STS 131 Space Shuttle Discovery Launch April 5th, 2010, 6:21 AM EST COVERAGE PICS

Launch of Space shuttle Dicovery. April 5th, 2010 @ 6:21 AM. Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
STS 131 MISSION OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY. See NASA LAUNCH BLOG COMMENTS BELOW THE PICTURES and video.









T-9 Minutes and Holding
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:27:06 AM EDT

We've entered the final built-in hold of today's launch countdown. This 45-minute hold is set to release at 6:12 a.m.

The length of the T-9 minute hold is typically adjusted slightly to target a precise launch time. International Space Station missions have a relatively short launch window because the shuttle is pursuing the orbiting station. The team is aiming for liftoff at 6:21 a.m.

Kennedy Area Clear for Launch
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:26:46 AM EDT

The Closeout Crew has reached the roadblock. There are no nonessential personnel left inside the "launch danger area," and the Kennedy area has been declared clear for launch.

One Hour Until Launch
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:21:30 AM EDT

We're now one hour away from the scheduled liftoff of space shuttle Discovery at 6:21 a.m. Weather is "go" and is expected to remain favorable through the remainder of the countdown. No technical issues are being discussed, and all is quiet in the Launch Control Center.

T-20 Minutes and Counting
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:16:06 AM EDT

The countdown has resumed. The final built-in hold will begin at the T-9 minute mark. Discovery's primary and backup avionics software systems are being switched into "OPS 1," or launch mode. Of the shuttle's five general purpose computers, four run the primary avionics software and the fifth runs the backup flight system.

White Room Secured for Launch
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:10:55 AM EDT

The Closeout Crew has finished in the White Room and is departing the launch pad, retreating to a roadblock a safe distance away. The team will be available to return quickly to the pad if needed.


T-20 Minutes and Holding
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:06:11 AM EDT

Countdown clocks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are holding at T-20 minutes. The hold will release at 5:16 a.m.

Closeout Crew Continuing Work
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:56:33 AM EDT

At T-30 minutes and counting, the Closeout Crew continues its work in the White Room outside Discovery's crew access hatch. The cabin will be vented and the vent valves closed, and the White Room will be configured for launch before the team departs.

The ground launch sequencer main line computer program has been activated and is processing data. It will continue monitoring key commands and systems until it assumes control of the countdown at T-9 minutes and counting.

Our next built-in hold is coming up at T-20 minutes.

Ferguson Watching the Weather
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:34:35 AM EDT

Astronaut Chris Ferguson is piloting the Shuttle Training Aircraft, a modified Gulfstream jet that mimics the flying characteristics of a landing shuttle orbiter. From now until after liftoff, Ferguson will patrol the skies throughout the launch area, monitoring weather conditions and reporting his observations to launch management. At the moment, weather is "go," with a slight concern for development of fog or a cloud ceiling that could interfere with an emergency shuttle landing, if one were needed. Forecasters continue to predict an 80 percent chance of good weather for launch.

T-1 Hour and Counting
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:26:33 AM EDT

At T-1 hour and counting, all astronauts are seated in Discovery, the hatch is closed and leak checks are under way. Launch is scheduled for 6:21 a.m.

Closeout Crew 'Go' to Close Hatch
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:21:57 AM EDT

In the White Room, the Closeout Crew is closing Discovery's side hatch. Before the hatch could be moved into position, the inner and outer seals were cleaned to ensure a solid overlap. The seals also will be pressurized, further strengthening the seal. Soon the cabin and hatch seal will be tested to verify there are no leaks.

Space Station to Pass Over the Launch Site
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:10:40 AM EDT

At the time of liftoff, the International Space Station will be about 220 miles over the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Ireland. But about 17 minutes before launch, at 6:04 a.m., the space station will pass over the Kennedy Space Center, providing an excellent sighting opportunity as it moves from the south-southwest to the east. It should be visible for about three minutes, peaking at a 43 degree elevation.

Ready for Crew Module Closeout
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:55:09 AM EDT

At T-1 hour, 30 minutes and counting, all seven astronauts are safely strapped into their seats and ready to fly, and the Closeout Crew is ready to finish up work in Discovery's crew module. Before closing the hatch, the flight deck and middeck are inspected to make sure "non-flight" items, such as standing platforms, switch guards and protective covers, are all removed from the shuttle.

Weather Back to 'Green'; All Astronauts on Board
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:49:26 AM EDT

The weather is back to "go" status now that the cloud deck above the Shuttle Landing Facility has scattered. The last to board Discovery was Mission Specialist Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, also a first-time space flier. She's climbing into Seat 4, located in the back row of the flight deck between Poindexter and Dutton. Before her selection as a NASA astronaut in 2004, Metcalf-Lindenburger was a high-school Earth science and astronomy teacher and athletic coach.

Yamazaki Ready for Ingress
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:34:10 AM EDT

STS-131 is the first spaceflight for Mission Specialist Naoko Yamazaki, who waved excitedly and held up a sign for her loved ones. Representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Yamazaki was selected as an astronaut in 1999. She'll be strapped into Seat 6 in the center of the middeck.

Mastracchio Boarding Discovery
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:31:32 AM EDT

The next astronaut to crawl through Discovery's crew hatch is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. He'll ride into space in Seat 3, located in the right back row of the flight deck behind Dutton. He and Anderson will be the spacewalkers on this flight, and they'll swap seats for the trip home, with Anderson strapped into his seat on the flight deck and Mastracchio riding back to Earth in Seat 7, down in the middeck. STS-131 is Mastracchio's third shuttle flight.

Countdown Going Well
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:26:40 AM EDT

Everything continues to go smoothly this morning at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where space shuttle Discovery is poised for liftoff on its STS-131 mission. Launch is scheduled for 6:21 a.m. The astronauts are in the process of boarding the shuttle and strapping into their seats.

The countdown clock is at T-2 hours and counting.

Cloud Ceiling Violates Weather Rules
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:16:37 AM EDT

Launch Weather Officer Kathy Winters just informed Launch Director Pete Nickolenko that cloud cover above the Shuttle Landing Facility is too low and thick, violating launch constraints. Conditions in Central Florida can change very quickly, so although weather is "red" for now, it may go "green" again during the course of the countdown.

Wilson Enters the White Room
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:11:12 AM EDT

Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is preparing to climb into Seat 5 on the middeck. A Harvard graduate, Wilson previously served as a mission specialist on missions STS-121 and STS-120, both aboard shuttle Discovery.

Anderson is Aboard; Dutton Up Next
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:06:03 AM EDT

Next into the crew module is Mission Specialist Clayton Anderson, participating in his second shuttle launch. In 2007, Anderson flew aboard shuttle Atlantis with the STS-117 crew to begin a five-month tour of duty aboard the International Space Station, serving as the Expedition 15/16 flight engineer and science officer. He gave a quick salute to the Closeout Crew before crawling through the hatch. For liftoff, Anderson will sit in Seat 7, on the far-right side of Discovery's middeck.

Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. will strap into Seat 2 on the front-right side of the flight deck, beside Poindexter. The U.S. Air Force colonel has logged at least 3,300 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004, Dutton is about to launch on his first spaceflight.

Commander is First to Board
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:02:43 AM EDT

Commander Alan Poindexter is the first to climb aboard Discovery. A U.S. Navy captain, Poindexter piloted space shuttle Atlantis on its STS-122 mission back in 2008. As he entered the White Room, he held up a hand-lettered sign for the camera, sending his love to his family. The commander's seat is Seat 1 on the front-left side of the flight deck.

Astronauts Ready to Board Discovery
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:53:19 AM EDT

After pausing for a few moments to take pictures at the base of space shuttle Discovery, it's time for the crew to begin boarding. Up at the pad's 195-foot level, the Closeout Crew is ready to begin helping the astronauts put on their communications caps, parachute packs and other gear. Thanks to a launch dress rehearsal a few weeks ago, this routine is familiar to everyone. Called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, the rehearsal is a standard part of prelaunch training and gives first-time fliers a chance to practice these procedures, provides a refresher course for veteran astronauts and gives the entire team the opportunity to work together before launch day.

Since the White Room gets crowded with Closeout Crew members and equipment, there is only room inside for one or two astronauts at a time. Once they're on board, they'll spend the rest of the countdown lying on their backs. Astronauts will begin checking their voice communications systems after strapping in.

A Sight to Behold
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:48:39 AM EDT

Riding in the Astrovan, the astronauts are seeing shuttle Discovery lit up on the pad for the first time. The view of the pad emerges from beyond the treeline, looming larger in the windshield as the van approaches.

Next Stop: Launch Pad 39A
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:44:11 AM EDT

At this point, the only people riding in the silver Astrovan are the STS-131 crew and a technician who will serve as part of the Closeout Crew, helping with final suit-up and boarding. They'll arrive at the launch pad in the next few minutes. The van will pass through the gate at the pad perimeter and drive up the concrete hardstand, letting the riders off near the pad elevator.

Two Stops Along the Way
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:39:47 AM EDT

The Astrovan makes two stops during the drive out to Launch Pad 39A. First, astronaut Chris Ferguson will step out of the van and into a waiting car for a ride to the Shuttle Landing Facility, where he'll pilot weather-observing flights later this morning. Minutes later, the Astrovan will pause again at the driveway to the Launch Control Center, dropping off Director of Flight Crew Operations Brent Jett and Chief Astronaut Peggy Whitson.

Astronauts Depart for Launch Pad 39A
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:32:56 AM EDT

The STS-131 astronauts stepped out of the Operations and Checkout Building, waved to the gathered crowd of friends, space workers and news media and climbed into the Astrovan, which is actually a vintage Airstream mobile home. Shouts, cheers and a bright flurry of camera flashes greeted the crew members as they made their way to their ride. Under heavy security, the van is on its way to Launch Pad 39A. The astronauts have the option of plugging into cooling units if they begin to feel too warm in their suits.

T-3 Hours and Counting
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:26:11 AM EDT

At T-3 hours and counting, the countdown is moving once again. The astronauts will depart their quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building in about five minutes.

Countdown to Resume in Minutes
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:12:51 AM EDT

The countdown is set to resume at 2:26 a.m. with the release of the T-3 hour built-in hold. Prelaunch activities continue to go smoothly this morning as we continue toward liftoff of space shuttle Discovery at 6:21 a.m.

Astronauts Suiting Up for Flight
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:02:17 AM EDT

With a meal, a photo opportunity and medical checks out of the way, Discovery's astronauts are beginning to climb into their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits. Known as the Advanced Crew Escape Suit, or ACES, the outfit provides a cocoon of air and storage for a multitude of survival tools.

Suiting up can take the better part of an hour. Although crew members have suit technicians and others to assist them as they put on these heavy suits for launch, they'll have to rely on their own experience and the help of their crewmates when it's time to get dressed for landing.

Weather Looks Promising
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:00:36 AM EDT

A high pressure system has resulted in pleasant conditions overnight at Kennedy Space Center. Skies are partly cloudy and there's a light wind from the east. Weather forecasters are somewhat concerned about the possibility of fog developing due to the stable conditions and temperatures close to the dewpoint. The wind may help keep fog development at bay.

Weather officials for today's countdown include Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters of the 45th Weather Squadron, forecasters with the National Weather Service's Spaceflight Meteorology Group based in Houston, and astronaut John Casper serving as the weather coordinator in Kennedy's Firing Room 4. Additionally, astronaut George Zamka is the weather interface in the Mission Control Center.

Astronauts, Discovery Ready to Deliver New Science Materials
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:38:58 AM EDT

Commander Alan Poindexter leads a crew of seven astronauts on STS-131, the 33rd shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the 131st flight of the Space Shuttle Program. Discovery is taking a multi-purpose logistics module brimming with science racks for transfer into the station's laboratories. The flight also will feature three spacewalks to perform maintenance work and retrieve a Japanese science experiment mounted outside the station.

STS-131 Countdown Overview
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:29:28 AM EDT

The STS-131 launch countdown began at 3 a.m. April 2, when special clocks at Kennedy Space Center blinked to life at T-43 hours and counting. After two more days of final preparations to shuttle Discovery and Launch Pad 39A, the rotating service structure protecting the vehicle was rolled away. At this point, Discovery's external tank is filled with propellants, weather looks promising, and the astronauts are awake and preparing to leave for the launch pad in a little more than an hour.

Inside Discovery's crew module, astronaut Chris Cassidy is serving as the prime astronaut support person, setting up for crew boarding and checking the communications systems. Cassidy served as a mission specialist on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 flight in 2009.

Tanking Complete; Work Continues at Launch Pad 39A
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:21:49 AM EDT

Discovery's orange external fuel tank has been loaded with half a million gallons of chilled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Tanking operations began at 9:28 p.m. and concluded about three hours later. Fueling was delayed by about half an hour while the launch team investigated a voltage spike in a fuel cell pump motor, but the tanking process went very well and wrapped up at 12:21 a.m. Because small amounts of both propellants will continue to warm up and evaporate throughout the countdown, valves at the pad will cycle on and off, replacing the lost propellant through "stable replenish." No further voltage spikes have been observed.

With tanking complete, two specialized teams are performing critical tasks out at the launch pad. The Final Inspection Team, often called the "Ice Team," is getting an up-close look at Discovery and the pad structures. Any ice development will be monitored, characterized and reported to launch management before the team departs the launch pad. At the same time, the Closeout Crew is working inside the environmentally controlled White Room and in the shuttle's crew module, preparing for the astronauts' arrival and boarding at about 3 a.m.

Discovery Ready for Morning Liftoff
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:15:13 AM EDT

Good morning, and welcome to NASA's Launch Blog. Despite the early hour, it's a busy time at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where space shuttle Discovery and the STS-131 astronauts are preparing for liftoff at 6:21 a.m. EDT. The countdown clock is at T-3 hours and holding. This built-in hold is set to end at 2:26 a.m.

Discovery stands atop its mobile launcher platform at Launch Pad 39A, easily visible in the early morning darkness because of million-candlepower xenon lights trained on the vehicle from the pad perimeter. Forecasters predict an 80 percent chance of conditions favorable to launch. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters is expected to give a weather update in the next few minutes.

Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and the team of launch controllers are monitoring the countdown from Firing Room 4 in the Launch Control Center about three miles west of the launch pad. NASA's Launch Blog originates right next door in Firing Room 3. Meanwhile, across the space center in their crew quarters, Discovery's seven astronauts are awake and will begin suiting up shortly.

OTHER INFO ABOUT LAUNCH DAY....
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:12:51 GMT
Suiting up can take the better part of an hour. Although crew members have suit technicians and others to assist them as they put on these heavy suits for launch, they'll have to rely on their own experience and the help of their crewmates when it's time to get dressed for landing.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:02:17 GMT
Weather officials for today's countdown include Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters of the 45th Weather Squadron, forecasters with the National Weather Service's Spaceflight Meteorology Group based in Houston, and astronaut John Casper serving as the weather coordinator in Kennedy's Firing Room 4. Additionally, astronaut George Zamka is the weather interface in the Mission Control Center.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:36 GMT

Inside Discovery's crew module, astronaut Chris Cassidy is serving as the prime astronaut support person, setting up for crew boarding and checking the communications systems. Cassidy served as a mission specialist on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 flight in 2009.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:29:28 GMT
With tanking complete, two specialized teams are performing critical tasks out at the launch pad. The Final Inspection Team, often called the "Ice Team," is getting an up-close look at Discovery and the pad structures. Any ice development will be monitored, characterized and reported to launch management before the team departs the launch pad. At the same time, the Closeout Crew is working inside the environmentally controlled White Room and in the shuttle's crew module, preparing for the astronauts' arrival and boarding at about 3 a.m.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:21:49 GMT
Discovery stands atop its mobile launcher platform at Launch Pad 39A, easily visible in the early morning darkness because of million-candlepower xenon lights trained on the vehicle from the pad perimeter. Forecasters predict an 80 percent chance of conditions favorable to launch. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters is expected to give a weather update in the next few minutes.

Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and the team of launch controllers are monitoring the countdown from Firing Room 4 in the Launch Control Center about three miles west of the launch pad. NASA's Launch Blog originates right next door in Firing Room 3. Meanwhile, across the space center in their crew quarters, Discovery's seven astronauts are awake and will begin suiting up shortly.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:11:12 GMT
Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. will strap into Seat 2 on the front-right side of the flight deck, beside Poindexter. The U.S. Air Force colonel has logged at least 3,300 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004, Dutton is about to launch on his first spaceflight.


Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:06:03 GMT
Since the White Room gets crowded with Closeout Crew members and equipment, there is only room inside for one or two astronauts at a time. Once they're on board, they'll spend the rest of the countdown lying on their backs. Astronauts will begin checking their voice communications systems after strapping in.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:53:19 GMT
Suiting up can take the better part of an hour. Although crew members have suit technicians and others to assist them as they put on these heavy suits for launch, they'll have to rely on their own experience and the help of their crewmates when it's time to get dressed for landing.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:02:17 GMT
Weather officials for today's countdown include Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters of the 45th Weather Squadron, forecasters with the National Weather Service's Spaceflight Meteorology Group based in Houston, and astronaut John Casper serving as the weather coordinator in Kennedy's Firing Room 4. Additionally, astronaut George Zamka is the weather interface in the Mission Control Center


Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:36 GMT

Inside Discovery's crew module, astronaut Chris Cassidy is serving as the prime astronaut support person, setting up for crew boarding and checking the communications systems. Cassidy served as a mission specialist on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 flight in 2009.


Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:29:28 GMT
With tanking complete, two specialized teams are performing critical tasks out at the launch pad. The Final Inspection Team, often called the "Ice Team," is getting an up-close look at Discovery and the pad structures. Any ice development will be monitored, characterized and reported to launch management before the team departs the launch pad. At the same time, the Closeout Crew is working inside the environmentally controlled White Room and in the shuttle's crew module, preparing for the astronauts' arrival and boarding at about 3 a.m.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:21:49 GMT
Discovery stands atop its mobile launcher platform at Launch Pad 39A, easily visible in the early morning darkness because of million-candlepower xenon lights trained on the vehicle from the pad perimeter. Forecasters predict an 80 percent chance of conditions favorable to launch. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters is expected to give a weather update in the next few minutes.

Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and the team of launch controllers are monitoring the countdown from Firing Room 4 in the Launch Control Center about three miles west of the launch pad. NASA's Launch Blog originates right next door in Firing Room 3. Meanwhile, across the space center in their crew quarters, Discovery's seven astronauts are awake and will begin suiting up shortly.

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle en-us
The length of the T-9 minute hold is typically adjusted slightly to target a precise launch time. International Space Station missions have a relatively short launch window because the shuttle is pursuing the orbiting station. The team is aiming for liftoff at 6:21 a.m
The ground launch sequencer main line computer program has been activated and is processing data. It will continue monitoring key commands and systems until it assumes control of the countdown at T-9 minutes and counting.

Our next built-in hold is coming up at T-20 minutes
The countdown clock is at T-2 hours and counting.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:26:40 GMT Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:16:37 GMT
As they get seated, the astronauts begin two-way checks of all their communications channels. During these tests, the crew members will talk with Orbiter Test Conductor Laurie Sally in the Launch Control Center and Flight Director Bryan Lunney in mission control.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:11:12 GMT
Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. will strap into Seat 2 on the front-right side of the flight deck, beside Poindexter. The U.S. Air Force colonel has logged at least 3,300 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004, Dutton is about to launch on his first spaceflight.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:06:03 GMT Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:02:43 GMT
Since the White Room gets crowded with Closeout Crew members and equipment, there is only room inside for one or two astronauts at a time. Once they're on board, they'll spend the rest of the countdown lying on their backs. Astronauts will begin checking their voice communications systems after strapping in.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:53:19 GMT
Suiting up can take the better part of an hour. Although crew members have suit technicians and others to assist them as they put on these heavy suits for launch, they'll have to rely on their own experience and the help of their crewmates when it's time to get dressed for landing.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:02:17 GMT
Weather officials for today's countdown include Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters of the 45th Weather Squadron, forecasters with the National Weather Service's Spaceflight Meteorology Group based in Houston, and astronaut John Casper serving as the weather coordinator in Kennedy's Firing Room 4. Additionally, astronaut George Zamka is the weather interface in the Mission Control Center.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:36 GMT
Inside Discovery's crew module, astronaut Chris Cassidy is serving as the prime astronaut support person, setting up for crew boarding and checking the communications systems. Cassidy served as a mission specialist on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 flight in 2009
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:29:28 GMT
With tanking complete, two specialized teams are performing critical tasks out at the launch pad. The Final Inspection Team, often called the "Ice Team," is getting an up-close look at Discovery and the pad structures. Any ice development will be monitored, characterized and reported to launch management before the team departs the launch pad. At the same time, the Closeout Crew is working inside the environmentally controlled White Room and in the shuttle's crew module, preparing for the astronauts' arrival and boarding at about 3 a.m.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:21:49 GMT
Discovery stands atop its mobile launcher platform at Launch Pad 39A, easily visible in the early morning darkness because of million-candlepower xenon lights trained on the vehicle from the pad perimeter. Forecasters predict an 80 percent chance of conditions favorable to launch. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters is expected to give a weather update in the next few minutes.

Launch Director Pete Nickolenko and the team of launch controllers are monitoring the countdown from Firing Room 4 in the Launch Control Center about three miles west of the launch pad. NASA's Launch Blog originates right next door in Firing Room 3. Meanwhile, across the space center in their crew quarters, Discovery's seven astronauts are awake and will begin suiting up shortly.
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:

SAFE LANDING OF SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR STS 130 MISSION FEBRUARY 22, 2010

Space Shuttle Landing Coverage STS-130 Landing Blog FEBRUARY 22, 2010


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour lands in darkness on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 14 days in space, completing the 5.7-million-mile STS-130 mission to the International Space Station on orbit 217. Main gear touchdown was at 10:20:31 p.m. EST followed by nose gear touchdown at 10:20:39 p.m. and wheels stop at 10:22:10 p.m. It was the 23rd night landing in shuttle history and the 17th at Kennedy. Aboard are Commander George Zamka; Pilot Terry Virts; and Mission Specialists Robert Behnken, Nicholas Patrick, Kathryn Hire and Stephen Robinson. During Endeavour's STS-130 mission, astronauts installed the Tranquility node, a module that provides additional room for crew members and many of the station's life support and environmental control systems. Attached to Tranquility is a cupola with seven windows that provide a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. The orbiting laboratory is approximately 90 percent complete now in terms of mass. STS-130 was the 24th flight for Endeavour, the 32nd shuttle mission devoted to ISS assembly and maintenance, and the 130th shuttle mission to date. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell

Space shuttle Endeavour landed Sunday night at 10:20 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Blogger Steve Siceloff followed the entry and landing milestones from the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility as the orbiter and its crew of six astronauts came back to Earth.

The crew of STS-130 returned from space after about 14 days in orbit. The shuttle also was considerably lighter when it landed since its main payload, the Tranquility node and windowed cupola, were attached to the International Space Station during the flight. Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virst were at Endeavour's controls as the shuttle glided to the Kennedy runway.

NOTE: All times are posted in Eastern. Timestamps appear in your local time.
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LANDING BLOG COVERAGE TIMELINE.

The shuttle will be taken to its processing hangar in a few hours. Meanwhile, preparations are already well under way for mission STS-131, targeted to lift off April 5.

Good night from the Shuttle Landing Facility and Kennedy Space Center!
Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:40:51 GMT
"We're safe on deck here at Kennedy Space Center and that's due to the work of a lot of people," STS-130 mission Commander George Zamka said. "And Endeavour, oh my goodness, what a perfect machine."

"What a phenomenal flight that we had," Pilot Terry Virts said.

For Kathryn "Kay" Hire, the landing marked a return to her original NASA work location. Hire served as an shuttle engineer in several capacities before joining the astronaut corps.

"Thanks so much for the great weather here," she said, "Thanks again for providing us such a wonderful spacecraft and I hope we didn't beat it up too much."

Zamka outlined his crew's first task: "We're going to start getting used to life on Earth again."]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:25:14 GMT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:01:50 GMT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:27:10 GMT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:23:26 GMT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:05:45 GMT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:53:12 GMT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:30:33 GMT
The shuttle made 217 orbits of Earth since launching on Feb. 8. Endeavour covered about 5,750,000 miles during the flight.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:25:18 GMT
So what's it like inside? Well, it's pretty dark. There is a glow in the tower from the computer monitors and radar readings. Naturally, it's dark so the controllers can see what's going on outside. There's a lot of energy tonight as the controllers work with astronaut Chris Ferguson, who is flying weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft, talk with mission control in Houston and coordinate other landing-related activity near the runway.


Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:39:32 GMT
Tonight's landing blog originates from inside the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility as we await Endeavour's return. We are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Atlantic coast, which is the shuttle's primary landing site. We'll bring you a bit of the atmosphere from here as the night unfolds Landing Blog Concludes for STS-130

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:40:51 AM EST

With Endeavour on the runway here at Kennedy and the astronauts heading to the Astronaut Crew Quarters, we will wrap up the landing blog for STS-130. The mission added the "Tranquility" module to the International Space Station along with a seven-windowed cupola that allows unprecedented views of Earth and space.

The shuttle will be taken to its processing hangar in a few hours. Meanwhile, preparations are already well under way for mission STS-131, targeted to lift off April 5.
Good night from the Shuttle Landing Facility and Kennedy Space Center!

Astronauts Rave About Mission, Shuttle
Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:25:14 AM EST

The six crew members who spent about two weeks on space shuttle Endeavour and at the International Space Station celebrated their successful mission as they surveyed their spacecraft. They also spoke about their mission before heading back to the Astronaut Crew Quarters here at Kennedy.

"We're safe on deck here at Kennedy Space Center and that's due to the work of a lot of people," STS-130 mission Commander George Zamka said. "And Endeavour, oh my goodness, what a perfect machine."

"What a phenomenal flight that we had," Pilot Terry Virts said.

For Kathryn "Kay" Hire, the landing marked a return to her original NASA work location. Hire served as an shuttle engineer in several capacities before joining the astronaut corps.

"Thanks so much for the great weather here," she said, "Thanks again for providing us such a wonderful spacecraft and I hope we didn't beat it up too much."

Zamka outlined his crew's first task: "We're going to start getting used to life on Earth again."

Astronauts Walk Around Endeavour
Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:01:50 AM EST

Commander George Zamka is leading his crew during the walk around beneath the shuttle. This is a victory lap of sorts for shuttle crews as they visit with NASA officials, including Charles Bolden, the agency administrator, and Bob Cabana, Kennedy's director. The astronauts will look over the heat shield and landing gear as they move around under the shuttle.

Control Tower Crew Overseeing Post-Landing
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:27:10 PM EST

The air traffic controllers here in the tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility are continuing to watch over Endeavour and the group of vehicles servicing it. The controllers handle traffic moving onto and from the runway during the servicing work.

Astronauts Leave Endeavour
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:23:26 PM EST

All six of Endeavour's astronauts have left the shuttle and are inside the Crew Transport Vehicle at the Shuttle Landing Facility. They will leave the CTV shortly for a quick walk around beneath the shuttle.

Endeavour lit up on SLF
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:05:45 PM EST

The shuttle has a host of lights focused on it tonight as technicians swarm around the spacecraft following a successful, on-time landing about 40 minutes ago. Two astronauts have left the orbiter and are inside the Crew Transport Vehicle. The CTV is a converted version of the "people-movers" used at some airports to take passengers between terminals.

Endeavour Leaves Station with New Room, Window
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:53:12 PM EST

The shuttle's return marks the successful completion of the STS-130 mission that added the "Tranquility" module to the International Space Station, along with a one-of-a-kind windowed cupola that often has been compared to a bay window for the orbiting laboratory. With the addition, the station's mass is about 800,000 pounds, easily the largest spacecraft ever flown. In fact, it's mass far exceeds the weight of NASA's three orbiters combined.

Recovery Process Begins
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:30:33 PM EST

Teams of specialists here at Kennedy have driven onto the Shuttle Landing Facility where they will help the astronauts leave the shuttle and get the spacecraft ready to be rolled back to its hangar next to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

A Round-and-Round Trip
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:25:18 PM EST

"It's great to be home," Endeavour Commander George Zamka radioed after landing. "It was a great adventure."

The shuttle made 217 orbits of Earth since launching on Feb. 8. Endeavour covered about 5,750,000 miles during the flight.

Endeavour Lands!
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:21:32 PM EST

Space shuttle Endeavour has landed at Kennedy!

Final Approach
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:20:21 PM EST

Endeavour is in line with Kennedy's runway. Touch down coming up.

Sonic Booms
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:18:10 PM EST

Endeavour shook Kennedy with its tell-tale twin sonic booms. Three minutes to touch down. Zamka is flying the shuttle.

Five Minutes
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:16:01 PM EST

Endeavour is five minutes from landing.

150 miles
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:14:58 PM EST

Endeavour is gliding at about 3,400 mph through the Florida skies. It is about 150 miles from touch down at 10:20 p.m.

Endeavour Over Florida
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:12:37 PM EST

Endeavour is passing to the west of Lake Okeechobee as it heads to Kennedy.

10 Minutes to Landing
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:10:47 PM EST

Endeavour is now 10 minutes from the Shuttle Landing Facility here at Kennedy. The controllers in the Air Traffic Control Tower are coordinating the convoy of support vehicles and watching over the surrounding airspace and the runway.

Roll Reversal
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:08:07 PM EST

Commander George Zamka is steering Endeavour through a roll reversal now, turning it onto a path leading to Kennedy. A long convoy of vans, truck and a few huge, specialized machines are waiting beside the runway to move in and "safe" the shuttle after it lands.

Roll Maneuver
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:58:21 PM EST

Endeavour Commander George Zamka is steering the shuttle through the first roll to slow the orbiter as it weaves through the atmosphere. The move is often compared to a skier digging his edges into the snow. He will make another sweeping turn in a few minutes.

Runway 15
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:54:35 PM EST

Endeavour's landing pattern calls for it to touch down on runway 15. That means the shuttle will land from the northwest heading southeast. The Shuttle Landing Facility has one long landing strip, but it is numbered as if it were two runways, denoting the approach direction. An approach from the southeast is called as runway 33.

Entry Interface
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:51:22 PM EST

Endeavour is encountering the first layers of the denser atmosphere. The air heats up quickly around the shuttle and forms a plasma. The shuttle's heat shield protects the spacecraft from the intense heat during this phase. Endeavour is over the South Pacific Ocean, going Mach 25. It will quickly slow as it continues falling into thickening air. Endeavour’s three auxiliary power units are running now. They provide the power to move the shuttle’s elevons, rudder and speedbrake. Those are the mechanisms that steer the shuttle like an airplane inside the atmosphere. In space, the shuttle uses a network of small thrusters to maneuver.

Seating Assignments
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:28:34 PM EST

As commander, astronaut George Zamka is in the front of Endeavour's flight deck in the left-hand seat and has access to dozens of switches and the control stick. Opposite of him, Pilot Terry Virts has a similar suite of instruments around him and a control stick of his own. Zamka and Virts can fly the shuttle from their positions. Behind them, Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is serving as the flight engineer, sitting behind the commander and pilot in a seat positioned between them. Mission Specialist Kathryn "Kay" Hire is sitting behind Virts. On the lower level, Mission Specialists Robert Behnken and Nicholas Patrick are positioned in their seats. They can hear the transmissions back and forth, but don't have a window they can watch things through. The small circular window on the hatch is too far behind them to be of much use. Don't feel too bad for them, though. They were the spacewalkers for this flight, so they had some of the best views imaginable.

Stage Set for 10:20 p.m. Landing
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:20:48 PM EST

With the deorbit burn complete, Endeavour is on pace to land at 10:20 p.m. at Kennedy.

Deorbit Burn Complete
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:18:44 PM EST

The twin orbital maneuvering system engines fired as planned and Endeavour has begun its return to Earth. The orbiter is 218 miles over the planet near Indonesia. The shuttle will approach Florida from the southwest, flying over Naples on its way to Kennedy.

Endeavour Crew Lining up for Deorbit Burn
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:13:50 PM EST

The six astronauts inside Endeavour are in their seats and the shuttle is maneuvered so it is flying backward in relation to Earth with its payload bay facing the Earth. The OMS engines will ignite long enough to slow the shuttle's speed by about 200 mph. After the engines are shut off, Commander George Zamka will push the orbiter's nose over so the shuttle's heat shield is facing the planet.

Deorbit Burn at 9:15
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:58:06 PM EST

Endeavour will begin the deorbit burn at 9:15 p.m. The shuttle's two orbital maneuvering system engines will fire for about 2 1/2 minutes and slow Endeavour down by about 200 mph, just enough to let Earth's gravity pull it into the atmosphere for entry. The process is called "deorbit burn" because it takes the shuttle out of orbit.

"Go" for De-Orbit Burn
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:52:24 PM EST

Flight Director Norm Knight has given a thumbs-up to land Endeavour here at Kennedy Space Center tonight. Capcom Rick Sturckow, who most recently commanded the STS-128 mission, radioed Endeavour commander George Zamka that he has been cleared to bring the shuttle home. The call sets up a careful series of steps for Zamka and his crew as they set themselves up for the entry and landing.

The Scene Inside the Tower
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:39:32 PM EST

In a rare look at Kennedy's inner workings during landing, we have been granted access to the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility for Endeavour's entry and landing tonight. The tower is located beside the runway and reaches about 100 feet above the SLF. The vantage point allows the controllers here to look over aircraft and spacecraft as they approach the runway, along with the recovery convoy and any other service vehicles.
So what's it like inside? Well, it's pretty dark. There is a glow in the tower from the computer monitors and radar readings. Naturally, it's dark so the controllers can see what's going on outside. There's a lot of energy tonight as the controllers work with astronaut Chris Ferguson, who is flying weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft, talk with mission control in Houston and coordinate other landing-related activity near the runway.

Good evening from the Shuttle Landing Facility!
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:30:40 PM EST

Forecasters are watching a layer of clouds above Kennedy to determine whether they violate landing rules. Capcom Rick "CJ" Sturckow told Endeavour's crew that conditions here look "promising." A final call has not been made, but the crew is on pace for a landing at 10:20 p.m. We'll let you know when the decision is made. Astronaut Chris Ferguson took off in the Shuttle Training Aircraft about 20 minutes ago and is taking an up-close look at the cloud deck.
Tonight's landing blog originates from inside the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility as we await Endeavour's return. We are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Atlantic coast, which is the shuttle's primary landing site. We'll bring you a bit of the atmosphere from here as the night unfolds.

Landing Coverage Coming up at 8:30
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:35:26 PM EST

NASA's Landing Blog begins at 8:30 tonight to track the entry and landing for space shuttle Endeavour. The first opportunity comes at 10:20 p.m. for a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The biggest hurdle tonight is the weather, which is forecast "no-go" at this point because of a layer of clouds about 6,000 feet above the runway. However, astronaut Chris Ferguson said during his weather reconnaissance flights that he could see through the cloud layer, so there is some optimism. So as the weather decisions unfold here tonight, we will let you know what those decisions are and some of the thinking behind them. See you at 8:30!

Landing Coverage Begins Sunday Night
Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:32 PM EST

Join us Sunday beginning at 8:30 p.m. EST for continuous live coverage of the return of space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of six astronauts. Our coverage will include a look back at the STS-130 mission that saw the module "Tranquility" and a windowed cupola that lets the station crew members look at the world from a perch unlike any other.

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