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: