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