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

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

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









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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:36 GMT

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:36 GMT

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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






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

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

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

See you for landing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Endeavour has cleared the tower!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The weather at Kennedy remains "go" for launch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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