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:58:42 PM EDT

T-20 minutes and counting . . . The countdown will wind down to T-9 minutes and hold again for the last planned time.

Countdown Holds at T-20 minutes as Planned
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:48:07 PM EDT

T-20 minutes and holding . . . The countdown clock has paused for 10 minutes during this scheduled hold. Weather is improving and the launch team is not working any technical issues.

Weather is Go!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:35:55 PM EDT

No launch weather violations now. Launch remains on schedule for 6:03 p.m.

On the Loops
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:32:23 PM EDT

The launch team uses a number of audio channels to talk to each other during the countdown without having to leave their console. From the firing rooms, they can also communicate with teams around the center, such as the Closeout Crew and Final Inspection Team at Launch Pad 39A. Of course, they can also talk to the astronauts when they get in the shuttle. They refer to the channels as "the loops" and the controllers adopt a tone that would make Dragnet's Joe Friday proud. Most of the conversations refer to the extensive checklists leading to liftoff and controllers can be heard saying things like, "Step X complete, moving to step Y." They also have regular conversations, too, such as when talking about the forecast or any troubles that might develop. So far today, there have not been any technical issues to discuss, but there have been many discussions about the weather.

Weather Improving
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:18:33 PM EDT

The weather for STS-127's launch today has improved enough that forecasters have lifted the "no-go" status on several flight rules. There is still one violation, however, involving an anvil cloud in the area. There is still time for the conditions to improve before launch at 6:03 p.m.

Hatch Leak Check Complete
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:14:39 PM EDT

The hatch for Endeavour passed its leak checks and launch preparations continue on schedule toward a launch at 6:03 p.m. The Closeout Crew will now set up the white room for launch and then leave the pad.

Two Hours to Launch
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:02:19 PM EDT

Endeavour is two hours from its preferred launch time of 6:03 p.m. There are no technical issues, but the weather in the area remains unsettled. Forecasters are hopeful that the poor weather will not stick around long enough to force another postponement of the launch.

Chief Astronaut Flying Weather Recon
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:54:47 PM EDT

Chief Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying a NASA T-38 jet in the vicinity of Kennedy to evaluate atmospheric conditions first-hand. Later, he will fly a Shuttle Training Aircraft to study conditions and advise Endeavour Commander Mark Polansky what to expect.

Endeavour's Hatch Closed
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:50:45 PM EDT

The technicians in the Close Crew closed Endeavour's hatch and locked it. The crew can still open it quickly from the inside. Next up is a series of leak checks on the hatch.

Radio Checks Under Way
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:43:28 PM EDT

The crew of Endeavour is conducting communications checks with launch controllers at Kennedy and mission control in Houston. Outside the shuttle, the Closeout Crew is working through its processes before closing the shuttle hatch.

Anvil Cloud Develops
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:29:06 PM EDT

Current storms in the area are dying out as expected, but Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters has called attention to a cloud formation to the northeast that could develop into anvil clouds that could blow into the launch area in the coming hours. The countdown continues to move at T-1 hour, 39 minutes and counting.

Payette Last Aboard Endeavour
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:23:30 PM EDT

Canadian astronaut Julie Payette will make history for her country once she gets into space. Fellow Canadian Robert Thirsk is already living in the International Space Station, so once Payette reaches orbit, it will be the first time two Canadians have been in space at the same time. For STS-127, Payette is serving as the flight engineer, so she will sit on the flight deck behind and between Commander Mark Polansky and Pilot Doug Hurley. She will aid them during launch and help them follow milestones during the climb into space.

Fuel Cell Successfuly Tested
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:18:02 PM EDT

The pre-launch Mission Management Team is going to discuss an issue with one of Endeavour's fuel cells, but it is not expected to be a problem after the device passed testing earlier today. Engineers in Houston have test data based on Monday’s launch attempt that indicated fuel cell No. 3 could have a problem that wouldn’t allow it to operate at a low power level when Endeavour is plugged into the station’s solar arrays to augment shuttle power using the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS). That would mean the fuel cell would use more oxygen and hydrogen reactants inside the cell than planned and has the potential to affect the overall mission duration, which is scheduled to last 16-days. The fuel cells generate power aboard Endeavour by combining oxygen and hydrogen.

Wolf: We're Going Today!
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:09:14 PM EDT

Astronaut Dave Wolf gave a thumbs-up to camera in white Room before climbing into the shuttle. Wolf is an experienced spacewalker and is the second medical doctor flying the STS-127 mission. He has spent 158 days in space to this point, including 128 days living on the Russian space station Mir. Wolf will lead three spacewalks during the STS-127 mission.

"Rally Cap" Cassidy Gets Into Endeavour
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:58:05 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy turned his cap upside down as a morale boost as he was waiting to board Endeavour. Cassidy is a Navy SEAL and has been giving his thumbs up gestures enthusiastically during today's countdown. This is his first spaceflight, but his third suit-up for this launch, as it has been for the STS-127 crew.

Endeavour's First Doctor Climbs Aboard
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:52:44 PM EDT

Tom Marshburn is moving quickly into the seat on the lower level closest to the hatch. After donning his black communications carrier, also known as the "Snoopy hat," Marshburn crawled through the hatch and into Endeavour. A flight surgeon when he came to NASA, Marshburn joined the astronaut corps in May 2004. He is also a backpacking enthusiast and once trekked from Canada to Mexico on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hurley Inside Endeavour
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:48:24 PM EDT

Pilot Doug Hurley will make his first flight into space in the right-hand seat of the flight deck next to commander Mark Polansky. Hurley, a Marine Corps test pilot before joining NASA, counts cycling among his hobbies. Perhaps that's part of the reason the crew has spent some of their mornings before launch watching the Tour de France, the crown jewel of bicycle racing.

Kopra Boards Endeavour
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:39:11 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Tim Kopra is getting into his place on the lower level of the crew compartment. His seat is the farthest from the hatch on the middeck. Kopra will become a member of the International Space Station crew soon after Endeavour docks at the orbiting space laboratory. Current station resident Koichi Wakata will join the STS-127 crew and return to Earth with them while Kopra lives on the station until STS-128 comes to pick him up.

Commander Boards Endeavour
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:36:17 PM EDT

Mark Polansky, commander of STS-127, has entered the hatch on the side of Endeavour and is moving to the left-hand seat at the front of the shuttle's flight deck. Because the shuttle is on its tail, the crew has to pull their legs up over their heads to get into position. The cockpit is set up so that the back wall of the crew compartment is strong enough to act as a floor for the technicians and astronauts as they get into position.

Astronauts at Launch Pad 39A
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:31:28 PM EDT

The crew of STS-127 reached the launch pad and the astronauts are now heading up the elevator to the Orbiter Access Arm and its white room. The white room reaches out to Endeavour's hatch. They will board one by one in a careful process that gives each one time and room to get comfortable in their seats for launch.

Weather Trend is Looking Good
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:27:18 PM EDT

Shuttle Weather Office Kathy Winters advised the launch team that the weather condition at Kennedy is improving, although several factors are curently violating launch rules. She said the storms now in the area should move west by launch time and leave the sky clear for Endeavour's flight. The shuttle is showing no technical issues and launch is on schedule for 6:03 p.m.








Space shuttle Endeavour astronauts Front row, pilot Doug Hurley (left), commander Mark Polansky (right) second row, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette (left) Christopher Cassidy (right) third row, Tom Marshburn (left)Tim Kopra (right) and and rear, Dave Wolf walkout as the crew of 7 astronauts leave the crew quarters to board shuttle Endeavour.

Flight Crew Boards Astrovan
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:14:23 PM EDT

The astronauts' trip to space begins with an Earthbound drive to the launch pad. After spending the morning at the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations & Checkout Building, the crew is now riding inside the Astrovan which is a modified Airstream motor home. The vehicle is big enough on the inside to accomodate the crews and their bulky pressure suits. It will take less than half an hour to reach Endeavour.

Countdown Resumes on Schedule
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:08:14 PM EDT

T-3 hours and counting . . . The launch team has restarted the countdown clock after a built-in hold. The clock will tick backwards to T-20 minutes before entering its next pause. No technical problems have cropped up, but weather conditions would not allow a launch right now. However, the clouds and rain are expected to move away by launch time.

Four Hours to Launch
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:02:13 PM EDT

Endeavour has four more hours before its preferred liftoff time at 6:03 p.m. The Phase II lightning warning at the Launch Pad 39A area has been lifted. The crew is due to board the Astrovan shortly and head to Endeavour.

Crew Getting into Launch-and-Entry Suits
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:50:28 PM EDT

Endeavour's seven astronauts are dressing for launch at the Operations & Checkout Building at Kennedy. The astronauts are wearing the familiar bright-orange partial pressure suits that are designed and equipped to help an astronaut in the event of an emergency. The suit includes a helmet and gloves that, when locked into place, seal the suit.

Forecasters Hopeful Rain Will Clear
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:47:00 PM EDT

Parts of Kennedy are getting drenched this afternoon, including Launch Complex 39A and Endeavour. Although the current weather is not acceptable, meteorologists expect the clouds and rain to either dissipate or move out of the area by launch time this evening.

Polansky Looks for Favorable Trend
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:39:38 PM EDT

STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky reported on his Twitter feed (Astro_127) that he suited up once for his STS-98 launch, twice for his STS-116 flight and today marks the third time he has suited up for this mission. So if the pattern holds, he will go into space today.

Crew Gets Weather Briefing
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:36:28 PM EDT

Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialist Julie Payette, who is the flight engineer, are getting a detailed review of current weather conditions and what is expected at launch time today. The countdown remains in a planned hold at T-3 hours. Liftoff remains on schedule for 6:03 p.m.

Endeavour Delays Not a Record
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:18:52 PM EDT

Even with five postponements under its belt, the STS-127 mission is not the record holder for delayed scheduled launch dates, but it's close. Space shuttle Columbia’s STS-61C and STS-73 missions did not launch until their seventh attempts. Today is the sixth attempt for Endeavour.

Rain at Launch Pad 39A
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:12:18 PM EDT

Rain is falling on Endeavour this afternoon as the Final Inspection Team goes about its shuttle survey.

The Astronauts' Day Ahead
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:06:15 PM EDT

The seven astronauts who will fly Endeavour to the International Space Station had breakfast and lunch earlier today and will be given a detailed weather briefing in about 30 minutes. They'll walk over to the suit-up room in the Operations & Checkout Building to get into the partial pressure suits for launch. They are due at Launch Pad 39A just before 3 p.m. Then they'll take their seats inside Endeavour and work through detailed checklists before launch. Liftoff remains on schedule for 6:03 p.m.

Teams at Launch Pad 39A
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:42:08 PM EDT

The Closeout Crew and Final Inspection Team are working through their well-choreographed and highly specialized routines at Launch Pad 39A in preparation for liftoff this evening. The Closeout Crew will help the astronauts climb aboard Endeavour and get situated for launch. They will also close the hatch later and conduct leak checks before departing the pad. The Final Inspection Team, on the other hand, is interested in the outside of the shuttle. They are studying Endeavour, the solid rocket boosters and external tank for large chunks of ice or other debris on or near the shuttle. The Closeout Crew are dressed in white coveralls while the Final Inspection Team wears orange coveralls. The coveralls for both teams are numbered so the technicians can be accounted for during their time at the pad.

Current Conditions Red
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:36:01 PM EDT

The weather around Kennedy would not allow a launch right now because cumulus clouds and lightning in the area violate rules. Forecasters hope the poor weather will either dissipate or move inland and out of the way as the 6:03 p.m. liftoff time gets closer.

All Eyes on Weather Today
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:29:41 PM EDT

Welcome to the NASA Launch Blog for the STS-127 mission. With 5 1/2 hours until today's preferred launch time, Endeavour is in good shape and the meteorologists are once again surveying the weather here at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The external tank has been filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for the three main engines and no technical issues have arisen. The weather, which prompted postponements on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, is the focus of the afternoon and specialists give a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:03 p.m.

Tanking Complete; Launch Blog Begins at 12:30
Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:38:13 AM EDT

Join NASA's Launch Blog for detailed coverage of the countdown to the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Continuous coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. with liftoff scheduled for 6:03 p.m. Endeavour's external tank has been filled with about 535,000 gallons of super-cold propellants and the clock is in a planned hold at T-3 hours

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH FOR KEEPING US SAFE. You will always be my PRESIDENT. Job well done ! God bless you and your family always

POSTPONED ! SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR & MISSION STS127 TO LIFT-OFF TODAY JULY 12, 2009 AT 7:13 PM

It is official...NO GO FOR LAUNCH TODAY. NASA WILL TRY
6:51:24 PM ON MONDAY.

NO GO FOR LAUNCH AT THE MOMENT DUE TO LIGHTHING IN THE AREA. NASA IS OBSERVING THE SITUATION. KEEP CHECKING BACK HERE FOR UPDATES.













UPDATE:
Launch Team to try Again Monday
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:03:07 PM EDT

Endeavour will be readied for another launch attempt Monday with a launch time at 6:51 p.m.

Poor Weather Scrubs Tonight's Launch Attempt
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:01:55 PM EDT

"We got the vehicle ready, but the weather didn't cooperate," Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told Endeavour's seven astronauts. Today's launch attempt has been scrubbed.

Runway Weather is Focus of Concern
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:47:36 PM EDT

Weather forecasters are monitoring conditions at Kennedy, but right now a launch would not be allowed because of storms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Readiness Polls Coming Up
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:27:41 PM EDT

Three major polls to clear the way for the last phase of the countdown will be conducted during this hold. The Mission Management Team will give its final readiness approval during this time and then Launch Director Pete Nickolenko will query the Kennedy launch team, mission control in Houston and the astronauts for their readiness before allowing the countdown to resume. Weather remains the primary concern for this evening's launch.

Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:17:55 PM EDT

T-9 minutes and holding . . . The countdown has paused as planned for the final time before today's scheduled launch of Endeavour. This hold will last about 45 minutes and can be adjusted to set up the best launch time for the shuttle's liftoff to the International Space Station. The launch team will receive weather updates during the hold, since meteorologists are concerned about storms encroaching the areas around the Shuttle Landing Facilty and Launch Pad 39A.

Countdown Proceeding as Weather Raises Concerns
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:13:58 PM EDT

T-13 minutes and counting . . . The launch team is evaluating weather conditions near Launch Pad 39A and the Shuttle Landing Facility after clouds and lightning began building near the locations. The specific concerns are for cumulus clouds and lightning potential closer than 20 miles from the Shuttle Landing Facility. There are also worries that clouds will encroach the 10-mile boundary for the launch pad as well.

Weather Conditions Currently "No-Go"
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:03:07 PM EDT

Forecasters at NASA's Spaceflight Meteorology Group say current conditions violate rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy. There is also a seabreeze coming off Florida's west coast that is making the weather more dynamic.

Technicians Close Endeavour's Hatch
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:01:46 PM EDT

The technicians known collectively as the closeout crew have swung the hatch of Endeavour closed for flight. A series of leak checks will be completed before the workers leave the White Room and the launch pad.

After the technicians leave, the hatch can be opened by the astronauts if there's an emergency at the pad.

Ice Formation Draws Attention
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:00:38 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team found a formation of slushy ice built up on one of the umbilical connections between the launch pad and Endeavour. The ice measured up to four inches at one point, but it has been reducing since then and doesn't appear to pose a threat to launch.The Final Inspection Team found a formation of slushy ice built up on one of the umbilical connections between the launch pad and Endeavour. The ice measured up to four inches at one point, but it has been reducing since then and doesn't appear to pose a threat to launch.

At t minus 9 minutes and holding there are weather problems looming. It the weather clears up launch will go off as Scheduled at 7:13 PM. Check back for pics of the launch if it goes up today. PM.

Endeavour is set to launch the crew of STS-127 and start a 16-day mission that will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory.














Room With a View
TV monitors in Firing Room Four at Kennedy's Launch Control Center show Launch Pad 39A with space shuttle Endeavour and the inspection team on the screens.









Runway Weather is Focus of Concern
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:47:36 PM EDT

Weather forecasters are monitoring conditions at Kennedy, but right now a launch would not be allowed because of storms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Readiness Polls Coming Up
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:27:41 PM EDT

Three major polls to clear the way for the last phase of the countdown will be conducted during this hold. The Mission Management Team will give its final readiness approval during this time and then Launch Director Pete Nickolenko will query the Kennedy launch team, mission control in Houston and the astronauts for their readiness before allowing the countdown to resume. Weather remains the primary concern for this evening's launch.

Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:17:55 PM EDT

T-9 minutes and holding . . . The countdown has paused as planned for the final time before today's scheduled launch of Endeavour. This hold will last about 45 minutes and can be adjusted to set up the best launch time for the shuttle's liftoff to the International Space Station. The launch team will receive weather updates during the hold, since meteorologists are concerned about storms encroaching the areas around the Shuttle Landing Facilty and Launch Pad 39A.

Countdown Proceeding as Weather Raises Concerns
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:13:58 PM EDT

T-13 minutes and counting . . . The launch team is evaluating weather conditions near Launch Pad 39A and the Shuttle Landing Facility after clouds and lightning began building near the locations. The specific concerns are for cumulus clouds and lightning potential closer than 20 miles from the Shuttle Landing Facility. There are also worries that clouds will encroach the 10-mile boundary for the launch pad as well.

Weather Conditions Currently "No-Go"
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:03:07 PM EDT

Forecasters at NASA's Spaceflight Meteorology Group say current conditions violate rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy. There is also a seabreeze coming off Florida's west coast that is making the weather more dynamic.

Technicians Close Endeavour's Hatch
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:01:46 PM EDT

The technicians known collectively as the closeout crew have swung the hatch of Endeavour closed for flight. A series of leak checks will be completed before the workers leave the White Room and the launch pad.

After the technicians leave, the hatch can be opened by the astronauts if there's an emergency at the pad.

Ice Formation Draws Attention
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:00:38 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team found a formation of slushy ice built up on one of the umbilical connections between the launch pad and Endeavour. The ice measured up to four inches at one point, but it has been reducing since then and doesn't appear to pose a threat to launch.The Final Inspection Team found a formation of slushy ice built up on one of the umbilical connections between the launch pad and Endeavour. The ice measured up to four inches at one point, but it has been reducing since then and doesn't appear to pose a threat to launch.


Crew All Aboard; Hatch Closed for Flight
The seven astronauts set to carry out the STS-127 mission are all aboard space shuttle Endeavour, awaiting launch at 7:13 p.m. EDT. The launch countdown continues on schedule this afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Endeavour's crew module hatch has been closed and locked and the closeout crew is preparing to leave the White Room at Launch Pad 39A.

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.

The STS-127 crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Kopra will join the space station crew and replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Wakata will return to Earth on Endeavour to conclude a three-month stay at the station.

Radio Checks Under Way
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:48:49 PM EDT

The astronauts are taking turns making sure their communications systems work. They follow a routine so that each crew member’s microphone and headset is tested in short conversations with the launch team here at Kennedy and mission control in Houston. Everything is working fine.

The weather continues to look good for launch time as we get within 2 1/2 hours from launch at 7:13 p.m.

With Payette Aboard, Crew is in Place
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:43:19 PM EDT

As flight engineer, Julie Payette will sit on the flight deck in a seat behind and between Polansky and Hurley for launch and landing. She will call important milestones to the crew as they launch into orbit and perform other tasks critical during ascent.

Payette is a Canadian astronaut who has flown once before. When she reaches orbit, it will be the first time two Canadians have been in space at the same time. The other Canadian in orbit is Robert Thirsk, currently a resident on the International Space Station.

Aside from her space interests, Payette is an accomplished singer and pianist. She even sang with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Wolf on Board Endeavour
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:32:26 PM EDT

Astronaut Dave Wolf has crawled into the shuttle and is working himself into the middle seat on the lower level of the crew compartment. While Wolf may not have the best view during launch, he will get some of the greatest views of the entire mission during the three spacewalks he is set to lead. He has made four spacewalks during his previous flights, including an emergency spacewalk on the Russian space station Mir. He has spent 23 hours walking in space during his career.

You could also call him Dr. Wolf, since he is a medical doctor. His medical expertise was first put to use for NASA in designing an echocardiograph that would work in space to study the human cardiovascular system. One of Wolf’s hobbies is flying aerobatic competitions in his own experimental biplane.

SEALs Can Fly, Too
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:19:02 PM EDT

If Christopher Cassidy didn’t exist, Hollywood would invent him. Before joining NASA, Cassidy served 10 years in the U.S Navy’s elite SEAL teams. The special operations teams get their name because they operate in the sea, air and on land. Many know of the SEALs because of the infamous “Hell Week” training that works SEAL candidates day and night with almost no rest. Cassidy’s missions took him into the Afghanistan region two weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. He also paddled a kayak 180 miles from Norfolk, Va., to Washington, D.C., to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Cassidy is the second NASA astronaut to come from the SEAL ranks. The first was Bill Shepherd, first commander of the International Space Station. Cassidy will sit on the flight deck behind Pilot Doug Hurley for launch, and will make three spacewalks during the mission.

Marshburn Aboard
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:10:15 PM EDT

Tom Marshburn stepped into Endeavour and is maneuvering into position in his seat on the middeck closest to the hatch. If there is an emergency that calls for the crew to bail out, he will work the hatch and escape pole so the astronauts can get out safely.

Like Dave Wolf, Marshburn is a medical doctor. Marshburn started at NASA as a flight surgeon and worked closely with astronauts as they trained in Star City, Russia, for missions aboard the space station Mir and later the International Space Station.

Marshburn and Christopher Cassidy are part of the astronaut class of 2004.

Hurley Straps in for First Launch
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:02:14 PM EDT

Doug Hurley is a veteran U.S. Marine Corps test pilot, but has never flown in space before. As the STS-127 pilot, he will sit in the right-hand seat of Endeavour, which is set up identically to the commander’s station. He can fly the shuttle from his seat if he has to, which is something shuttle pilots train for routinely leading up to launch.

Kopra Takes His Place on Endeavour
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:54:10 PM EDT

Tim Kopra is getting strapped into the seat farthest away from the hatch on the lower level of Endeavour’s crew compartment. He is making his first flight into space, and it will be longer than usual since he is to live aboard the International Space Station, taking the place of Japan’s Koichi Wakata, who flew to the station as part of the STS-119 crew in March.

Kopra will make the first spacewalk of the STS-127 mission when he joins Dave Wolf to prepare the Exposed Facility before it is moved to the outside of the Kibo laboratory complex on the station.

Polansky Takes Commander's Seat
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:50:14 PM EDT

STS-127 mission Commander Mark Polansky has made his way into Endeavour and pulled himself into the left-hand seat on the flight deck. It’s an awkward transition for each of the astronauts because the shuttle is standing nose-up, so the crew members have to lift their legs above their heads to get into their seats. They have temporary straps to help, and they train extensively to get into place without tripping any of the switches and controls in the cockpit.

Polansky flew fighters in the U.S. Air Force before joining NASA as a research pilot. His call sign is "Roman," a play on his last name, which sounds like that of the Oscar-winning director Roman Polanski.

Polansky first went into space as pilot of STS-98 in 2001. That mission delivered NASA’s Destiny laboratory to the International Space Station. On his second flight, Polansky commanded STS-116 to deliver a truss segment to the station.

Final Inspection Team Leaves Pad
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:49:59 PM EDT

With their intensive inspection routine complete, the final inspection team is leaving Launch Complex 39A. The only people there will be the astronauts and the closeout crew.

Astronauts Reach Launch Pad
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:42:40 PM EDT

The crew members of STS-127 are climbing out of the Astrovan and making their way to the elevator at the launch pad. They will go to the orbiter access arm that reaches out to Endeavour's hatch.

A Space-Age Experiments Platform
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:32:01 PM EDT

Endeavour’s main purpose during STS-127 is to install the last element of Japan’s Kibo laboratory at the International Space Station. It is called the Exposed Facility and it is a 4.1-ton platform with power sources and other equipment to operate experiments that study space from the outside of the station, where astronauts cannot venture except with spacewalking gear. It will be attached to one end of Kibo’s Pressurized Module. A robotic arm on the outside of the lab will let astronauts inside the station move experiments on the platform.

The Kibo complex has taken three shuttle missions to complete.

The shuttle also carries the Experiment Logistics Module – Exposed Section, which is designed to hold experiment and equipment packages that will be placed on the Exposed Facility. The Exposed Section will be mounted on Kibo for a few days, but will return with Endeavour. It is holding two experiments and one piece of equipment for Kibo during this trip.

Astrovan Heads to Launch Pad
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:24:24 PM EDT

The astronauts are on the way to Launch Pad 39A and the waiting Endeavour. The crew of six men and one woman are sitting inside the Astrovan, which is actually a modified Airstream motor home. It has been used to carry shuttle crews since 1984. The vehicle’s interior is rather large for seven people, until you recall that each of those seven is wearing a bulky launch-and-entry suit.

Cheryl Mansfield, one of the Web writers here, penned a story about the Astrovan last summer. Just paste this address into your browser to read it: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/astrovan.html Then make sure to come back to the Launch Blog for the rest of today's countdown.

Countdown Resumes
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:18:20 PM EDT

T-3 hours and counting . . . Launch controllers have restarted the countdown clock on time for a launch at 7:13 p.m.

Astronauts Begin Suiting Up
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:00:43 PM EDT

The crew of STS-127 is working with a team of expert technicians in the Operations and Checkout Building here at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to get into their launch-and-entry suits. The familiar orange attire is a partial pressure suit designed to protect astronauts in case of an emergency during ascent. An inner layer that looks a lot like thermal underwear is woven with thin plastic lines which circulate water to keep the astronaut cool inside the bulky outer layer of the suit.

The suit-up process includes a thorough leak check to make sure the helmet, gloves, boots and connections are all sealed properly. When the astronauts are ready, they’ll head out of the building and get into the Astrovan for a lift to Launch Pad 39A.

POSTPONED ! SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR & MISSION STS127 TO LIFT-OFF TODAY JULY 12, 2009 AT 7:13 PM

It is official...NO GO FOR LAUNCH TODAY. NASA WILL TRY
6:51:24 PM ON MONDAY.











Image above: Storm clouds roll in over the NASA Vehicle Assembly building and Launch Control Center moments after Space Shuttle Launch Director Pete Nickolenko called the launch a "No Go" due to weather conditions.NO GO FOR LAUNCH AT THE MOMENT DUE TO LIGHTHING IN THE AREA. NASA IS OBSERVING THE SITUATION. KEEP CHECKING BACK HERE FOR UPDATES.

Endeavour Launch Now Scheduled for July 13
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:46:24 PM EDT

Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 launch now is scheduled for July 13 at
6:51 p.m. EDT.

Officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida called off Sunday's planned liftoff due to inclement weather. Cumulus clouds and lightning violated rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy.

The STS-127 astronauts left Launch Pad 39A at about 8:35 p.m. EDT to return to crew quarters at Kennedy's Operations & Checkout Building for the night.

Monday's live countdown coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m on NASA Television and NASA's Launch Blog.

After 3 delays, two to do with leaks back in June, and yesterday due to rain and lighting strikes in the area on Friday that needed to be throughly checked out, Endeavor is scheduled to launch @ 7:13 PM tonight.












UPDATE:
Launch Team to try Again Monday
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:03:07 PM EDT

Endeavour will be readied for another launch attempt Monday with a launch time at 6:51 p.m.

Poor Weather Scrubs Tonight's Launch Attempt
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:01:55 PM EDT

"We got the vehicle ready, but the weather didn't cooperate," Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told Endeavour's seven astronauts. Today's launch attempt has been scrubbed.

Runway Weather is Focus of Concern
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:47:36 PM EDT

Weather forecasters are monitoring conditions at Kennedy, but right now a launch would not be allowed because of storms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Readiness Polls Coming Up
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:27:41 PM EDT

Three major polls to clear the way for the last phase of the countdown will be conducted during this hold. The Mission Management Team will give its final readiness approval during this time and then Launch Director Pete Nickolenko will query the Kennedy launch team, mission control in Houston and the astronauts for their readiness before allowing the countdown to resume. Weather remains the primary concern for this evening's launch.

Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:17:55 PM EDT

T-9 minutes and holding . . . The countdown has paused as planned for the final time before today's scheduled launch of Endeavour. This hold will last about 45 minutes and can be adjusted to set up the best launch time for the shuttle's liftoff to the International Space Station. The launch team will receive weather updates during the hold, since meteorologists are concerned about storms encroaching the areas around the Shuttle Landing Facilty and Launch Pad 39A.

Countdown Proceeding as Weather Raises Concerns
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:13:58 PM EDT

T-13 minutes and counting . . . The launch team is evaluating weather conditions near Launch Pad 39A and the Shuttle Landing Facility after clouds and lightning began building near the locations. The specific concerns are for cumulus clouds and lightning potential closer than 20 miles from the Shuttle Landing Facility. There are also worries that clouds will encroach the 10-mile boundary for the launch pad as well.

Weather Conditions Currently "No-Go"
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:03:07 PM EDT

Forecasters at NASA's Spaceflight Meteorology Group say current conditions violate rules for launching Endeavour because of weather near the Shuttle Landing Facility. The runway would be needed in the unlikely event that Endeavour would have to make an emergency landing back at Kennedy. There is also a seabreeze coming off Florida's west coast that is making the weather more dynamic.

Technicians Close Endeavour's Hatch
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:01:46 PM EDT

The technicians known collectively as the closeout crew have swung the hatch of Endeavour closed for flight. A series of leak checks will be completed before the workers leave the White Room and the launch pad.

After the technicians leave, the hatch can be opened by the astronauts if there's an emergency at the pad.

Ice Formation Draws Attention
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:00:38 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team found a formation of slushy ice built up on one of the umbilical connections between the launch pad and Endeavour. The ice measured up to four inches at one point, but it has been reducing since then and doesn't appear to pose a threat to launch.The Final Inspection Team found a formation of slushy ice built up on one of the umbilical connections between the launch pad and Endeavour. The ice measured up to four inches at one point, but it has been reducing since then and doesn't appear to pose a threat to launch.

At t minus 9 minutes and holding there are weather problems looming. It the weather clears up launch will go off as Scheduled at 7:13 PM. Check back for pics of the launch if it goes up today. PM.

Endeavour is set to launch the crew of STS-127 and start a 16-day mission that will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory.

Endeavour's Launch Countdown Continues on Schedule
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:33:43 PM EDT

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, final prelaunch preparations for the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour continue on schedule. The countdown is in a planned hold at T-3 hours and will resume at 3:18 p.m.

Endeavour's external fuel tank has been filled with more than 500,000 gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. The shuttle's trio of main engines will draw from the external tank during the push to orbit. There are no indications of a leak, and fueling has entered the "stable replenish" mode.

The closeout crew is at Launch Pad 39A preparing for the astronauts to arrive and board Endeavour later this afternoon, and the final inspection team is performing a routine scan of the space shuttle assembly to check for ice, debris or damage.

Weather is not hampering any operations at Kennedy as the countdown progresses. Launch remains set for 7:13 p.m. EDT.
















AT MINUS 3 HOURS AND HOLDING THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR AND MISSION STS-127 IS FUELED AND READY FOR THE ASTRONAUTS TO BOARD IN A LITTLE WHILE FOR ITS MISSION TO THE SPACE STATION.
It will install a FRONT PORCH so to speak for experiments in the future. See picture below.

If not rain comes within 23 miles of the shuttle it will lift off today at 7:13 PM from pad 39-A.

Check back later for more info and pictures in another post.

















STS-127 Launch Blog

Join Launch Blogger Steven Siceloff as NASA counts down toward the launch of space shuttle Endeavour and its seven astronauts on a mission to the International Space Station. The blog will follow all the critical milestones leading up to liftoff, including the crucial filling of the external tank. The astronauts' suit-up and drive to the launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida also will be covered. Launch is scheduled for 7:13 p.m.

The blog originates from Firing Room 3 in the Launch Control Center at Kennedy, where a veteran team of engineers and managers watches every detail as Endeavour is fueled and readied for its 8 1/2-minute climb into space.

NOTE: All times are posted in Eastern.








http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html
Weather Briefing Under Way
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:47:43 PM EDT

STS-127 commander Mark Polansky and his crew are getting a rundown of weather conditions at Kennedy and what the conditions are expected to be at launch time. As can be expected, the weather is dynamic this afternoon. The atmospheric conditions have not violated limits to this point and there are no technical issues, either. The launch remains on schedule for 7:13 p.m.


An International Crew of Veterans and First-time Fliers
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:22:17 PM EDT

Two-time shuttle astronaut Mark Polansky will command the STS-127 mission, with first-time flier Doug Hurley serving as pilot. Dave Wolf is the most experienced member of the crew, having flown three times already, including a 128-day stay aboard the Russian space station Mir. Canada’s Julie Payette flew before on the STS-96 mission in 1999, and will perform much of the shuttle’s robotic arm work required during STS-127.

Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn and Tim Kopra are each making their first flights. The three and Wolf will perform spacewalks during the mission. Kopra will stay on the International Space Station taking the place of Japan’s Koichi Wakata, who will return to Earth with Endeavour.

The astronauts will begin getting into their launch-and-entry suits just before 3 p.m. and then head out to the launch pad.

Final Inspection Team Surveying Endeavour
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:04:11 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team is using binoculars and temperature scanners to search for signs of ice, debris or damage on the outside of Endeavour. The team, not to be confused with the closeout crew, does not venture inside the shuttle during its work, but spends about two hours scanning the shuttle stack from the outside while standing at different points on the launch tower and mobile launcher.

It may seem odd to talk about ice in Florida during the summer, but the propellants inside the external tank are hundreds of degrees below zero, so the water in the air can condense on the tank and freeze.

Here is a link to a feature written about the team by Web writer Cheryl Mansfield:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/ice_team.html

Polansky's Insight
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:53:02 PM EDT

STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky reported on his Twitter feed that the crew had its final meeting before launch. During the next hour, the astronauts will get their last weather briefing and then they will get into the pressure suits. The countdown is in its planned hold at the T-3 hour mark. The clock should begin ticking backward again at 3:18 p.m. Launch preparations remain on target for a launch at 7:13 p.m.

Closeout Crew Working at Endeavour
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:32:25 PM EDT

The team of technicians that straps the astronauts into the shuttle is already at Launch Pad 39A setting up Endeavour for its crew. They are called the closeout crew, and, just like the astronauts, they are well-practiced in the art of moving around the shuttle’s cockpit when it is standing on its tail. They know where to step, what not to touch and which things to take with them when they leave the shuttle and launch pad.

The astronauts will start boarding Endeavour at about 3:53 p.m.

Endeavour Fueled for Flight
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:53:18 PM EDT

The large burnt-orange external fuel tank for Endeavour has been filled with about 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Endeavour’s three main engines will consume the fuel and oxygen during the 8 1/2-minute climb to orbit. The launch pad's pump system will trickle in just enough fresh propellants to replace what evaporates during the countdown.

Countdown in Planned Hold
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:49:07 PM EDT

At T-3 hours and holding, everything is on schedule for the launch of Endeavour this evening at 7:13 p.m. The countdown is to resume in 2 1/2 hours.

Hydrogen Tank Filled
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:27:28 PM EDT

Endeavour has been loaded with its allotment of liquid hydrogen and pumps are now set to put in just enough new fuel to replace the amount that evaporates during the countdown. The Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate is not showing any signs of leaking. The vent system is moving evaporating hydrogen away from Endeavour and to a flare stack where the excess gas is safely burned off.

No Leaks Spotted at Carrier Plate
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:00:52 PM EDT

The early looks at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate show no signs of a leak like those that scrubbed two previous launch tries for Endeavour. Realignments to the plate were successfully tested July 1, but engineers will watch the readings closely during today's countdown nonetheless.

Carrier Plate Under Close Watch
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:50:50 AM EDT

Now that the external tank has been filled with more than 98 percent of its allotment of liquid hydrogen, engineers will keep a close eye on the readings from the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate that was blamed for leaks which prompted two previous launch attempts by Endeavour to be scrubbed. The device is on the side of the external tank and is basically a connecting point between the tank and a pipe from the launch tower. The venting system is designed to safely funnel evaporating hydrogen away from the shuttle during the countdown. The tanking system is moving to stable replenish mode, which will put just enough fuel into the tank to replace the amount that evaporates during the countdown.

535,000 Gallons
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:33:29 AM EDT

The external tank holds more than twice as much liquid hydrogen as liquid oxygen. Endeavour will carry about 390,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and about 145,000 gallons of liquid oxygen in its external tank. The engines burn the propellants extremely fast, meaning that the tank will weigh less and less as the engines burn. Endeavour's orbital speed will be about 17,500 mph when its engines turn off 8 1/2 minutes after liftoff and the tank is jettisoned back to Earth.

Weather Outlook Improves over Yesterday
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:08:32 AM EDT

Today’s weather forecast is quite a bit more optimistic than yesterday’s. The outlook calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. Meteorologists are mainly concerned about the potential for thunderstorms within the 20-mile limit of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The launch team is not working any technical issues with Endeavour or its systems. Afternoon thunderstorms are common this time of year here in Florida, so the weather specialists hope that if any poor weather develops today, it will pass before it is time for Endeavour to head into space at 7:13 p.m.

Liquid Hydrogen in Fast-fill Mode
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:03:48 AM EDT

T-4 hours, 44 minutes and counting . . . The liquid hydrogen is in the fast-fill mode. The slow-fill process went quicker than expected, and controllers began fast-fill of the hydrogen tank at 10:37 this morning. The pumping system for the hydrogen is not mechanical, but turns a small portion of hydrogen into gas to pressurize the pipes and push the slushy liquid hydrogen through the lines.

Oxygen Pumps Move to Fast-fill
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:40:51 AM EDT

Liquid oxygen pumps are now filling the external tank at a faster pace, as the loading plan calls for.

Liquid Oxygen Begins Slowly Filling into Tank
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:29:12 AM EDT

Liquid oxygen is being pumped into the top of the external tank as liquid hydrogen continues flowing into the bottom portion of the tank. Endeavour's three main engines use more hydrogen than oxygen during ascent. Looking at the external tank, the portion below the ribbed section is the hydrogen tank and the area above is the oxygen tank. The ridged portion is a connector between the two and is called the intertank.

For a Look at the Mission Ahead
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:16:08 AM EDT

The Webcast for STS-127 is at
http://anon.nasa-global.edgesuite.net/anon.nasa-global/ksc/ksc_060909_sts127_webcast.asx
if you want a glimpse at the flight.

Astronauts Awake, Prepping for Launch
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:04:00 AM EDT

The seven astronauts who will fly Endeavour to the International Space Station are awake and have had breakfast. They are relaxing in the Astronaut Crew Quarters where commander Mark "Roman" Polansky reports on his Twitter feed that they are watching the Tour de France now. They will eat lunch just before 1 p.m. and will begin suiting up before 3 p.m.

Fuel Flowing into Tank
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:00:36 AM EDT

The pumps out at Launch Complex 39A are moving liquid hydrogen into Endeavour's external tank now. The process begins with a slow-fill into the tank and then the speed will increase. The process is on schedule for launch at 7:13 p.m. It will take three hours to completely load the tank with the cryogenic propellants.

Chilldown Under Way
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:49:02 AM EDT

T-6 hours and counting . . . The fueling of Endeavour's external tank began on time with the chilldown of the system. The super-cold propellants will soon begin flowing quickly into the tank shortly. At launch, turbopumps on Endeavour's three main engines will pull the chemicals out of the tank and into the engines where they will be mixed and ignited in a careful but dynamic process. Each of the main engines will produce about 500,000 pounds of thrust at liftoff and throughout the climb into space. The solid rocket boosters provide another 6.5 million pounds of thrust to lift Endeavour off the launch pad.

Chilldown to Start Soon
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:38:50 AM EDT

The team here in the Launch Control Center is readying the complex system of pipes and valves at Launch Complex 39A that will pump half a million gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into Endeavour’s external tank. The process is slated to begin at 9:48 a.m. with “chilldown” of the lines that run from storage tanks to Endeavour and the external tank. The hydrogen and oxygen require the chilldown procedure because both propellants are super-cold. The liquid hydrogen is minus 423 degrees and the oxygen is at minus 297 degrees. The countdown is in a planned hold at T-6 hours. It will pick up again when the fueling operations start.

Launch Day!
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:29:30 AM EDT

Good morning and welcome to NASA’s Launch Blog for the STS-127 mission! Space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to power off Launch Pad 39A at 7:13 p.m. on a flight to the International Space Station. Sitting safely inside Endeavour’s payload bay is the last piece of the Japanese space lab complex Kibo, which means hope. Called the Exposed Facility, the segment is a sophisticated platform that will be a home for experiments that will work in the vacuum of space.

Endeavour Gets "Go" for Fueling
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:14:29 AM EDT

The Mission Management Team has cleared the launch team here at Kennedy to begin loading liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into Endeavour's external tank beginning at 9:48 a.m. The NASA Launch Blog will begin live coverage of the countdown at 9:30 a.m. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:13 p.m.

Mission Management Team Discusses Testing
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:10:41 AM EDT

The Mission Management Team is meeting at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center this morning to review the condition of space shuttle Endeavour following Friday’s lightning strikes at Launch Pad 39A. Engineers have been retesting systems in the Endeavour stack to be sure they are ready to go. We will begin our blog coverage of the countdown following the MMT’s decision whether to go ahead with the fueling of Endeavour’s 500,000-gallon capacity external tank. Launch time today is 7:13 p.m.