THE WORLD'S GONE MAD

President George W. Bush Greets SOLDIERS at Dallas FT. Worth Airport AWESOME VIDEO ! Aug.2010

2010-08-21T17:04:00.002-05:00

Thank you President George W. Bush for being my President. No matter what other people say about you, I know in my heart as others SHOULD, that you LOVE THIS COUNTRY and you care about our troops. Thank you for being there for them always.
You are a good and decent and moral man. God bless you always !

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

2010-04-05T03:09:00.006-05:00

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

2010-04-05T02:29:00.004-05:00

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.

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOURS PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ! BEST PRESIDENT EVER GEORGE W. BUSH

2010-04-04T04:19:00.001-05:00

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

MAY YOU AND YOURS HAVE A BLESSED AND BEAUTIFUL EASTER !

SPACES SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR LAUNCH FEBRUARY 8, 2010

2010-02-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

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

2010-02-07T04:16:00.006-05:00

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

2010-02-07T01:56:00.009-05:00

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

SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS, STS129 LANDS SAFELY AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER NOV. 27, 2009

2009-11-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

SEE VIDEO BELOW OF THE LANDING OF SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS, STS-129.

Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew of seven astronauts ended an 11-day journey of nearly 4.5 million miles with a 9:44 a.m. EST landing Friday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission, designated STS-129, included three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the International Space Station's truss, or backbone. The platforms hold large spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired. The shuttle crew delivered about 30,000 pounds of replacement parts for systems that provide power to the station, keep it from overheating, and maintain a proper orientation in space.

SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS BLASTS OFF TODAY NOVEMBER 16, 2009

2009-11-16T10:53:00.008-05:00

A beautiful Launch today on a clear day. SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE NASA BLOG AND FOR SOME NICE PICS AT THE VERY BOTTOM..You can see replay of the launch below.Great video.
If you missed it today. Watch now. Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, in HD <--Very cool video of the Shuttle launch.

Space Shuttle ATLANTIS sits on the launch pad ready for launch today @ 2:28 PM.EST (FIRED UP AND READY TO GO! )

Commander Charlie Hobaugh will lead the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Atlantis. Barry Wilmore will serve as the pilot. Mission Specialists are Robert Satcher, Michael Foreman, Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin. Wilmore, Satcher and Bresnik will be making their first trips to space.

The mission will return station crew member Nicole Stott to Earth. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle crew rotation flight to or from the space station.

Atlantis will deliver parts to the space station, including a spare gyroscope. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

STS-129 is the 31st shuttle mission to the station.

Image above: On the front row are Commander Charlie Hobaugh (left) and Pilot Barry Wilmore. On the back row (from left) are astronauts Leland Melvin, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik, all mission specialists. Image credit: NASA

Launch Target:
2:28 p.m. EST - Nov. 16, 2009
Orbiter:
Atlantis
Mission Number:
STS-129
(129th space shuttle flight)
Launch Window:
10 minutes
Launch Pad:
39A
Mission Duration:
11 days
Landing Site:
KSC
Inclination/Altitude:
51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Primary Payload:
31st station flight (ULF3), EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 1 (ELC1), EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 2 (ELC2)

Image above: Atlantis crew members leave Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building to board NASA's Astrovan for the short trip to Launch Pad 39A. Photo credit: NASA/TV

Launch Blog Ends with Atlantis Safely in Space
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:49:59 PM EST

As the crew of Atlantis begins 11 days of work in space, the NASA Launch Blog is wrapping up. Thanks for following the countdown of STS-129 with us today at Kennedy Space Center and come back to the NASA Web site often to track the progress of this exciting mission. The crew is scheduled to return to Kennedy on Nov. 27 to end the flight. We will be here also to record the landing of Atlantis. See you then!

Atlantis in Orbit
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:41:23 PM EST

Space shuttle Atlantis reached orbit after a flawless launch at 2:28 p.m. The spacecraft and its crew of six astronauts are chasing the International Space Station and are on a trajectory to meet with the orbiting laboratory in two days time. Once docked, the crew of Atlantis will grow by one as station resident Nicole Stott becomes a member of the STS-129 team.

MECO!
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:37:50 PM EST

The three main engines on Atlantis have shut down and the external tank has separated.

Shuttle Picking up Speed in Climb to Space
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:34:13 PM EST

At 67 miles high and traveling about 8,000 mph, Atlantis is gaining speed and altitude as it soars toward an orbit that will put it on a path to track down the International Space Station.

SRB Sep
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:31:14 PM EST

The twin solid rocket boosters have fallen away from Atlantis and its external tank on schedule and the launch is proceeding perfectly. The shuttle is riding spaceward on the strength of its three liquid-fueled engines.

Liftoff!
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:28:48 PM EST

Shuttle Atlantis has cleared the tower!

One Minute to Launch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:27:40 PM EST

The last minute of the countdown is proceeding smoothly. The main engines will ignite six seconds before liftoff.

Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm Retracts
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:26:23 PM EST

The "beanie cap," which collects oxygen venting from the external tank, is being retracted now as the countdown proceeds toward the launch of STS-129 at 2:28 p.m.

Countdown in Home Stretch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:24:23 PM EST

The last phase of the countdown is a busy time at Launch Pad 39A where a series of automated and remote-controlled actions set up the shuttle for its vertical climb toward space. The orbiter access arm, which is the platform leading from the service structure to the shuttle, is being retracted. In a few minutes, the arm holding the "beanie cap" will swivel out of the way of Atlantis. At launch, umbilicals attached to the shuttle's aft compartments will retract. At the same time, T-0, eight explosive bolts holding the twin solid rocket boosters will fire and the shuttle will leave the launch pad on the force of some 7 million pounds of thrust from the boosters and Atlantis' three main engines.

Countdown Under Way
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:19:46 PM EST

At T-9 minutes, the countdown to the launch of STS-129 has resumed on schedule. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m.

Launch Teams Give "Go" for Liftoff
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:17:37 PM EST

Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach has cleared Atlantis for launch after conducting the last launch readiness poll for the countdown of STS-129.

"We're excited to take this incredible vehicle for a ride," Atlantis Commander Charles Hobaugh radioed to the launch team.

The countdown will resume in about two minutes for an on-time launch at 2:28 p.m.

In the Firing Room
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:50:08 PM EST

Today's blog is originating from Firing Room 3 at the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The LCC is home to four firing rooms, with Firing Room 4 serving as the prime control room for the STS-129 launch. Controllers, engineers and technicians representing scores of NASA and contractor specialties work in the firing rooms during a shuttle launch because not all of them will fit in a single room. Each of the rooms is set up with several rows of consoles connected by computer and communications networks so controllers and support staff can reach whoever they need very quickly. The rooms are also staffed between launches as engineers follow the processing of each shuttle up to launch.
The Young-Crippen Firing Room has been converted for the Constellation Program and was used to oversee last month's flight test of the Ares I-X rocket.

Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:34:52 PM EST

With liftoff on schedule for 2:28 p.m., the countdown entered its last planned pause of the cycle at T-9 minutes. Several polls will be conducted during this hold to clear Atlantis for launch.

One Hour to Launch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:30:56 PM EST

With the countdown moving along on schedule, space shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts are poised to begin their mission to the International Space Station with a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. Weather is green and improving, plus there are no technical issues that would hinder a launch.

Special Guests
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:27:10 PM EST

Every launch brings out famous faces and historic figures. This launch is no different. Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is slated to watch the liftoff as a VIP. She has competed in five Olympiads reaching back to 1984. Her medal haul includes four gold, four silver and four bronze. Three of the silver medals came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Also invited to see the launch are two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Don Elders and Alexander Jefferson.

Weather Improves, Fuel Cell Issue Not an Impediment
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:25:30 PM EST

Engineers evaluating the fuel cell electrical issue have determined it likely is a function of the configuration of the lighting in the crew cabin and there will be no troubleshooting necessary prior to launch.
All systems remain “go,” and weather remains “go." Kathy Winters, the shuttle weather officer, has changed the launch weather prediction to 80 percent chance of favorable conditions.

Countdown Resumes
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:23:46 PM EST

The countdown came out of its planned hold on schedule and is moving backward from the T-20 minute mark.

Countdown in Planned Hold
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:14:38 PM EST

The clock has paused at T-20 minutes as planned. The liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-129 remains on schedule for 2:28 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Fuel Cell Issue Not Expected to Delay Launch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:55:51 PM EST

The launch team is evaluating small electrical “noise” on a fuel cell pump motor. The noise is believed to be related to crew cabin lighting, which is on the same power bus. The issue is not expected to impact launch.
Atlantis’ hatch is closed and latched and standard cabin leak checks are under way. Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying a Shuttle Training Aircraft to survey weather conditions around the Kennedy Space Center.

Technicians Close Atlantis Hatch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:33:14 PM EST

Working in the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, the Closeout Crew has swung Atlantis' hatch closed and is getting ready to latch it for flight. They will conduct leak checks on the cabin, also, before the technicians leave the launch pad.

Comm Checks Under Way Between Shuttle, Controllers
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:20:17 PM EST

The astronauts are testing their microphones and communications systems aboard Atlantis as the countdown proceeds toward a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. The crew is going through a series of tests to verify they can talk directly to the launch team here at Kennedy and the Mission Control Center in Houston.

What Atlantis is Taking to Space
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:09:18 PM EST

For STS-129, NASA is putting to use the shuttle's unique ability to haul large pallets of equipment to position spare parts on the orbiting laboratory for possible use in the future. Atlantis has two platforms known as ELC 1 and ELC 2 in its payload bay. ELC is short for ExPRESS Logistics Carrier. Each one is about 16 feet long and 14 feet wide and weighs more than 13,000 pounds.

Fourteen large pieces of equipment generically called orbital replacement units are attached to the platforms. They include things, such as a fresh ammonia tank assembly for the station's cooling system, two spare gyroscopes that are used to hold the station's attitude and a spare end for the station's robotic arm. The platforms with their extra parts will be connected to the outside of the station's truss where the robotic arm and spacewalking astronauts can get to them easily. Two more ELCs are to be brought up on STS-134 and STS-133. Taken together, the parts and the platforms amount to a storage bin in space.

Bresnik Last to Board Atlantis
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:01:03 PM EST

Randy Bresnik has scooted through the hatch of Atlantis and is on his way to the flight deck where he will sit in the flight engineer's seat between Commander Hobaugh and Pilot Wilmore. Bresnik is an accomplished Marine pilot, but he is making his first flight into space as a mission specialist. He will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.

Foreman in Middeck Seat
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:54:32 AM EST

Veteran astronaut and spacewalker Mike Foreman is riding into space on the middeck of Atlantis, in the seat closest to the hatch. Foreman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, performed three spacewalks during STS-123 in 2008. Like many astronauts, he flew a wide variety of high-performance aircraft before joining the space agency.

Weather Goes Green
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:49:59 AM EST

The cloud deck over Kennedy Space Center has thinned out enough for Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters to declare conditions "go." The forecast also calls for green conditions at launch time.

Melvin Heads to Flight Deck
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:48:22 AM EST

Astronaut Leland Melvin, a veteran from the STS-122 mission, will sit behind Pilot Barry Wilmore during launch. Melvin worked at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia before joining the astronaut corps. He is a specialist in fiber optics and has earned numerous performance awards from the agency. He has also enjoyed a robust football career as a wide receiver. He was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions and took part in training camps with the Dallas Cowboys and Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts. He is also an enthusiastic speaker and travels across the country talking to schoolchildren about technical interests and careers.

Satcher Boards Atlantis
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:37:50 AM EST

Mission Specialist Robert Satcher, a native of Hampton, Virginia, has taken his place on the lower level of Atlantis' crew compartment. A medical doctor, Satcher counts as his alma maters MIT, Harvard Medical School, UC-Berkeley and the University of Florida. He has completed medical missions in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nigeria and Gabon. For STS-129, Satcher will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.

Wilmore Takes Pilot Seat
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:29:36 AM EST

Barry Wilmore, known as "Butch," is getting into the pilot seat on Atlantis. He is on the other side of the cockpit from Hobaugh. Wilmore was a standout football player at Tennessee Tech and is in the school's Sports Hall of Fame. He served as a pilot in the Navy before joining NASA. STS-129 is his first spaceflight.

Astronauts at Launch Pad
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:04:38 AM EST

The crew of STS-129 are at Launch Pad 39A at this hour about to board Atlantis. Commander Hobaugh will climb inside the cockpit first, making his way to the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck. He will start comm checks soon after getting into his seat. The astronauts will be reclined with their weight on their backs because Atlantis is standing on its tail for liftoff. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing on schedule.

STS-129 Crew Heads for Launch Pad 39A
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:42:01 AM EST

The astronauts' trip to space begins with an short drive to the launch pad. After spending the morning at the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building, the crew is now riding inside NASA's silver Astrovan, which is a modified Airstream motor coach. The vehicle is big enough on the inside to accommodate the crew members and their bulky pressure suits. It will take less than half an hour to reach Atlantis.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters advised the launch team that the weather conditions at Kennedy are improving. She said the cloud cover now in the area should move away by launch time and leave the sky clear for Atlantis' flight.

The shuttle is showing no technical issues and launch is on schedule for 2:28 p.m. EST.

Launch Day for Atlantis
The STS-129 mission will be commanded by Charles O. Hobaugh and piloted by Barry E. Wilmore. Mission Specialists are Robert L. Satcher Jr., Mike Foreman, Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin. Wilmore, Satcher and Bresnik will be making their first trips to space.

Atlantis and its crew will deliver two control moment gyroscopes, equipment and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 1 and 2 to the International Space Station. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

The mission also will return station crew member Nicole Stott to Earth and is slated to be the final space shuttle crew rotation flight.

STS-129 LAUNCH COVERAGE

Track the exciting countdown to the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-129 mission beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST on Nov. 16. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m. Blogger Steve Siceloff will deliver live updates from the Firing Room inside the Launch Control Center as the clocks tick backward to launch.

Veteran astronaut Charlie Hobaugh will command Atlantis on the flight to the International Space Station. First-time flier Barry Wilmore will serve as pilot. The mission specialists are Randy Bresnik and Robert Satcher, making their first spaceflights, and veteran fliers Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman. Current space station crew member Nicole Stott will return to Earth aboard Atlantis as the seventh crew member of STS-129.

NOTE: All times are posted in Eastern. Timestamps may appear in your local time.

In the Firing Room
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:50:08 PM EST

Today's blog is originating from Firing Room 3 at the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The LCC is home to four firing rooms, with Firing Room 4 serving as the prime control room for the STS-129 launch. Controllers, engineers and technicians representing scores of NASA and contractor specialties work in the firing rooms during a shuttle launch because not all of them will fit in a single room. Each of the rooms is set up with several rows of consoles connected by computer and communications networks so controllers and support staff can reach whoever they need very quickly. The rooms are also staffed between launches as engineers follow the processing of each shuttle up to launch.
The Young-Crippen Firing Room has been converted for the Constellation Program and was used to oversee last month's flight test of the Ares I-X rocket.

Countdown Enters Last Planned Hold
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:34:52 PM EST

With liftoff on schedule for 2:28 p.m., the countdown entered its last planned pause of the cycle at T-9 minutes. Several polls will be conducted during this hold to clear Atlantis for launch.

One Hour to Launch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:30:56 PM EST

With the countdown moving along on schedule, space shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts are poised to begin their mission to the International Space Station with a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. Weather is green and improving, plus there are no technical issues that would hinder a launch.

Special Guests
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:27:10 PM EST

Every launch brings out famous faces and historic figures. This launch is no different. Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is slated to watch the liftoff as a VIP. She has competed in five Olympiads reaching back to 1984. Her medal haul includes four gold, four silver and four bronze. Three of the silver medals came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Also invited to see the launch are two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Don Elders and Alexander Jefferson.

Weather Improves, Fuel Cell Issue Not an Impediment
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:25:30 PM EST

Engineers evaluating the fuel cell electrical issue have determined it likely is a function of the configuration of the lighting in the crew cabin and there will be no troubleshooting necessary prior to launch.
All systems remain “go,” and weather remains “go." Kathy Winters, the shuttle weather officer, has changed the launch weather prediction to 80 percent chance of favorable conditions.

Countdown Resumes
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:23:46 PM EST

The countdown came out of its planned hold on schedule and is moving backward from the T-20 minute mark.

Countdown in Planned Hold
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:14:38 PM EST

The clock has paused at T-20 minutes as planned. The liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-129 remains on schedule for 2:28 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Fuel Cell Issue Not Expected to Delay Launch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:55:51 PM EST

The launch team is evaluating small electrical “noise” on a fuel cell pump motor. The noise is believed to be related to crew cabin lighting, which is on the same power bus. The issue is not expected to impact launch.
Atlantis’ hatch is closed and latched and standard cabin leak checks are under way. Astronaut Steve Lindsey is flying a Shuttle Training Aircraft to survey weather conditions around the Kennedy Space Center.

Technicians Close Atlantis Hatch
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:33:14 PM EST

Working in the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, the Closeout Crew has swung Atlantis' hatch closed and is getting ready to latch it for flight. They will conduct leak checks on the cabin, also, before the technicians leave the launch pad.

Comm Checks Under Way Between Shuttle, Controllers
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:20:17 PM EST
The astronauts are testing their microphones and communications systems aboard Atlantis as the countdown proceeds toward a 2:28 p.m. liftoff. The crew is going through a series of tests to verify they can talk directly to the launch team here at Kennedy and the Mission Control Center in Houston.

What Atlantis is Taking to Space
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:09:18 PM EST

For STS-129, NASA is putting to use the shuttle's unique ability to haul large pallets of equipment to position spare parts on the orbiting laboratory for possible use in the future. Atlantis has two platforms known as ELC 1 and ELC 2 in its payload bay. ELC is short for ExPRESS Logistics Carrier. Each one is about 16 feet long and 14 feet wide and weighs more than 13,000 pounds.

Fourteen large pieces of equipment generically called orbital replacement units are attached to the platforms. They include things, such as a fresh ammonia tank assembly for the station's cooling system, two spare gyroscopes that are used to hold the station's attitude and a spare end for the station's robotic arm. The platforms with their extra parts will be connected to the outside of the station's truss where the robotic arm and spacewalking astronauts can get to them easily. Two more ELCs are to be brought up on STS-134 and STS-133. Taken together, the parts and the platforms amount to a storage bin in space.

Bresnik Last to Board Atlantis
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:01:03 PM EST

Randy Bresnik has scooted through the hatch of Atlantis and is on his way to the flight deck where he will sit in the flight engineer's seat between Commander Hobaugh and Pilot Wilmore. Bresnik is an accomplished Marine pilot, but he is making his first flight into space as a mission specialist. He will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.

Foreman in Middeck Seat
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:54:32 AM EST

Veteran astronaut and spacewalker Mike Foreman is riding into space on the middeck of Atlantis, in the seat closest to the hatch. Foreman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, performed three spacewalks during STS-123 in 2008. Like many astronauts, he flew a wide variety of high-performance aircraft before joining the space agency.

Weather Goes Green
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:49:59 AM EST
The cloud deck over Kennedy Space Center has thinned out enough for Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters to declare conditions "go." The forecast also calls for green conditions at launch time.

Melvin Heads to Flight Deck
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:48:22 AM EST

Astronaut Leland Melvin, a veteran from the STS-122 mission, will sit behind Pilot Barry Wilmore during launch. Melvin worked at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia before joining the astronaut corps. He is a specialist in fiber optics and has earned numerous performance awards from the agency. He has also enjoyed a robust football career as a wide receiver. He was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions and took part in training camps with the Dallas Cowboys and Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts. He is also an enthusiastic speaker and travels across the country talking to schoolchildren about technical interests and careers.

Satcher Boards Atlantis
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:37:50 AM EST

Mission Specialist Robert Satcher, a native of Hampton, Virginia, has taken his place on the lower level of Atlantis' crew compartment. A medical doctor, Satcher counts as his alma maters MIT, Harvard Medical School, UC-Berkeley and the University of Florida. He has completed medical missions in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nigeria and Gabon. For STS-129, Satcher will perform two of the mission's three spacewalks.

Wilmore Takes Pilot Seat
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:29:36 AM EST

Barry Wilmore, known as "Butch," is getting into the pilot seat on Atlantis. He is on the other side of the cockpit from Hobaugh. Wilmore was a standout football player at Tennessee Tech and is in the school's Sports Hall of Fame. He served as a pilot in the Navy before joining NASA. STS-129 is his first spaceflight.

Astronauts at Launch Pad

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:04:38 AM EST

The crew of STS-129 are at Launch Pad 39A at this hour about to board Atlantis. Commander Hobaugh will climb inside the cockpit first, making his way to the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck. He will start comm checks soon after getting into his seat. The astronauts will be reclined with their weight on their backs because Atlantis is standing on its tail for liftoff. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing on schedule.

Crew Heads to Launch Pad 39A
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:40:52 AM EST

Commander Hobaugh led his crew of six astronauts out of the Operations and Checkout Building this morning on the first leg of their trip to space. The astronauts have climbed into the Astrovan to begin a 20-mile commute to the launch pad. A brief elevator ride will take them to the 195-foot level where the open hatch of Atlantis awaits. Once strapped in, the crew will have an eight-and-a-half minute climb into orbit. Two days later, they are to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station to deliver two platforms loaded with spare parts for the orbiting laboratory.

Countdown Resumes at T-3 Hours
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:35:00 AM EST

The countdown to the launch of STS-129 picked back up on schedule and the clocks are ticking backward again from T-3 hours. There are several built-in holds or pauses in the process. Liftoff remains on schedule for a 2:28 p.m.

Astronauts Suit Up
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:16:29 AM EST

The crew of STS-129 is getting into their launch-and-entry suits before heading out to the launch pad. They are in the Operations and Checkout Building here at Kennedy, about a 20-minute drive from Launch Pad 39A. The suit-up procedure includes leak checks with helmet and gloves on to make sure the partial pressure suit will seal up properly.

The Crew
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:53 AM EST

Six astronauts will fly Atlantis into orbit this afternoon to begin the STS-129 mission. Charles O. Hobaugh, who has already flown two shuttle missions, is the commander for this flight. As a Marine aviator before joining NASA, Hobaugh piloted Harrier jump-jets, the small aircraft that can take off and land vertically. He flew his first shuttle mission in 2001 as pilot of Atlantis. He also served as pilot on STS-118 aboard shuttle Endeavour.

Barry E. Wilmore is the pilot for this Atlantis mission. He's a rookie who came to NASA in 2000. Leland Melvin, an experienced astronaut from STS-122, and first-time flier Randy Bresnik round out the crew on the flight deck. Mike Foreman, who flew on STS-123 last year, will sit on the lower level for launch, along with rookie Robert L. Satcher. While they won't have the best view on the way up, both will get stunning opportunities to look around during the mission since they are slated to perform spacewalks during the 11-day mission.

The shuttle will bring back one more person from the station: Nicole Stott, who has been a resident of the orbiting laboratory since August.

Final Inspection Team, Closeout Crew at Pad
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:54:00 AM EST

Two small groups of technicians are at Launch Pad 39A this morning in preparation for Atlantis' liftoff later today. The Final Inspection Team, which many may know as the Ice Team, is looking for ice buildup and debris on the shuttle stack. The external tank gets a careful survey by the technicians who carry handheld equipment to scan the tank's temperature. They can take pictures of anything they find and send those from the pad back to the Launch Control Center for evaluation. The Final Inspection Team wears orange jumpsuits during their work at the pad.
The Closeout Crew wears white jumpsuits and their work focuses on the White Room at the pad and crew compartment of Atlantis. Before the astronauts get to the launch pad, the Closeout Crew sets up the cockpit to accommodate the flight crew. They'll get things ready to strap the astronauts in. Later, the technicians will close and lock the hatch.

Where the Fuel Goes
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:46:19 AM EST

In just a few seconds during launch, the super-cold liquid propellants inside the external tank are piped into the shuttle's main engine structure where the chemicals are vaporized and then ignited to produce the thrust to lift the shuttle spaceward.

You may wonder why the metal engine nozzles, the part of the rocket engine you see at the back of the shuttle, don't melt under the intense heat of the combustion. Well, the ingenious designers fit small pipes around the outside of the engines and they run some of the propellants through them when the propellants are still cold. So the metal of the engines is kept safely cooled during launch.

Atlantis' Tank Fueled for Flight
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:37:18 AM EST

The rust-colored external fuel tank has been loaded with about half-a-million gallons of liquid propellants to power Atlantis' three main engines during the ride into orbit. Sensors inside the tank showed no problems during the fueling operation, nor have any other technical issues developed.

The external tank comprises two separate tanks, one holding liquid hydrogen and the top tank holding liquid oxygen. Both chemicals are chilled to supercold temperatures that turn them into a slush. That way, the tank can hold a lot more of the propellants than it could if they were stored as gases. The oxygen is at minus -297 degrees and the hydrogen is minus -423 degrees.

Atlantis on Schedule for Launch Today
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:08 AM EST

Welcome to our coverage of the countdown and launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is on schedule for 2:28 this afternoon from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, which is the home of the agency's three-shuttle fleet.

There are no technical issues in work this morning and forecasters have put the chances of acceptable conditions at 70 percent for launch time. The primary concern is for low clouds over the launch site. The cloud deck this morning has broken up a bit at this hour from what was a substantial layer at sunrise.

Weather Forecast 70 percent Favorable
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:26:50 AM EST

Good morning from Kennedy Space Center where our continuous blog coverage of the countdown to the launch of STS-129 will begin at 9:30 this morning. Weather watchers here are concerned that a low cloud deck might persist throughout the day, but the chance of acceptable conditions at launch time is positive. Forecasters predict a 70 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time. The countdown is proceeding on schedule and liftoff is planned for 2:28 p.m. for space shuttle Atlantis' mission to the International Space Station.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-09-24T02:46:00.001-05:00

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

PATRICK SWAYZE PASSES AT AGE 57 AFTER BATTLING CANCER. R.I.P. PATRICK SWAYZE

2009-09-14T18:33:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES – Patrick Swayze has died after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Swayze's publicist Annett Wolf says the 57-year-old "Dirty Dancing" actor died Monday with family at his side. He came forward about his illness last spring, but continued working as he underwent treatments.

It was 1987 when Swayze became a star with his performance in "Dirty Dancing," a coming-of-age story set in a Catskills resort. The 1990 film "Ghost" cemented his status as a screen favorite.

Swayze played a murdered man trying to communicate with his fiancee through a spirit played by Whoopi Goldberg.

He kept on working even after it was disclosed in March 2008 that he had a particularly deadly form of cancer. He starred in "The Beast," an A&E drama series, and said he and his wife were working on a memoir.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090915/ap_en_ot/us_obit_swayze_1

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LANDING@ EDWARDS AFBASE,CALIFORNIA @ 8:53PM, 9-11-2009

2009-09-11T19:16:00.010-05:00

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-128 TO LAND SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 AT
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE @ 8:53PM.

STS-128 Landing Blog SEE DETAILS BELOW PICTURES.
Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to land at 8:53 p.m. at the shuttle's backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Both landing opportunities at the shuttle's home port at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida were waved off due to weather.
Landing coverage is scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. The landing blog is brought to you by STS-128 Blogger Anna Heiney and originates from the NASA News Center at Kennedy.

Time to touchdown 31 minutes. All of Discovery's systems are in good shape, and the runway approach is still under debate in mission control. With the deorbit burn complete, Sturckow and Ford next will turn Discovery into entry position, facing forward and angled slightly to allow the orbiter's underside to absorb the heat of re-entry.
It's a gorgeous afternoon at Edwards Air Force Base, according to mission control. Light winds, scattered clouds and very calm conditions will greet Discovery when it touches down on the high desert runway at 8:53 p.m
The burn is set to begin 7:47 p.m
Flight controllers are still discussing runway selection options based on winds at Edwards, but Discovery and crew are go to begin their ride home in about 36 minutes
Weather still is cooperating at the Southern California landing site. The Spaceflight Meteorology Group is evaluating the winds, and astronaut Scott Altman has been flying approaches to Runway 22 in the Shuttle Training Aircraft to judge how Discovery will handle the local conditions during landing. But overall, conditions are favorable for touchdown tonight at 8:53 p.m
The 12-inch Disney/Pixar action figure has been in space for more than a year, with most of that time spent aboard the International Space Station. He launched aboard Discovery in May 2008 along with the STS-124 crew.

Lightyear's adventure was part of NASA's Toys in Space project. In this case, it's a joint education initiative between NASA and Disney Parks to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics.
Deorbit targets have been loaded into Discovery's onboard computers and deorbit preparations continue smoothly today. Again, that burn is scheduled for 7:47 p.m
Astronauts also transferred seven-and-a-half tons of equipment to the station from the Leonardo supply module, including science and storage racks, a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a new treadmill. The Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill, or COLBERT, is named after TV show host Stephen Colbert
Stay with NASA's Landing Blog as the seven astronauts aboard Discovery embark on the journey home

Wheelstop: STS-128 is Complete
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:55:30 PM EDT

Discovery is safely on the ground at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Welcoming his colleagues back to Earth, CAPCOM Eric Boe congratulated the crew on their mission to step up the science on the International Space Station.

Next, the landing convoy will swarm the runway and surround Discovery as landing support personnel begin their work. It will take some time for the astronauts on board to finish their work, remove their suits and exit the orbiter to begin a round of preliminary medical checks.

Nose Gear Touchdown
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:53:42 PM EDT

All of Discovery's landing-gear tires are firmly on the ground as the shuttle finishes its roll down the three-mile-long concrete Runway 22.

Main Gear Touchdown
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:53:34 PM EDT

Discovery is speeding down Runway 22 following touchdown just moments ago at Edwards Air Force Base in California. After 5.7 million miles and 219 orbits, Discovery and crew are home.

Landing Gear Down and Locked
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:53:23 PM EDT

Only seconds until landing. Pilot Rick Sturckow has flared up Discovery's nose and Pilot Kevin Ford has deployed the shuttle's main and nose landing gear. Stand by for touchdown.

Sturkow Guides Discovery Around Heading Alignment Circle
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:50:53 PM EDT

To bring Discovery in line with the runway, Commander Sturckow is flying the shuttle through a sweeping, 213-degree overhead right-hand turn around the heading alignment circle. On final approach, Discovery will descend at an angle seven times steeper than that of a commercial airliner.

Sonic Booms Rattle the California Coast
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:50:17 PM EDT

The shuttle's trademark twin sonic booms just echoed across Edwards Air Force Base and the surrounding area, heralding space shuttle Discovery's arrival.

Air Data Probes Deployed
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:46:22 PM EDT

Two air-data probes have been released from Discovery's forward fuselage. They'll measure air pressure and temperature and feed that information to the onboard computer to use in guidance and steering.

10 minutes
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:44:08 PM EDT

Traveling seven times the speed of sound, Discovery is approaching the west coast of California.

GPS Navigation Aids Working
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:42:21 PM EDT

Discovery's Global Positioning System navigation aids are processing data perfectly. The shuttle is 33 miles in altitude and descending at a rate of 159 feet per second.

Landing Status
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:36:25 PM EDT

Now about 18 minutes to landing, Discovery is traveling almost 14,000 miles per hour. Range to touchdown 1,560 miles.

Discovery Rolls to the Left
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:29:40 PM EDT

Discovery is beginning its roll schedule with a 78-degree roll to the left designed to bleed off excess energy and slow the orbiter further. During the next several minutes, three roll reversals will follow, completing the roll schedule. Discovery's systems are performing perfectly.

Discovery Reaches Entry Interface
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:23:03 PM EDT

Discovery is beginning to encounter the first traces of Earth's atmosphere as it glides at an altitude of about 67 statute miles. About 4700 miles to touchdown. As the atmospheric pressure increases, the orbiter's aerosurfaces -- the wing elevons, body flap and rudder speed brake -- will take over steering functions.

Time to touchdown 31 minutes. All of Discovery's systems are in good shape, and the runway approach is still under debate in mission control.

Landing Update
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:20:31 PM EDT

Discovery now is traveling at an altitude of 95 statute miles. Range to touchdown 5,800 miles.

Discovery Approaching Entry Interface
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:18:08 PM EDT

Now flying southeast of New Zealand, Discovery is about to begin a southwest-to-northeast path across the Pacific Ocean as it approaches landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 8:53 p.m. Discovery will begin to encounter the effects of the atmosphere in about five minutes, a point called "entry interface."

Two Remaining APUs Activated
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:10:42 PM EDT

Pilot Kevin Ford has activated Discovery's two remaining auxiliary power units. All three of Discovery's APUs are up and running.

Forward Reaction Control System Emptied
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:07:48 PM EDT

According to plan, the remaining propellant has been dumped from Discovery's forward reaction control system jets.

STS-128 to be the 54th Shuttle Landing for Edwards
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:02:27 PM EDT

Today's space shuttle landing will be the 54th at Edwards Air Force Base. The last time Discovery landed at Edwards was Aug. 9, 2005 at the conclusion of STS-114, NASA's Return to Flight mission.

Less Than an Hour to Touchdown
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:40 PM EDT

Weather and winds are still being evaluated, and there's a possibility mission control will choose to change Discovery's approach to the runway. That's not unusual; Commander Sturckow would just need to reload the landing targets into the onboard computer. Now 22 minutes from entry interface and 54 minutes from touchdown. Everything looks fine aboard Discovery as it flies over the southern Indian Ocean.

Burn Complete: Discovery Officially Begins the Trip Home
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:51:17 PM EDT

Mission control confirms a good deorbit burn. Space shuttle Discovery and the seven astronauts on board are on their way to a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in the California high desert. Touchdown is scheduled for 8:53 p.m.

With the deorbit burn complete, Sturckow and Ford next will turn Discovery into entry position, facing forward and angled slightly to allow the orbiter's underside to absorb the heat of re-entry.

Deorbit Burn Begins
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:48:03 PM EDT

Discovery's orbital maneuvering system engines are firing now. This two-minute, 35-second deorbit burn will slow the orbiter's forward speed by about 267 feet per second, enough to begin its descent through the atmosphere.

Less Than Three Minutes to Go
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:45:22 PM EDT

Less than three minutes remain until Discovery's two orbital maneuvering system engines ignite for the deorbit burn. The engines are armed.

One APU Activated
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:44:14 PM EDT

Pilot Kevin Ford has activated one of Discovery's three auxiliary power units to ensure at least one operating unit for entry. The others will be activated after the deorbit burn. The APUs provide hydraulic pressure to Discovery's aerosurfaces, landing gear, main landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering.

It's a gorgeous afternoon at Edwards Air Force Base, according to mission control. Light winds, scattered clouds and very calm conditions will greet Discovery when it touches down on the high desert runway at 8:53 p.m., 5:53 p.m. Pacific time.

10 Minutes Until the Deorbit Burn
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:38:10 PM EDT

Discovery's deorbit burn will begin at 7:47 p.m., 10 minutes from now.

Landing Convoy on Standby
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:35:54 PM EDT

With Discovery and its seven astronauts on their way to Edwards, the landing convoy is moving into position. The convoy's specialized vehicles and units will line up at the runway, ready to approach the orbiter once it stops its long roll. Members of the landing convoy will safe the vehicle and help the crew out of the crew module and into their transport vehicle.

Discovery in Deorbit Burn Position
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:29:55 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery is in the deorbit burn position. At the time of the burn, the orbiter will be oriented upside down and backward with the its orbital maneuvering system engines facing in the direction of travel. The "retrograde" burn will effectively put the brakes on Discovery's forward momentum and begin its trek back to Earth.

The burn is set to begin 7:47 p.m.

Discovery is "Go" for the Deorbit Burn!
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:12:03 PM EDT

CAPCOM Eric Boe just informed the STS-128 crew members that they are "go" for the deorbit burn. Commander Sturckow and his crewmates are about to set out for home after nearly 14 days in space on a resupply mission to the International Space Station.

Flight controllers are still discussing runway selection options based on winds at Edwards, but Discovery and crew are go to begin their ride home in about 36 minutes.

Astronauts, Ground Teams Await Deorbit Burn Decision
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:05:13 PM EDT

In mission control, flight controllers have completed the steps in the deorbit checklist. The "go/no-go" decision for the deorbit burn is coming up. Weather at Edwards Air Force Base has stayed consistently favorable throughout the day, and Discovery and the astronauts are in great shape.

Deorbit Burn Less Than an Hour Away
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:50:10 PM EDT

Less than one hour to go until the scheduled deorbit burn to start space shuttle Discovery's descent to Edwards Air Force Base in California for touchdown at 8:53 p.m. The burn is planned for 7:47 p.m.

Strapping In for Landing
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:40:04 PM EDT

Discovery's astronauts now are fully suited and soon will begin strapping into their seats on the flight deck and middeck. Commander Sturckow will take Seat 1, in the front left of the flight deck, while Pilot Kevin Ford will be seated to Sturckow's right. Behind them on the flight deck are Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester and Jose Hernandez. On the middeck below, in Seats 5, 6 and 7, are Mission Specialists Danny Olivas, Kopra and Christer Fuglesang of Sweden, who represents the European Space Agency.

Crew Begins Fluid Loading
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:37:01 PM EDT

The astronauts have received the go-ahead to begin "fluid loading." Crew members are encouraged to drink about 40 ounces of water or other fluids to help them readjust to gravity after landing.

Weather still is cooperating at the Southern California landing site. The Spaceflight Meteorology Group is evaluating the winds, and astronaut Scott Altman has been flying approaches to Runway 22 in the Shuttle Training Aircraft to judge how Discovery will handle the local conditions during landing. But overall, conditions are favorable for touchdown tonight at 8:53 p.m.

Also Coming Home on Discovery: Buzz Lightyear
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:21:35 PM EDT

Buzz Lightyear is ready for his ride back to Earth.

The 12-inch Disney/Pixar action figure has been in space for more than a year, with most of that time spent aboard the International Space Station. He launched aboard Discovery in May 2008 along with the STS-124 crew.

Lightyear's adventure was part of NASA's Toys in Space project. In this case, it's a joint education initiative between NASA and Disney Parks to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics.

Astronauts Suiting Up
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:14:17 PM EDT

In space, Discovery's astronauts once again are climbing into their launch-and-entry suits. The bright-orange suit, helmet and gloves provide a safe cocoon of partial pressure and breathable air to the astronaut wearing the ensemble. Deorbit preparations continue to proceed easily toward landing at Edwards Air Force Base at 8:53 p.m. on orbit 219.

Astronaut Tim Kopra Returning from Space Station
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:38:35 PM EDT

Returning to Earth aboard space shuttle Discovery is astronaut Tim Kopra, who has spent 58 days in space since his July launch to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Kopra served as a station flight engineer with the Expedition 20 crew until his replacement, astronaut Nicole Stott, arrived at the station aboard Discovery almost two weeks ago.

Weather Still Looking Good at Edwards
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:10:58 PM EDT

Weather is observed and forecast "go" at Edwards Air Force Base. Discovery will be greeted by light winds and benign, calm conditions upon its arrival on Runway 22 at 8:53 p.m., one hour and 10 minutes before sunset.

Deorbit targets have been loaded into Discovery's onboard computers and deorbit preparations continue smoothly today. Again, that burn is scheduled for 7:47 p.m.

Resupply Mission Highlighted by Three Spacewalks
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:54:27 PM EDT

The STS-128 mission began with a flawless launch Aug. 28, just a few seconds before midnight. Discovery's flight capped a smooth prelaunch countdown and set the stage for a busy itinerary in orbit. With Commander Sturckow at the controls, Discovery docked with the International Space Station at 8:54 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. During the mission's three spacewalks, astronauts replaced experiments outside the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, installed a new ammonia tank and removed a spent tank.

Astronauts also transferred seven-and-a-half tons of equipment to the station from the Leonardo supply module, including science and storage racks, a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a new treadmill. The Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill, or COLBERT, is named after TV show host Stephen Colbert.

'Go' for Ops 3 Transition
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:36:21 PM EDT

Flight Director Richard Jones just polled his team and the Discovery astronauts have been given the "go" to transition the onboard computers to the deorbit and entry flight software package known as OPS 3. The payload bay doors are closed. Weather in the Mojave Desert continues to be favorable for landing, according to observations reported by astronaut Scott Altman, who continues to monitor weather at the landing site.

'Go' for Payload Bay Door Closing
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:15:04 PM EDT

Discovery's 60-foot-long payload bay doors soon will be closed in preparation for tonight's landing, safely sealing the Italian-built Leonardo supply module inside the bay. Once this deorbit prep milestone is out of the way, the crew will wait a while longer to begin suiting up and strapping in.

Flight Director Richard Jones Leads Today's Landing Effort
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:01:13 PM EDT

Led by Flight Director Richard Jones, flight controllers have been on console since 11 a.m. Today's spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM, is astronaut Eric Boe. The weather flight director is Tony Ceccacci, and astronaut Chris Ferguson is serving as weather CAPCOM. In addition to the Houston-based Spaceflight Meteorology Group, additional observations are provided by astronaut Scott "Scooter" Altman, who is flying weather reconnaissance at Edwards using a T-38 training jet and the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Space Shuttle Discovery to Land at Edwards Air Force Base
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:45:06 PM EDT

After two weeks in orbit, space shuttle Discovery and the STS-128 crew are set to land today at the shuttle's backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 8:53 p.m., or 5:53 p.m. for those in the Pacific time zone. Unstable and uncooperative weather prevented Discovery's return to its home port at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the past two days. Meanwhile, weather is perfect for landing today at Edwards.

Stay with NASA's Landing Blog as the seven astronauts aboard Discovery embark on the journey home

9-11 TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO LOST THEIR LIVES THAT DAY. NEVER FORGET 9-11

2009-09-11T18:56:00.002-05:00

9/11 Memorial Tribute–”Only Time”

My prayers and thoughts are with all the families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and, with all Americans who grieve again today in remembrance.

REMEMBERING 9-11-2001, NEVER FORGET 9-11, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 MEMORIALS

2009-09-11T02:35:00.002-05:00

http://www.jontzen.com/tribute.htm <-----THIS PAGE IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE PAGE ON THE NET WITH ALL THE 9-11 info.

My prayers and thoughts are with all the families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and, with all Americans who grieve again today in remembrance.

God bless President Bush, and I thank him for inspiring and comforting me with these words, and for keeping me and my family safe for all the remainder of his term.

The President With A Bullhorn
by Conservative Pup on September 11, 2009

God bless President Bush, and I thank him for inspiring and comforting me with these words, and for keeping me and my family safe for all the remainder of his term.

I Say “NO” To Obama’s Hijacking Of 9/11

2009-09-10T18:07:00.001-05:00

"When Obama is voted out of office in 2012 this needs to be resended. Obama did this as a slap in the face to President George W. Bush. At the same time he slapped the people of this country in the face and the people who lost folks in the horrfic attack on our country by a bunch of sicko Muslim terrorist ! People will not forget this Obama. You can bank of that ! Scumbag ! "

Obama and his socialist friends want to change 9/11 in all our psyches. Uncomfortable with “9/11″ being a day of remembering that we were attacked by evil men and ideology, and that 2996 people were killed by this evil, they would prefer that we move on into a more tranquil mindset, and make this day one of environmental service.

I cannot tell you how angry this makes me feel. Let me just say this, 9/11 will NEVER be for me a day of “green service,” or whatever they end up calling it.

Never.

In her post “Did You Know?” my friend Kris, over at Reflections by Kris, has written powerfully about this recent encroachment on American values by the current administration. “9/11 was about the environment. It’s bad enough that Obama went on The Great Apology Tour earlier this year, or said in the aftermath of 9/11 that we need to be more tolerant of other’s views. Now he wants to change the meaning of 9/11 to be so far from the events of that day that I’m sure the victims and their families are reeling from betrayal.”

Read the rest here…..
http://reflectionsbykris.squarespace.com/journal/2009/9/1/did-you-know.html

I Say “NO” To Obama’s Hijacking Of 9/11

AUG. 28th ,2009, Space Shuttle Discovery Blasts Off on Flight to International Space Station

2009-08-28T23:24:00.006-05:00

Space Shuttle Discovery Blasts Off on Flight to International Space Station

Space Shuttle Discovery Blasts Off on Flight to International Space Station - Science News Science & Technology Technology News - FOXNews.com
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Space shuttle Discovery and seven astronauts blazed into orbit Friday on a spectacular midnight flight to the international space station, hauling up a treadmill named after a TV funnyman and thousands of pounds of more solemn supplies.

Discovery lit up the sky for miles around as it thundered away on NASA's third launch attempt. Lightning flashed far in the distance, and the ascending shuttle resembled a bright star until it blinked out of sight five minutes after liftoff.

The space station was soaring more than 220 miles above the Indian Ocean, southwest of Tasmania, when Discovery took off. The shuttle will reach the orbiting outpost Sunday night.

"It looks like third time really is the charm," launch director Pete Nickolenko told commander Rick Sturckow. "We wish you and your team good luck and Godspeed."

Tuesday's launch attempt was called off by thunderstorms and Wednesday's by fuel valve trouble. Everything came together in NASA's favor Friday night; even the valve and its indicator switch behaved, allowing the shuttle to blast off seconds before midnight.

Discovery's most prominent payload is NASA's new $5 million treadmill, which is named after Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert.
Colbert tried to get a space station room named after himself and even won the online vote earlier this year, but NASA went with Tranquility instead in honor of the 40th anniversary of man's first moon landing.

The comedian said the treadmill — for "all those chubby astronauts" — is a consolation prize.

The treadmill is flying up in more than 100 pieces and won't be put together until sometime next month.

In all, the space shuttle will deliver about 17,000 pounds of gear to the space station. The experiments include six mice that will remain at the orbiting complex until the following shuttle visit in November. Part of a bone loss study, the mice will be the first mammals — other than humans — to spend a prolonged period at the space station.

"Let's go step up the science on the international space station," Sturckow radioed right before liftoff.

Three spacewalks will be performed during the 13-day shuttle flight, to install a new ammonia tank, part of the space station's cooling system, and replace other equipment and retrieve outdoor experiments.

The station also will get a new resident, Nicole Stott. She will replace an astronaut who moved in during the 13-day shuttle flight last month. That spaceman will return to Earth aboard Discovery, as will Buzz Lightyear. The action figure toy has been in orbit for more than a year, courtesy of Walt Disney World.

Stott, who will spend at least three months at the space station, tapped her heart with her right hand before climbing aboard Discovery and said, "I love you" to the cameras, presumably for her husband and 7-year-old son.

Discovery's crew includes two Hispanics, the first time two have flown together in space. Both are Mexican-Americans, and one of them, Jose Hernandez, grew up in a migrant worker family. Hernandez will file bilingual Twitter updates from orbit. A Swede is also on board.

It was NASA's 33rd nighttime shuttle launch and preceded, by just two days, the 25th anniversary of Discovery's first liftoff. Flags flew at half-staff throughout Kennedy Space Center on Friday in memory of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Only seven shuttle flights remain, including this one. A blue-ribbon review committee should file its report soon, offering options to President Obama for the direction of NASA's human spaceflight program. As it stands now, the space shuttles will be retired after space station construction is completed in the next year to year-and-a-half.

Nasa's blog...
Thanks for Joining Us
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:15:30 AM EDT

Just two days shy of the 25th anniversary of its maiden voyage, space shuttle Discovery rocketed away from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. The liftoff followed a remarkably smooth countdown with no technical issues and steadily improving weather.

Please join us again for NASA's Landing Blog. Discovery is scheduled to land at Kennedy on Sept. 10. For ongoing updates throughout this 13-day mission, please visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

Main Engine Cutoff
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:08:38 AM EDT

>From mission control, the booster officer confirms main engine cutoff. After a smooth countdown and spectacular liftoff, Discovery has reached orbit.

Press to MECO
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:06:29 AM EDT

Discovery would be able to reach orbit now even with the loss of one engine, although all three are performing as expected.

Press to ATO
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:05:40 AM EDT

Discovery could safely reach a lower-than-planned orbit at this point even if one engine were to fail. But all three engines are performing well.

All Systems in Great Shape
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:04:56 AM EDT

Discovery now is 212 miles downrange from Kennedy Space Center.

Negative Return
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:03:46 AM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery is traveling too fast and is too far downrange to return to Kennedy Space Center in the unlikely event of an engine failure.

Solid Rocket Booster Separation
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:02:12 AM EDT

The solid rocket boosters have separated from space shuttle Discovery and are falling toward the ocean, where they'll be retrieved and towed back to Kennedy for refurbishment. Meanwhile, Discovery's two orbital maneuvering system engines are assisting with the climb toward orbit.

'Go at Throttle Up'
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:00:56 AM EDT

Discovery's three main engines are throttling up to 104 percent of rated thrust as the vehicle heads toward maximum aerodynamic pressure, known as "max Q."

Liftoff!
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:59:47 PM EDT

Solid rocket booster ignition and liftoff! Space shuttle Discovery and a crew of seven astronauts are blazing across the night sky, lighting Florida's Space Coast in a golden glow. Launch control at Kennedy has passed the baton to mission control in Houston as Discovery clears the tower and rotates into a head-down position.

As Discovery thunders toward space, the International Space Station is 225 miles above the Indian Ocean, flying southwest of Tasmania.

'Go' for Auto-Sequence Start
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:59:17 PM EDT

T-31 seconds. Discovery's onboard computers have taken control of the countdown at this point. At T-6 seconds, Discovery's trio of main engines will roar to life and the vehicle will strain against its hold-down bolts until the bolts are released at T-0. Stand by for liftoff!

Time to Fly
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:57:46 PM EDT

T-2 minutes. The Orbiter Test Conductor John Kracsun instructed the flight crew to close and lock their visors and activate the flow of oxygen to their helmets. The launch control team's communication channels are very quiet now as the final countdown milestones are checked off.

Go for APU Start
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:54:54 PM EDT

T-5 minutes and counting. The ground launch sequencer is "go" for APU start. Pilot Kevin Ford is activating all three of space shuttle Discovery's auxiliary power units, which will power the hydraulics driving the orbiter's steering mechanisms.

Liquid oxygen stable replenish is complete. The gaseous oxygen vent hood, commonly called the "beanie cap," soon will be retracted from the top of the external fuel tank and moved out of the way.

Orbiter Access Arm is Retracted
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:52:21 PM EDT

The ground launch sequencer is pulling the orbiter access arm away from space shuttle Discovery. If an emergency required the astronauts to evacuate the shuttle, the arm would be moved back into place in a matter of seconds.

T-9 Minutes and Counting
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:50:46 PM EDT

Less than nine minutes to go until space shuttle Discovery lights up the darkened sky above central Florida. The ground launch sequencer is automatically controlling all critical tasks during this final stretch of the countdown.

Polls Complete: Discovery is 'Go'
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:47:31 PM EDT

Mission Management Team Chairman Mike Moses, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko have completed their final prelaunch polls. Space shuttle Discovery is "go" for launch tonight at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

A Great Night for a Launch
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:40:25 PM EDT

It's a beautiful late-summer night for a space shuttle launch. The weather is cooperating nicely and no technical issues have been reported. Discovery and its crew of seven astronauts are alone at Launch Pad 39A as the minutes tick by until liftoff at 11:59 p.m. There is very little conversation over the airwaves and communication loops in the Launch Control Center.

T-9 Minutes and Holding
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:22:08 PM EDT

The countdown has entered its final built-in hold at T-9 minutes. This hold lasts 45 minutes, 37 seconds. Tonight's preferred launch time is 11:59:37 p.m. EDT.

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY TO LAUNCH TONIGHT @ 11:59:23 PM AUGUST 28, 2009, Go for launch !!! Woo hoo.

2009-08-28T22:07:00.007-05:00

GO FOR LAUNCH WAS JUST CALLED . NO PROBLEMS.
To watch it live on the net..go here. This will be a beautiful night launch. READ ON BELOW ABOUT THE MISSION.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

Nasa had to postpone the launch 3 times due to various problems.
Lightning one day, a bad valve the next and then I have no clue what yesterdays problem was. They will try tonight 5-29-2009 @ 11:59.37
God speed guys and gals.

Discovery Secured to Launch Pad
Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:11:03 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery reached Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday afternoon following a slow drive on the top of the crawler-transporter from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The 3.4-mile rollout began at 2:07 a.m. and ended with the launch platform secured in place at about 1:50 p.m. The move took longer than expected because of weather conditions, including lightning. The crawler also had to pause occasionally so mud could be removed from its treads and bearings. Technicians will quickly ready the shuttle to host the crew’s countdown dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Discovery’s seven astronauts plan to fly to Kennedy on Wednesday for the training activity which concludes later in the week with a complete practice countdown, minus liftoff, involving the crew and the launch team.

(08/04/2009) --- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, space shuttle Discovery arrives on top of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Traveling from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the shuttle took nearly 12 hours on the journey as technicians stopped several times to clear mud from the crawler's treads and bearings caused by the waterlogged crawlerway. First motion out of the VAB was at 2:07 a.m. EDT Aug. 4. Rollout was delayed approximately 2 hours due to lightning in the area

Image above: Lightning makes a dramatic background and slows the rollout of space shuttle Discovery to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday. First motion of the shuttle out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 2:07 a.m

Image above: Seated are Commander Rick Sturckow (right) and Pilot Kevin Ford. From the left (standing) are mission specialists José Hernández, John "Danny" Olivas, Nicole Stott, European Space Agency's Christer Fuglesang and Patrick Forrester. Stott is scheduled to join Expedition 20 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on STS-128.

Commander Rick Sturckow will lead the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery with Kevin Ford serving as pilot. Also serving aboard Discovery are mission specialists Patrick Forrester, José Hernández, John "Danny" Olivas, Christer Fuglesang and Nicole Stott.

Stott will remain on the station as an Expedition 20 flight engineer replacing Timothy Kopra. Kopra will return home aboard Discovery as a mission specialist.

Discovery is carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module containing life support racks and science racks. The Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier will also be launched in Discovery's payload bay.

This is Discovery's 37th mission to space and the 30th mission of a space shuttle dedicated to the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station.

Launch Target:
11:59:23 P.M. EDT - Aug. 28, 2009
Orbiter:
Discovery
Mission Number:
STS-128
(128th space shuttle flight)
Launch Window:
10 minutes
Launch Pad:
39A
Landing Site:
KSC
Inclination/Altitude:
51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Primary Payload:
30th station flight (17A), Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier

Here is the Launch blog.
go here for more.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html

One Hour Until Launch
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:59:27 PM EDT

One hour remains until the scheduled liftoff of space shuttle Discovery at 11:59 p.m. Weather is cooperating and the launch team is not working on any technical problems.

Weather Upgraded
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:55:44 PM EDT

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters has upgraded the launch weather forecast to 80 percent "go." She and the Spaceflight Meteorology Group in Houston will continue to keep an eye on conditions, but no new storms have flared up within the 20 nautical mile limit.

T-20 Minutes and Counting
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:54:08 PM EDT

The countdown is under way at T-20 minutes and counting. Tonight's final built-in hold is coming up at T-9 minutes.

T-20 Minutes and Holding
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:44:12 PM EDT

The countdown clock is holding at T-20 minutes. This built-in hold lasts only 10 minutes, so the countdown will continue at 10:54 p.m. The Closeout Crew is preparing to leave the launch pad and will retreat to a roadblock set up a short distance away. Everything continues on schedule for launch of space shuttle Discovery at 11:59 p.m.

White Room Closeout
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:34:47 PM EDT

With Discovery's seven astronauts safely strapped in and the hatch sealed for liftoff, it's time for the Closeout Crew to secure the White Room and leave the launch pad. They'll pull away the seal connecting the White Room to Discovery's side and fasten the walls. The yellow hose that delivered air to the crew module earlier is now tucked into a locker.

Less Than Two Hours Left
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:02:30 PM EDT

Less than two more hours until launch. The countdown is going very well this evening, with weather conditions remaining favorable for now, and no technical issues being discussed by the launch team. Space shuttle Discovery and a crew of seven astronauts are ready to lift off on the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station at 11:59 p.m.

Final Inspection Team Report Complete; Hatch Closed
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:10 PM EDT

There are no ice/frost concerns for tonight's launch. The ice formation detected earlier is the same size as previous formations in the same area and the launch team processed a waiver for it. It's been determined to be acceptable and within known conditions. Two other areas of interest were not considered a concern and did not require waivers.

Discovery's hatch is closed and crew cabin leak checks will verify a good, tight seal. Commander Sturckow will oversee the pressurization of the crew cabin to flight pressure.

Countdown Update
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:46:10 PM EDT

Launch managers are still discussing an ice formation detected earlier in the area of the liquid hydrogen T-0 umbilical. It is similar in size and shape to those spotted on previous launch attempts. Its size has been determined not to be a debris hazard.

The weather is favorable, overall. We're currently "green" on all launch weather constraints, although pop-up showers within 20 nautical miles could pose a concern for return-to-launch-site abort rules.

The Closeout Crew is ready to begin closing space shuttle Discovery's hatch.

Comm Checks Complete
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:34:45 PM EDT

The STS-128 crew just completed a round of communications checks and air-to-ground voice checks between the astronauts, Launch Control Center at Kennedy and Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Closeout Crew is removing all non-flight items and finishing up any additional work inside Discovery's crew module before closing the hatch.

Fuglesang and Hernandez Last to Board
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:15:35 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang, a member of the European Space Agency's astronaut corps from Sweden, is strapping into Seat 6 in the center of Discovery's middeck. Last to board Discovery is Mission Specialist Jose Hernandez. He'll sit in Seat 5, in the second row of the flight deck. With Hernandez on board, crew ingress is complete.

Both Fuglesang and Hernandez offer their thoughts and insights on Twitter. You can find Fuglesang at
http://twitter.com/CFuglesang and Hernandez at http://twitter.com/astro_jose.

About two hours ago, Fuglesang tweeted, "T-4:50 Had my hamburger. Suit up in 20 min. Signing off again and hope to be back on-line in two weeks (and not earlier:-) )"

Now, back to the blog.

Olivas is Seated; Forrester is Next
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:58:28 PM EDT

Mission Specialist Danny Olivas is strapped into Seat 5, on the left side of Discovery's middeck, nearest the hatch. Next to board is Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester, who will ride into space in Seat 3 on the second row of the flight deck.

Ford Boards Discovery
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:52:30 PM EDT

STS-128 Pilot Kevin Ford is next to take his seat inside space shuttle Discovery. He'll sit in the right front seat on the flight deck, beside Commander Sturckow. This will be Ford's first spaceflight.

After strapping in, the astronauts plug into cooling units and put on their gloves and helmets.

Meanwhile, a few new pop-up storm cells have appeared on the radar about 30 miles west of Kennedy. This isn't an immediate concern, but definitely warrants close attention as the countdown continues.

Stott Straps In
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:42:27 PM EDT

Next aboard is first-time space flier Nicole Stott, who will serve as a mission specialist before taking her position as Expedition 20 flight engineer on the International Space Station. Stott, who claims Clearwater, Fla. as her hometown, will sit on the right side of Discovery's middeck in Seat 7.

Sturckow Climbs Aboard
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:38:24 PM EDT

Discovery's astronauts have arrived at the launch pad, where Commander Rick "C.J." Sturckow is the first to board space shuttle Discovery. A veteran of three prior spaceflights, Sturckow will sit in the front left seat of the flight deck.

Final Inspection Complete
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:25:39 PM EDT

The Final Inspection Team recently completed its walkdown of Launch Pad 39A. There is one ice formation spotted in the area of the liquid hydrogen T-0 umbilical. This has been noted during previous countdowns and will be evaluated tonight to ensure it is not a debris hazard.

Astrovan Makes Two Stops
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:23:23 PM EDT

Chief Astronaut Steve Lindsey is on his way to Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Flying first in a T-38 training jet and later on in the Shuttle Training Aircraft, Lindsey will monitor the weather around the Kennedy launch site and relay his observations to weather officials. He'll help make judgments about the transparency of anvil clouds, reports that could end up being an important factor in tonight's launch decision.

The Astrovan convoy stopped briefly outside the Launch Control Center to drop off Director of Flight Crew Operations Brent Jett and other management astronauts. With its stops complete, the Astrovan and its security escorts are approaching Launch Pad 39A.

Discovery's Astronauts Leave for the Launch Pad
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:10:26 PM EDT

The STS-128 astronauts are headed to the launch pad, where space shuttle Discovery awaits liftoff tonight at 11:59 p.m. With big smiles on their faces, they waved to a cheering crowd of supporters as they boarded the Astrovan. The drive to the launch pad is scheduled to take about 25 minutes. To avoid overheating in their heavy suits, the astronauts can plug into cooling units at each seat.

And Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters just shared more good news with STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko: we are now "green" on all weather constraints. As predicted, the thunderstorms and lightning in the area earlier have dissipated and moved away. Although weather officials are keeping an eye on a storm system to the south, the current weather at the launch site is looking much better than it did earlier this evening.

T-3 Hours and Counting
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:04:08 PM EDT

Once again, countdown clocks at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are ticking toward liftoff of space shuttle Discovery at 11:59 p.m. The next built-in hold is a 10-minute pause at T-20 minutes.

Tonight's countdown continues to go very smoothly. The astronauts will leave their crew quarters shortly and begin the drive out to the launch pad inside the silver-colored Astrovan.

Good News on Weather
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:54:00 PM EDT

The weather continues to trend in the right direction. We're now "green" on lightning, ceiling and field mill rules. Only three rules -- cumulus cloud, anvil cloud and flight-through-precipitation rules -- are still "red." That's an improvement over the situation earlier, when all six of the above-mentioned rules were in the red.

There are no technical issues being discussed by the launch team. The T-3-hour built-in hold will end shortly, at 8:04 p.m.

Astronauts Suiting Up; Weather Improving
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:39:19 PM EDT

Inside their crew quarters in Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-128 astronauts are dressed in their orange launch-and-entry suits, known officially as the Advanced Crew Escape Suit, or ACES. They're scheduled to depart for the launch pad at 8:09 p.m.

The weather situation has shown some improvement. The Phase 2 lightning warning has ended, and although there is still a storm cell to the southeast of the pad, it is expected to dissipate and continue moving out of the area. With the expiration of the Phase 2 lightning warning, the Final Inspection Team has resumed its inspection of space shuttle Discovery and the pad surface.

Weather Update
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:13:47 PM EDT

Weather at launch time is still forecast to be 60 percent "go," according to Lt. Col. Patrick Barrett of the 45th Weather Squadron. Right now, we're seeing some thunderstorm development and lightning strikes within 5 nautical miles, prompting a Phase 2 lightning warning at the launch site, and violating several launch rules for weather: lightning, cumulus clouds, anvil clouds, debris clouds, field mills and flight-through-precipitation. But according to Barrett, these are mostly related to a thunderstorm in the area and the remnant of another storm that moved in. Additionally, Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters just reported a ceiling forming at the Shuttle Landing Facility, so the range now is "red" for the ceiling rule.

Again, the forecast is still 60 percent "go," and weather officials are hopeful that the weather trends will improve within the next hour or so as the inclement weather moves out.

Meanwhile, the Final Inspection Team at Launch Pad 39A has taken shelter until the Phase 2 lightning warning clears.

Closeout Crew Begins Preps for Astronaut Boarding
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:03:36 PM EDT

The seven-person Closeout Crew is preparing for the astronauts' arrival in the launch pad's environmentally controlled White Room later tonight. Astronaut Shane Kimbrough is providing support, and as part of the Closeout Crew, he will help the flight crew strap into their seats inside Discovery's crew module.

Final Inspection Team Conducting its Detailed Survey
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:57:03 PM EDT

At Launch Pad 39A, the Final Inspection Team is performing their standard prelaunch survey of the space shuttle vehicle and launch pad structure. The seven-member team uses digital cameras, a telescope, an infrared radiometer to look for ice, frost or cracks forming on or near the shuttle's external tank. This evening, the launch team is investigating a formation of ice at the area of the liquid hydrogen T-0 umbilical. This has been noted on the past two launches and it will be evaluated to determine whether it's a concern tonight.

About the STS-128 Mission
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:43:55 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery is launching on the STS-128 mission, a 13-day flight to replenish supplies and deliver science experiments to the International Space Station. Inside its payload bay, Discovery is carrying the Leonardo supply module, which is filled with science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill, named after TV show host Stephen Colbert.

Discovery Poised for New Launch Attempt
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:32:58 PM EDT

Thanks for joining NASA's Launch Blog for the liftoff of space shuttle Discovery, scheduled for 11:59 p.m. The countdown clock is holding at T-3 hours. Launch team members are monitoring Discovery's health and the progress of the countdown from Firing Room 4 inside Kennedy's Launch Control Center, about three miles from the launch pad. The Launch Blog is based right next door, in Firing Room 3.

No technical issues are being reported by the launch team, but it's going to be a busy evening for the Spaceflight Meteorology Group based at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and launch weather officials from the 45th Weather Squadron in Florida. Although the forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time, the Eastern Range currently is "red," meaning no-go, on anvil clouds, cumulus clouds, field mills, lightning, and flight-through-precipitation rules.

More than 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen have been loaded into the 154-foot tall orange tank. The tanking process began at 2:45 p.m. and concluded at 5:48 p.m. Fueling has entered the "stable replenish" mode. The inboard liquid hydrogen fill-and-drain valve and position indicator that caused a launch scrub earlier in the week are functioning correctly today.

Launch Blog Begins Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:32:30 PM EDT

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-20T06:22:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-19T06:17:00.000-05:00

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

WE WILL NEVER FORGET !!

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-18T06:14:00.001-05:00

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

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2009-08-17T03:08:00.000-05:00

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THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-16T03:06:00.000-05:00

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

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2009-08-15T03:04:00.000-05:00

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THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-14T03:03:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-12T02:59:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-11T02:57:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-10T02:52:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-09T00:33:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-08T00:45:00.000-05:00

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2009-08-07T00:33:00.001-05:00

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2009-08-06T00:52:00.002-05:00

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

http://www.georgewbushlibrary.gov/

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2009-08-05T00:38:00.001-05:00

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

http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/index.html

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-04T20:29:00.002-05:00

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

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2009-08-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

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

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2009-08-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

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

Space Shuttle Discovery set for launch August 25, 2009 @ 1:36 AM~STS MISSON 128

2009-08-02T12:04:00.006-05:00

Nasa had to postpone the launch 3 times due to various problems.
Lightning one day, a bad valve the next and then I have no clue what yesterdays problem was. They will try tonight 5-29-2009 @ 11:59.23
God speed guys and gals.

Discovery Secured to Launch Pad
Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:11:03 PM EDT

Space shuttle Discovery reached Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday afternoon following a slow drive on the top of the crawler-transporter from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The 3.4-mile rollout began at 2:07 a.m. and ended with the launch platform secured in place at about 1:50 p.m. The move took longer than expected because of weather conditions, including lightning. The crawler also had to pause occasionally so mud could be removed from its treads and bearings. Technicians will quickly ready the shuttle to host the crew’s countdown dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Discovery’s seven astronauts plan to fly to Kennedy on Wednesday for the training activity which concludes later in the week with a complete practice countdown, minus liftoff, involving the crew and the launch team.

(08/04/2009) --- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, space shuttle Discovery arrives on top of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Traveling from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the shuttle took nearly 12 hours on the journey as technicians stopped several times to clear mud from the crawler's treads and bearings caused by the waterlogged crawlerway. First motion out of the VAB was at 2:07 a.m. EDT Aug. 4. Rollout was delayed approximately 2 hours due to lightning in the area

Image above: Lightning makes a dramatic background and slows the rollout of space shuttle Discovery to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday. First motion of the shuttle out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 2:07 a.m

Image above: Seated are Commander Rick Sturckow (right) and Pilot Kevin Ford. From the left (standing) are mission specialists José Hernández, John "Danny" Olivas, Nicole Stott, European Space Agency's Christer Fuglesang and Patrick Forrester. Stott is scheduled to join Expedition 20 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on STS-128.

Commander Rick Sturckow will lead the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery with Kevin Ford serving as pilot. Also serving aboard Discovery are mission specialists Patrick Forrester, José Hernández, John "Danny" Olivas, Christer Fuglesang and Nicole Stott.

Stott will remain on the station as an Expedition 20 flight engineer replacing Timothy Kopra. Kopra will return home aboard Discovery as a mission specialist.

Discovery is carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module containing life support racks and science racks. The Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier will also be launched in Discovery's payload bay.

This is Discovery's 37th mission to space and the 30th mission of a space shuttle dedicated to the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station.

Launch Target:
1:36 a.m. EDT - Aug. 25, 2009
Orbiter:
Discovery
Mission Number:
STS-128
(128th space shuttle flight)
Launch Window:
10 minutes
Launch Pad:
39A
Landing Site:
KSC
Inclination/Altitude:
51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Primary Payload:
30th station flight (17A), Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-08-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-31T20:34:00.000-05:00

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

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

2009-07-31T09:28:00.010-05:00

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

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

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

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

Endeavour has landed!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Landing 101

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-30T20:36:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-28T21:01:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-26T21:34:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-25T22:37:00.001-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-23T22:40:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-22T23:18:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-20T23:12:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-18T22:49:00.001-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-17T22:46:00.001-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-16T22:45:00.000-05:00

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

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

2009-07-15T17:23:00.006-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Endeavour heads toward busy, complex construction job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-07-15T16:01:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

The external tank has fallen away from Endeavour as scheduled.

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

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

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

Six minutes after launch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-15T00:41:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-14T03:50:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-13T00:03:00.000-05:00

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

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

2009-07-12T17:03:00.014-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kibo complex has taken three shuttle missions to complete.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-07-12T13:20:00.021-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STS-127 Launch Blog

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

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

NOTE: All times are posted in Eastern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REMEMBERING TONY SNOW, GOD BLESS TONY SNOW'S FAMILY

2009-07-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

Tony Snow was a Great American. He died from colon CANCER a year ago today. This is a tribute to him. Enjoy.

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-12T00:38:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-10T15:40:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-08T15:32:00.001-05:00

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

THANK YOU PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH !

2009-07-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

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