SPACES SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR LAUNCH FEBRUARY 8, 2010

Launch of THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR.FEBRUARY 8, 2010. From Nasa's Launch Blog.
An Awesome Night Launch. Launch info below pictures.






Endeavour Safely in Orbit
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:34:38 AM EST

Space shuttle Endeavour reached space this morning after a flawless liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch begins a chase by the shuttle to catch up to the International Space Station and deliver the newest module to the orbital complex, the Tranquility node. Endeavour's six astronauts are scheduled to spend the next 13 days in space flying the shuttle and working on the station. They will perform three spacewalks during that time to install Tranquility and the cupola with its seven windows and one-of-a-kind perspective on Earth.

This also wraps up the NASA Launch Blog for STS-130, but we'll be back in 13 days to follow the landing of Endeavour. Keep track of the mission at NASA's Web site. It will have videos and photos from the daily activities from the work in space, not to mention more coverage of today's spectacular launch.

See you for landing!

ET Sep!
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:23:39 AM EST

The external fuel tank has separated from Endeavour and the spacecraft is flying on its own now on its way to the International Space Station.

MECO!
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:22:47 AM EST

Endeavour shut down its three main engines on time after a flawless climb into orbit. Next up, jettisoning the external fuel tank that caried the propellants for the three main engines.

"Negative Return"
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:19:16 AM EST

With all systems working well, Endeavour is flying at 6,000 mph and gaining speed. It is going too fast and has gone too far to return to KSC if there were an emergency. All systems go.

SRB Burnout and Separation
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:17:50 AM EST

The fuel inside the solid rocket boosters are exhausted and the SRBs have separated from the stack, leaving Endeavour's three liquid-fueled main engines to power it the rest of the way into space.

Roll Program
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:15:10 AM EST

Endeavour has rolled into its familiar position with the orbiter below the external tank for the climb into space. The orientation reduces aerodynamic loads on the shuttle during the ascent. The shuttle is quickly picking up speed and altitude as it speeds away from the Florida launch site. All systems working fine.

LIFTOFF!
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:14:27 AM EST


Endeavour has cleared the tower!

Main Engines Roar!
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:14:08 AM EST

T-6 seconds and counting . . . Endeavour's three main engines are firing and building up pressure.

Endeavour's Computers in Charge Now
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:13:45 AM EST

T-31 seconds and counting . . . Endeavour's five general purpose computers have taken over the countdown control from the ground-based launch processing system. Endeavour's GPCs are loaded with software that automatically moves through the last moments of the countdown.

GOX Arm retracts
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:11:54 AM EST

T-2:30 and counting. . . The gaseous oxygen, abbreviated as "GOX," vent arm is swiveling away from Endeavour's external tank. The "beanie cap" at the end of the arm captures evaporating liquid oxygen during the countdown and funnels it away from the shuttle stack.

APU start
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:09:38 AM EST

T-5 minutes and counting . . . The three auxiliary power units in Endeavour are up and running. They generate the hydraulic power needed to swivel Endeavour's three main engines during launch. The hydraulic system also moves the shuttle's aero surfaces, which are the rudder and elevons that steer the shuttle when it is in the atmosphere.

Orbiter Access Arm Moves Back from Orbiter
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:07:01 AM EST

T-7 minutes and counting . . . The orbiter access arm is swinging away from the shuttle's hatch in preparation for launch. If an emergency develops, the arm can swing back into place within seconds and the astronauts can leave the shuttle.

Countdown Resumes – Nine minutes to Launch!
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:05:13 AM EST

T-9 minutes and counting . . . Endeavour is ready, the weather is “green” and the astronauts are eager to head into space. This is the final phase of today's run to launch and the launch pad and shuttle will make steady moves in the next nine minutes to set up for liftoff. The orbiter access arm will move out of the way shortly. The shuttle's auxiliary power units, which provide energy for Endeavour's hydraulic systems during launch, will activate at the T-5 minute point. Then the gaseous oxygen vent arm, which holds the "beanie cap," will move from the top of the tank.

"We'll see you in a couple weeks, it's time to go fly," Zamka radioed to Launch Director Mike Leinbach just before the countdown resumed.

Throughout the run up, the launch team keeps steady eyes on their instruments for any anomaly that could prompt a hold.

The three liquid-fueled main engines will fire to life six seconds before liftoff and build up pressure before the solid rocket boosters are lit at T-0.

"Go for Launch"
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:04:15 AM EST

"Wish you good luck and Godspeed," Launch Director Mike Leinbach radioed to Endeavour as the shuttle and its crew were cleared to launch this morning at 4:14 a.m.

Windows on the World
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:53:36 AM EST

You've heard how great those revolving restaurants atop skyscrapers are. Well, the space station doesn't offer a revolving restaurant, but it will offer astronauts a place to watch the Earth while it revolves beneath them. The great view is the courtesy of the cupola Endeavour is taking into space with the Tranquility node. The cupola is attached to end of the Tranquility node for launch, but will be moved to an Earth-facing port on Tranquility on the eighth day of the mission.

Since the cupola projects out from the station a bit, a crew member perched inside it will have a complete all-around view. It's kind of like standing up to look out of a sunroof at the city instead of just looking through the rolled-up passenger window. The cupola is completely pressurized, which means astronauts don't have to don spacesuits to work in it. In addition to its role as a premier lookout point, the cupola will be equipped with a robotics workstation for control of the station's main robotic arm and Dextre, a smaller robotic hand of sorts that works in concert with the arm. The windows are clear enough to be used for observation cameras. No word on plans to serve meals inside the cupola.

Flight Controllers Change TAL Preference
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:48:41 AM EST

Endeavour Commander George Zamka has been told to select the emergency airfield in Zaragoza, Spain, as the primary transoceanic abort landing site in the unlikely event of an emergency early in launch. There are three sites in Spain and France to choose from and launch rules call for one of them to have acceptable weather conditions.

The weather at Kennedy remains "go" for launch.

TAL Weather "No-Go"
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:40:21 AM EST

Weather at Kennedy Space Center has improved and currently is go for launch and for a return to launch site abort, should that be necessary.

However, all three transoceanic abort landing sites are "no-go" for low cloud ceilings and rain showers within 20 nautical miles. The Spaceflight Meteorology Group at Johnson Space Center in Houston will continue to assess the TAL weather.

ISS Awaits Tranquility
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:30:25 AM EST

The Tranquility node tucked inside Endeavour’s cargo bay will be put to quick use after it is connected to the International Space Station. The cylindrical module has been outfitted to host experiments and equipment racks. The module is about 23 feet long and just under 15 feet in diameter. Inside Tranquility, an extensive network of cables and other fittings allows machinery to run effectively inside the station to help support six people living on orbit. Some of the machinery destined for Tranquility includes a water recycling system and a treadmill called "COLBERT," which was named for comedian Stephen Colbert.

And, just to reiterate, the weather conditions here at Kennedy are acceptable for launch. There is still concern for low clouds, but Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters said the conditions "look promising" for Endeavour to take to space at 4:14 a.m.

Weather Green on Ceiling Rule
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:27:04 AM EST

Weather conditions have gone "green" or "go" for launch. Teams are not working any technical issues.

Countdown in Final Hold
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:24:18 AM EST

The countdown has begun its last built-in hold at the T-9 minute mark. The pause is planned to last about 45 minutes and set up Endeavour and the launch team for the last run through to launch at 4:14 a.m. Launch and flight control teams will conduct a series of polls during the hold to clear the shuttle for liftoff.

Count Resumes on Schedule
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:10:24 AM EST

T-20 minutes and counting . . . Controllers are not working any issues as the countdown clocks resume. The count will pause again at T-9 minutes for the last of the built-in holds. Crews continue working toward an on-time launch at 4:14 a.m.

Countdown Enters Planned Hold
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:59:28 AM EST

The countdown clocks paused at T-20 minutes this morning during a planned hold that will last 10 minutes. Everything remains on schedule for a liftoff at 4:14 a.m. for space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of six astronauts.

Closeout Crew Leaves White Room
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:55:12 AM EST

The seven members of the closeout crew have secured the astronauts inside Endeavour, closed the hatch and secured the White Room at Launch Pad 39A. They are now making their way away from the pad area, leaving only the six crew members of STS-130 at the pad.

At T-24 minutes and counting, the weather conditions are still the prime concern. Chances remain at 60 percent for acceptable conditions at launch time, which is still scheduled for 4:14 a.m. Astronaut Chris Ferguson will be taking a look at the clouds in the area from inside the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He will radio his observations to help the controllers refine their expectations and forecasts.

Those Pesky Orbital Mechanics
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:46:28 AM EST

"Orbital mechanics" may sound like an intergalactic band of spacecraft repairmen who show up at the airlock to fix the satellite TV, but that's not the case. Instead, "orbital mechanics" are the rules that dictate how spacecraft will behave in the unforgiving realm of space. To say it runs opposite of expectations can be an understatement. For example, if you want to speed up your orbit around Earth, you actually would fire your thrusters backward so you would move closer to the planet and therefore go faster. It gets as complicated as you want from there, but we'll let you sort that out for yourselves. In the meantime, here's the part of orbital mechanics that matter most to us on launch day:

As you may know, the launch window for a shuttle heading to the International Space Station is exceedingly precise -- only 10 minutes from open to close. Although 10 minutes sounds like a short amount of time, the preferred launch time actually is only a one-minute period when Launch Pad 39A moves into perfect alignment with the station's orbital path. The launch team prefers that time because it saves the shuttle's fuel. A miss of a minute or even 10 minutes would mean the engines would have to run through more propellants. It can be done, but launch controllers don't like to try. The window is limited to 10 minutes because longer than that and the shuttle would not have enough fuel to track down the station, which is moving over Earth at about 17,500 mph.

Endeavour’s Side Hatch Closed for Launch
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:18:42 AM EST

The closeout crew has swung the side hatch on Endeavour shut and locked the mechanism into launch configuration. The astronauts inside can get out on their own in an emergency, and practice that procedure repeatedly although it is not likely to be needed. The closeout crew will soon leave the launch pad after securing the White Room for launch.

Comm Checks Complete
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:05:30 AM EST

The astronauts inside Endeavour ran through their communications checks smoothly this morning as the countdown moves on toward a 4:14 a.m. liftoff. The launch process is moving ahead smoothly on the technical side and controllers are not working any issues. Weather, however, remains the only worry and the conditions are currently "no-go" for low clouds, though that condition is expected to be temporary.

Strap-in a Careful Dance for Techs, too
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:56:18 AM EST

While the astronauts juggle themselves into seats that put their feet above their heads for liftoff, the technicians face challenges, too. The reason is that with the shuttle standing on its tail in launch position, the technicians are standing on walls and supports instead of the floor while they move the astronauts into position in their seats. They want to make sure they don’t step on any critical switches, among other concerns. As they leave the shuttle, the techs carefully remove the equipment they brought in with them during the work and each piece is accounted for as it is removed.

Weather Goes "Red" Again
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:46:44 AM EST

As expected, the weather conditions again slipped past acceptable criteria and weather officers have called the range "red" or "no-go" at the moment. It is expected to be temporary and the offending clouds are expected to be out of the area or within acceptable criteria in about 45 minutes.

Robinson is Last Aboard Endeavour
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:44:32 AM EST

Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is the last of the six astronauts to take his place inside Endeavour. Robinson will sit on the flight deck behind the commander and pilot. He will serve as the flight engineer during launch and landing. Sometimes, though, even astronauts can forget something before a big trip. Robinson left behind a flight data file, but not to worry, it is being rushed out to him at the launch pad. He is the most experienced astronaut on this mission, having flown three times before, including during the STS-114 Return-to-Flight. Robinson is also lead guitarist for the astronaut band “Max-Q” and goes by the nickname “Stevie Ray.”

KSC’s Own Astronaut, Hire, Climbs Inside Endeavour
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:30:03 AM EST

Kathryn Hire was familiar around Kennedy Space Center long before she became an astronaut. Before joining the astronaut corps, Hire worked here as a shuttle engineer for five years. For STS-130, she will sit on the flight deck behind Pilot Terry Virts. In orbit, she will work with Virts during robotic arm operations for the shuttle. Her previous shuttle flight was aboard STS-90 in 1998, when she helped conduct experiments in space as part of the Neurolab mission. That mission saw the crew work inside a lab module that was bolted inside the shuttle’s cargo bay.

Patrick in Place on Lower Level of Endeavour
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:22:26 AM EST

Astronaut Nicholas Patrick got into his middeck seat quickly this morning as the strap-in process for the crew continues smoothly aboard Endeavour. Patrick is the second spacewalker for the mission’s three spacewalks. He and Behnken will remove covers, connect cables and fittings and do other work on the outside of the Tranquility node as it is put into place and opened for business aboard the space station. Patrick has flown once before, but these spacewalks will be his first.

Pilot Virts is Aboard
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:12:15 AM EST

Terry Virts is the only member of the STS-130 crew who has not flown in space before. He is climbing into the pilot's seat, which has the same controls as the commander's station. As with all astronauts, he enjoyed an accomplished career before joining the astronaut corps. Since joining NASA and going through initial training, Virts has taken on numerous technical assignments including working as the capcom during several shuttle missions. The capcom is the astronaut who works in mission control communicating with the crew on orbit.

Next In - Bob Behnken
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:03:34 AM EST

Mission Specialist Robert Behnken is getting into his seat on the lower level of Endeavour’s crew cabin as Zamka continues getting set up on the flight deck. The astronauts stagger their entry between upper and lower levels because the crew cabin can grow cramped rather quickly with astronauts and their bulky pressure suits moving around. In space, the lack of gravity opens up a lot more room for the astronauts, of course. Behnken will be the lead spacewalker for all three of the STS-130 spacewalks, or EVAs, short for extravehicular activity.

Zamka Climbs Inside Endeavour
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:57:17 AM EST

STS-130 Commander George Zamka is once again getting up into his seat at the controls of Endeavour. He is sitting in the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck where he has access to numerous switches and the control stick for the shuttle. The last time he went into space, he sat in the pilot’s station opposite the commander. That was during STS-120 and his commander during that flight was Pam Melroy. That flight was also the last time a shuttle carried a node to the International Space Station. This flight is also carrying a node, this one named Tranquility.

Astronauts at Launch Pad 39A
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:43:06 AM EST

The crew members of STS-130 are out of the Astrovan and walking around the base of Launch Pad 39A. Soon they will step into the elevator that will take them up to the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They will turn left out of the elevator and take turns crossing over the bridge to the White Room and Endeavour’s hatch. There is not enough room in the White Room for the whole crew to stand in there at the same time, let alone the crew and the technicians who are helping them.

Endeavour Crew Headed to Launch Pad
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:27:28 AM EST

Riding inside the Astrovan, the six astronauts of STS-130 are on their way to Launch Pad 39A and a waiting space shuttle Endeavour. The astronauts took the traditional stroll out of the Operations and Checkout Building moments ago where they were cheered on by space workers, media and others. It will take about 25 minutes to drive from the Operations and Checkout Building in Kennedy’s Industrial Area to the launch pad.

Countdown Resumes at T-3 hours
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19:16 AM EST

The clocks are moving backward again this morning as all launch preparations continue on pace for a liftoff at 4:14 a.m. The work is centered mainly on three locations at Kennedy: At the Operations and Checkout Building, the astronauts are in their launch-and-entry suits and will head to the launch pad soon. At Launch Pad 39A, technicians are readying Endeavour’s crew cabin for the astronauts. And here at the Launch Control Center, the launch team is carefully going through its checklists and procedures leading up to liftoff.

Forecasters Getting More Comfortable with Weather Outlook
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:05:15 AM EST

Forecasters are cautiously optimistic about weather for Monday’s 4:14 a.m. EST launch of space shuttle Endeavour. Earlier, conditions at the launch pad were “red,” but those clouds have dissipated. Currently, launch weather is "green," or “go” for all weather constraints.

The main concern is that clouds off the east coast of Florida could migrate back toward Kennedy Space Center and create a low ceiling. The atmosphere is more stable than during Sunday morning’s launch attempt when an expansive low cloud deck forced a scrub. There are more holes in the cloud deck tonight, and weather remains 60 percent “go.” Astronaut Chris Ferguson will fly weather reconnaissance flights to aid forecasters in determining whether the clouds pose a threat.

The trans oceanic abort landing site at Istres, France, is forecast to be “go” should it be required.

Time to Suit Up for Launch
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:57:39 PM EST

STS-130 Commander George Zamka and his crew are getting into their orange partial pressure suits before heading out to a waiting Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A. They are getting dressed in the Operations and Checkout Building here at Kennedy with a team of capable technicians helping them out along the way to make sure all the connections are correct. The process includes leak checks to make sure everyone’s pressure suits are working properly.

The pressure suits have two layers. The first is a liquid-cooled garment that looks a lot like the waffle-pattern of thermal underwear sewn with lines that carry chilled liquid to keep the astronaut cool inside. The second, or outer shell, is the instantly recognizable orange part of the suit. Boots, gloves and white helmets complete the launch ensemble.

The astronauts have already put on these suits or training versions of them many times in training. For Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts, the suits have even been worn while practicing landings inside the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Weather Briefing for Crew
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:44:33 PM EST

The commander, pilot and flight engineer for Endeavour are getting a detailed look at the expected weather conditions as the countdown moves toward a scheduled liftoff at 4:14 a.m. There aren't any surprises, but the forecasters' attention remains focused on the chances of a low blanket of clouds at launch time. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters is keeping the odds of successful conditions at 60 percent. The launch weather is currently "green" or "go."

The briefing for Zamka's crew will also detail expectations for what are known as the "TAL sites," which is short for transoceanic abort landing sites. There are three landing fields in France and Spain that NASA can choose from in the unlikely event Endeavour experiences an emergency during launch that calls for the shuttle to touch down on the eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tonight's Shuttle Crew
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:33:42 PM EST

Veteran astronaut George Zamka leads the six-member crew of Endeavour on this 13-day flight to the International Space Station. He flew previously on STS-120 in 2007. Terry Virts, the mission's lone rookie, is flying as pilot. The mission specialists are Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Robert Behnken and Nicholas Patrick.

Their focus during the mission is to attach the Tranquility node and cupola to the International Space Station. The crew will work together with the crew members living on the station throughout Endeavour's time at the orbiting laboratory. We'll hit on some of the details about both Tranquility and the cupola as the countdown unfolds.

Launch Control, Flight Control Teams at the Ready
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:27:00 PM EST

Two groups of controllers are at their stations tonight to launch Endeavour on STS-130. Here at Kennedy, launch controllers work out of firing rooms at the Launch Control Center about three miles from Launch Pad 39A. They handle the shuttle countdown, make sure Endeavour is fueled and get the astronauts on board the spacecraft smoothly. There are about 200 controllers in the firing rooms for a launch, each responsible for a system or subsystem. The launch director, Mike Leinbach, is at the top of the food chain for the launch team.

In Houston, a separate team of about 20 flight controllers have converged at the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. They mainly play a supporting role until liftoff. The flight control team has responsibility for the mission once the shuttle clears the launch tower. Both teams are in constant contact with each other throughout the run up to launch. The flight director oversees the mission once the shuttle leaves the launch pad.

NASA's control center for the International Space Station also is based at Johnson. It takes about a dozen controllers to oversee the station's operations around-the-clock.

Ready for Some Football Facts?
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:14:29 PM EST

In case you didn’t know, the Super Bowl was played Sunday. Won’t spoil the outcome for you (yet), but we can tell you the coin that was flipped by former running back Emmitt Smith at the start of the game went down to Miami after a ride in orbit. The crew of STS-129 took the commemorative item with them to the International Space Station and turned it over to the NFL afterward.

But wait, there’s more: This year’s Super Bowl ended less than 12 hours before Endeavour is scheduled to lift off. If Endeavour goes today, it will be the first time a shuttle has launched so close to what is an unofficial American holiday, Super Bowl Sunday. NASA has come close before to launching on Super Bowl Sunday, with the closest attempts coming within four days of pro football’s championship game.
And lastly, the crew of STS-130 did not watch the game before suiting up for launch. The telecast was beamed up to the crew of the space station, though.

Tank Fueling Numbers
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:11:53 PM EST

A quick for-the-record: Endeavour's external fuel tank was loaded with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen beginning at 6:50 p.m. this evening and concluded at 9:54 p.m. The propellants power Endeavour's three main engines during the 8 1/2-minute climb into orbit.

Specialists Working at Launch Pad
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:07:23 PM EST

Two separate teams of technicians and engineers are working at Launch Pad 39A tonight to get everything set up for liftoff. The closeout crew, recognizable by their white coveralls, are inside the White Room where the metal bridge from the fixed service structure meets the hatch on the side of Endeavour. The closeout crew will help the astronauts into the spaceship and get them strapped in. Then the tech will close the hatch and make sure everything is secured before they leave the pad.

Another team called the Final Inspection Team, but perhaps better known as the "Ice Team," has been carefully surveying the outside of Endeavour since the tank was fueled with more than half-a-million gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The chemicals are cold enough that ice can form on the outside of the tank during the countdown. So the inspection team is looking for dangerous chunks of ice that could break off during launch. The Final Inspection Team wears orange coveralls and carries a host of specialized equipment including infrared scanners. They also use simple technologies including binoculars.

While the closeout crew works in the tight spaces of the White Room, the Final Inspection Team moves all over the launch pad structure to get the best look at areas of the shuttle as it stands poised for space.

Good Evening from Kennedy’s Launch Control Center!
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:13 PM EST

There is no shortage of activity at Launch pad 39A tonight as NASA’s elite launch teams rev up for the second attempt to launch space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-130 mission. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:14 a.m.
We at NASA’s Launch Blog will bring all the milestones to you as they happen and give you a few bits of background and context along the way. But first things first, and the first thing tonight is the weather.

At the moment, the launch site conditions are “green,” or “go,” and would allow a shuttle launch. But earlier this evening, low clouds have occasionally dipped in past limits, prompting “red” or “no-go” conditions. Officials here expect the conditions to go through red and green cycles throughout the countdown. The Sunday morning try experienced the same conditions and was scrubbed when the low clouds refused to budge as the liftoff time approached. The launch team is hoping for better luck this time.

While they worry about the weather though, Endeavour is not giving them any reason to worry about the spacecraft. There are no technical issues and the previous countdown attempt also saw no technical issues crop up. So the crew and controllers are content that the shuttle is ready for this first mission of 2010.

Launch Teams Ready Endeavour for Monday A.M. Try
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:50:49 PM EST

The stage is being set for Endeavour's second launch attempt in as many days for the STS-130 mission. NASA's Launch Blog kicks off continuous coverage from here at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 11 p.m. and will follow the countdown milestones throughout the following hours. Endeavour is scheduled to lift off at 4:14 a.m. Low clouds at the launch site remain the primary concern for weather watchers, and the chances of acceptable conditions at launch time are put at 60 percent. It was low clouds that scrubbed Sunday morning's try.

Launch:
4:14 a.m. EST - Feb. 8, 2010
Landing:
10:20 p.m. EST - Feb. 21, 2010
Orbiter:
Endeavour
Mission Number:
STS-130
(130th space shuttle flight)
Launch Window:
10 minutes
Launch Pad:
39A
Mission Duration:
13 days, 18 hours, 6 minutes, 24 seconds
Landing Site:
KSC
Inclination/Altitude:
51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Primary Payload:
32nd station flight (20A), Tranquility Node 3, Cupola

Space shuttle Endeavour due to launch @ 4.39 AM FEBRUARY 7,2010

Launch was scrubbed. Read below. Will try about this time tomorrow again.

Space Shuttle Endeavour sits on the launching pad ready to go @ 4:39 AM if the weather holds. Read launch blog below.



SCRUB!
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:31:57 AM EST

Endeavour will remain on the ground this morning after dynamic weather prompted the launch team to stand down for this attempt.

"We were just not comfortable with launching the shuttle tonight," Launch Director Mike Leinbach radioed to Endeavour.

The closeout crew will return to the pad to help the astronauts unstrap from their seats and leave the shuttle.

Last Night Launch on the Schedule
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:12:45 AM EST

This morning's launch is the last scheduled night launch of the Space Shuttle Program. The solid rocket boosters' white and orange flames light up the space center almost instantly. You could read a book by the light of the exhaust. As the shuttle rises, the brilliance extends out to other parts of the coast. The bright light also makes the shuttle easy to track as it arcs over the horizon into space. People as far north as Nova Scotia have reported seeing the shuttle head into the sky during a night launch. So if you're on the fence about whether to go out and have a look, get off the fence and go! Well, at launch time that is.

Weather Improving
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:08:37 AM EST

The launch team is cautiously optimistic that the weather conditions will improve as we get closer to launch time. The weather conditions are currently "green," which means they are within limits. Astronaut Chris Ferguson continues firsthand evaluations as he flies weather reconnaissance aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Countdown Enters Last Built-in Hold
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:45:14 AM EST

T-9 minutes and holding . . . The countdown paused as planned this morning in the last planned hold of the launch process. This hold lasts 45 minutes and allows the launch team and flight controllers to give their final readiness checks before proceeding with launch.

As they've been doing all morning, the launch team will look closely at expected weather conditions at launch time before deciding whether to go ahead with the countdown.

Countdown Resumes on Schedule
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:34:36 AM EST

The countdown clocks are moving again, ticking backward from T-20 minutes. Weather remains the concern for preventing a launch at 4:39 a.m.

Weather Goes Red
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:25:45 AM EST

The cloud ceiling forecasters have been watching tonight and this morning has moved over Kennedy Space Center and launch weather is now "red," or “no-go.” Launch procedures continue to move ahead and the countdown has entered a planned hold at T-20 minutes. There are no technical issues.

Endeavour's Hatch Closed and Locked
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:15:15 AM EST

Technicians closed the hatch on the side of Endeavour in one of the milestones before launch. A leak check was performed to make sure the spacecraft is sealed correctly for flight. The hatch is designed so the astronauts inside the shuttle can still get out quickly on their own in an emergency. From this point, the closeout crew will make final preps to the White Room before they leave the launch pad.

The countdown is moving ahead as scheduled for a 4:39 a.m. launch, but many eyes are following a line of low clouds expected to move in. The chance for acceptable conditions remains at 30 percent.

Closeout Crew Processing White Room
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:44:03 AM EST

The technicians who helped the astronauts get set inside Endeavour have taken all their materials out of Endeavour and will soon close the hatch. The closeout crew carefully inventory everything that goes into the shuttle during the strap-in work so they can be sure it all comes out before launch. Some things would be hard to miss, such as the large yellow hose that circulates air in the crew compartment. No matter the size though, everything gets inventoried and marked off on the list before the techs leave the White Room.

Weather Forecast Deteriorates Further
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:41:48 AM EST

Shuttle weather forecasters continue to watch a layer of low-level clouds moving from the north into the Kennedy Space Center area. The chance for acceptable conditions at launch time now is 30 percent. Astronaut Chris Ferguson will take a look at the clouds during a weather reconnaissance flight aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

A Node Called Tranquility
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:22:54 AM EST

Endeavour's crew is carrying the last of three connecting nodes, Tranquility, to the International Space Station during STS-130. The node was named Tranquility in honor of Apollo 11's moon landing in 1969. Apollo 11's lunar module, Eagle, touched down on the Sea of Tranquility. The space station module will be connected on the fifth day of the mission. A host of life support equipment and other machinery will be housed inside Tranquility to allow the station to continue to host six-person crews.

Like other crew modules on the station, Tranquility is a cylinder with a network of wiring, plumbing and fixtures installed. The connections allow station crews to move refrigerator-sized racks into different parts of the station with ease. The racks are sophisticated networks of cables and equipment themselves. Some hold science experiments, others are loaded with life support gear. One of the racks destined for Tranquility is the COLBERT treadmill, the exercise machine named for Comedy Central's comedian Stephen Colbert. COLBERT already is on the station, but will be moved to its new home in Tranquility. Also, two water recovery racks that process everything from sweat to urine into drinkable water will be moved to its permanent place inside Tranquility.

The two other connecting nodes that make up the station are Unity and Harmony.

'Stevie Ray' Robinson Aboard
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:11:35 AM EST

Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is getting into his seat on the flight deck behind and between Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts. Robinson will serve as the flight engineer for launch and landing, which means he will help the others during the climb into space. Robinson is the lead guitarist for the astronaut band "Max-Q" and is nicknamed "Stevie Ray."

With Robinson on Endeavour, the crew is complete. After the closeout crew finishes its work inside the orbiter, the technicians will climb out and close the hatch before prepping the White Room for launch and leaving the launch pad.

First-time Flier Virts in the Pilot’s Seat
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:07:54 AM EST

Terry Virts joined the astronaut corps in 2000 and served as lead astronaut in NASA’s T-38 program before being chosen to fly aboard STS-130. Like Zamka, Virts has controls at his station to let him fly Endeavour. Most of the time, Zamka does the flying, but Virts will get a chance to fly around the International Space Station as Endeavour leaves the orbiting laboratory. This is the first launch day for Virts, though he and the crew have practiced all the procedures repeatedly.

Hire Climbs Aboard Endeavour
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:55:47 AM EST

Kathryn Hire, who goes by "Kay," is moving into her place on Endeavour's flight deck. She will sit behind Pilot Terry Virts during launch and landing. Hire is one of Kennedy's own, since she worked here as a shuttle engineer before becoming an astronaut. She is also a U.S. Naval Reserve officer and went into active duty in recent years. For STS-130, she will operate the robotic arm on the International Space Station to lift the Tranquility node out of Endeavour and lock it into place on the station. She will also work the arm for the maneuvers to place the cupola in its permanent port on Tranquility.

Cloud Deck Breaking Up
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:47:29 AM EST

The low-level clouds that forecasters are watching appear to be scattering a bit, shuttle weather forecasters have reported. The chances for acceptable conditions at launch time remain 60 percent.

Patrick Positioned for Launch
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:45:58 AM EST

Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has taken his seat next to Behnken on Endeavour’s lower level. Patrick is a naturalized citizen who was born in England. He flew once before as part of the STS-116 crew. This time up, Patrick gets to expand his repertoire with three spacewalks to set up the Tranquility module and cupola for the space station crew.

Behnken in Place on Middeck
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:31:49 AM EST

Robert Behnken is strapping in on the lower level in the seat closest to Endeavour’s hatch. Although he will only get to see a bank of white lockers on the way up, Behnken will have some of the most enviable looks at Earth as he performs three spacewalks during this flight. He took part in three spacewalks during his previous mission, STS-123. That flight was also aboard Endeavour.

Commander Heads Inside
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:21:47 AM EST

Technicians working inside the White Room at Launch Pad 39A have put the finishing touches on George Zamka’s pressure suit, including the communications carrier sometimes called a “Snoopy cap.” So Zamka is making his way to the commander’s station at the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck. One of Zamka’s hobbies, weight lifting, probably comes in handy here as he has to lift himself into the seat because Endeavour is on its tail for launch. Because of that arrangement, all the astronauts lay on their backs with their feet above their heads for about three hours before liftoff.

Astronauts to Take Seats in Shuttle Momentarily
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:14:38 AM EST

The six astronauts of Endeavour are up on the 195-foot level of the launch tower at Launch Pad 39A before walking across the metal bridge that leads to the shuttle's hatch. Zamka, as commander, gets to climb inside Endeavour first. A technician will follow him into the shuttle to help him get into his seat and strap him into place. While he is getting into place on the upper level of the shuttle's crew compartment, Robert Behnkenwill take a seat on the lower level. The crew will continue from there with one person heading up to the upper level and one on the lower level until they are all aboard.

Weather Watch Continues as Countdown Moves Ahead
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:02:44 AM EST

At T-2 hours, 41 minutes and counting, weather remains the most pressing concern leading up to launch. Forecasters are watching a line of low clouds north of the space center. The official prediction remains at a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at 4:39 a.m. While we wait on the weather, the launch preps are moving ahead on time and the astronauts are making their way to Launch Complex 39A where Endeavour awaits.

Crew Steps into Astrovan
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:51:13 AM EST

George Zamka led his team of six astronauts from the Operations and Checkout Building into the Astrovan. They strolled out to greet space workers and others on their way to the vehicle that will take them to the launch pad. From there, it will be an elevator ride up to the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. A quick walk over a metal bridge will take them to the White Room where they will put on their last bits of gear before climbing inside Endeavour. The crew walkouts have an excitement in the air like a rock concert, but without the smoke machines and lasers.

Astronauts Suit Up for Flight
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:28:47 AM EST

The six crew members of space shuttle Endeavour are getting into their orange pressure suits. Working inside the Operations and Checkout Building here at Kennedy, the astronauts and technicians are following a carefully scripted process for getting into the so-called “pumpkin suits” and then checking them for leaks. The suits include a layer of liquid-cooled underwear beneath the orange shell. Astronauts since the Gemini program have suited up in the same room, including those of Apollo.

Forecast Deteriorates a bit, Zamka Reviews Weather
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:16:35 AM EST

Forecasters have lowered the chances of acceptable conditions to 60 percent after determining there is a risk of low clouds blowing in near launch time. Weather reconnaissance flights will begin soon to evaluate conditions firsthand.

George Zamka, commander of STS-130, is going over the weather conditions with Flight Director Norm Knight during a weather briefing before he gets on his pressure suit. Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson, who is the flight engineer for launch, also are listening to the briefing. There are no surprises in this briefing and the crew is being advised of the expected conditions, including the concerns for high winds. The outlook also includes a look at the weather over emergency landing fields in France, Spain, California and New Mexico.

Launch Control Center Drying Out
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:07:14 AM EST

The launch team has been handing out thanks this week to workers who brought in fans, trailer-sized blowers and many feet of hoses to dry out the Launch Control Center after a fire protection system pipe burst and released thousands of gallons of water into the building last weekend. The firing rooms were ready for the countdown and the launch was not delayed. The drying process is not complete, but the LCC still is able to do its job.

Six Accomplished Astronauts
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:49:50 PM EST

George Zamka is making his second flight to the International Space Station, the first was STS-120 in 2007. Zamka is the commander of this flight, having served as pilot on STS-120. Coincidentally, the STS-120 mission took a node up to the station, too.

Terry Virts, making his first flight, is the pilot for Endeavour. He will oversee shuttle systems and robotic arm work. He also gets to outfit Tranquility and the cupola during the 13-day mission.

Nicholas Patrick flew previously on STS-116 and is slated to make three spacewalks during this flight. His exemplary education includes a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Robert Behnken will add three spacewalks to the three he performed during STS-123 in 2008. During the previous mission he operated the station's robotic arm and the newly installed robotic hand called Dextre.

Stephen Robinson is the most experienced of the STS-130 crew. He first flew in 1997, and last went into space as part of the Return to Flight crew of STS-114 in 2005.

Kathryn Hire, known as "Kay," knows Kennedy Space Center quite well. She worked as an engineer at the spaceport for five years before joining the astronaut corps. She flew on Columbia in 1998 during the STS-90 mission.

Shuttle Fueled for Launch
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:40:11 PM EST

The huge thermos bottle that is the shuttle's external fuel tank has been filled with about half-a-million gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Both propellants are chilled well below freezing, with the hydrogen temperature at minus 423 degrees F and the oxygen at minus 297 degrees. The fueling went smoothly, although the process did not begin until teams could adjust the cabin air pressure regulator on the fixed service structure. Tanking operations began at 7:47 p.m. and concluded at 10:47 p.m.

Naturally, a Florida winter can't keep the chemicals that cold on its own, which is why the tank is coated with a thick layer of insulation. The fuel and oxygen that evaporate during the countdown is steadily replaced until just before liftoff. Endeavour's three main engines burn the liquid oxygen and hydrogen during the shuttle's 8 1/2-minute climb into orbit.

In case you're curious why NASA goes through the trouble of handling cryogenic propellants, it's because liquids take up less space than gases. The engines vaporize the oxygen and hydrogen before mixing them together and burning them to create the characteristic pale blue shock diamonds seen at liftoff.

Weather Outlook 80 Percent Go
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:33:38 PM EST

It's expected to be chilly at launch time here on Florida's Atlantic coast, but forecasters’ main concern are winds gusting above limits and the possibility of low clouds moving over the launch site. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters puts the odds of acceptable conditions at launch time at 80 percent.

First Shuttle Launch Day of 2010 Begins!
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:29:56 PM EST

Welcome to NASA's Launch Blog for the STS-130 mission! We are about five hours from liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on a construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is carrying the Tranquility node and a seven-windowed cupola that promises the best views of Earth without going on a spacewalk. There are no technical issues standing in the way of a launch at 4:39 a.m. Weather is looking good for launch although it is brisk by Florida standards.

The six astronauts of STS-130 will be climbing into their orange pressure suits in about 40 minutes and they will make their way out to the launch pad after that. We'll hit on that and other milestones during today's coverage from inside Firing Room 3 in the Launch Control Center at Kennedy. We'll also let you know if anything comes up that could delay a launch, but all looks good right now.

With Tank Filled, Launch Countdown on Schedule
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:11:46 PM EST

The shuttle's fueling operations have gone smoothly this evening and everything is on schedule for a liftoff on time at 4:39 a.m. Our continuous coverage of the countdown to the launch of Endeavour on mission STS-130 will begin in about 20 minutes. See you at 11:30!

MMT Declares Endeavour Ready for Launch
Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:47:06 PM EST

The mission management team cleared Endeavour for Sunday morning's launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:39 a.m. Our continuous coverage on NASA's Launch Blog begins at 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-130 To lift off at 4:39 AM today FEBRUARY 7, 2010

Astronauts Climb Aboard Endeavour
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:22:05 AM EST

The crew of mission STS-130 is getting into space shuttle Endeavour as the countdown continues on schedule toward a liftoff at 4:39 a.m. EST. Commander George Zamka is the first aboard, climbing into the left-hand seat on Endeavour' s flight deck.

Communications checks will be conducted throughout the strap-in process as the astronauts take their places.

There are no technical issues standing in the way of an on-time launch although the potential for clouds violating weather constraints is still being monitored.

Endeavour's STS-130 Mission
Commander George Zamka will lead the STS-130 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Terry Virts will serve as the pilot. Mission Specialists are Nicholas Patrick, Robert Behnken, Stephen Robinson and Kathryn Hire. Virts will be making his first trip to space.

Shuttle Endeavour and its crew will deliver to the space station a third connecting module, the Italian-built Tranquility node and the seven-windowed cupola, which will be used as a control room for robotics. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

Liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is scheduled for February 7, 2010, at 4:39 a.m. EST