Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:52:58 GMT

Technicians in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing space shuttle Endeavour for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Dec. 12.

Throughout the next three days, they'll leak test Endeavour's environmental control and life support system. Techs also are testing the space shuttle main engine and aerosurface hydraulics, as well as testing and calibrating the Inertial Measurement Units, or IMUs, which provide navigational information for the shuttle while it's in orbit.

Meanwhile, Endeavour's STS-130 astronauts ‪are practicing an integrated launch simulation today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:47:13 GMT

Technicians in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are preparing space shuttle Endeavour for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Dec. 12.

They're taking samples and filling the nitrogen gas system of the environmental control and life support system for the shuttle. Techs also are conducting tests of the space shuttle main engine and aerosurface hydraulics today. The team finished the brake, anti-skid and nose wheel steering checks yesterday.

Endeavour's STS-130 mission astronauts ‪are conducting a variety of systems training exercises today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:07:42 GMT

After a flawless mission to resupply the International Space Station, the STS-129 crew members now are back at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. They will be honored with a homecoming ceremony at nearby Ellington Field today.

Meanwhile, preparations for space shuttle Endeavour and its crew are ramping up for the STS-130 mission targeted to launch Feb. 4, 2010.

Endeavour is scheduled to roll over from the orbiter processing facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in late December. There, it will be lifted and attached to the waiting external tank and twin solid rocket boosters.

The STS-130 crew members, Commander George Zamka, Pilot Terry Virts Jr., Mission Specialists Nicholas Patrick, Robert Behnken, Stephen Robinson and Kathryn Hire, are rehearsing deorbit procedures today at Johnson.

Endeavour will deliver a third connecting module, the Tranquility node, to the station in addition to the seven-windowed Cupola module, which will be used as a control room for robotics.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:32:15 GMT

Commander Charles O. Hobaugh took the lead describing how well Atlantis performed from launch to landing, and the incredible amount of work that went into preparing both the shuttle and the crew for this ambitious mission.

Hobaugh proudly introduced his crew and the tasks each member was responsible for. He mentioned Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik was not present at the briefing because he flew home to be with his wife and new baby girl, born while he was still on orbit.

Nicole Stott is doing really well, said Hobaugh, after her 91 days in space, 80 of them as flight engineer. She's enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with her family.

Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. remarked that the training the crew members received helped them deal with the false alarms that went off a few times during their stay on the orbiting outpost.

After being asked if there were any memories that stood out, Pilot Barry E. Wilmore jokingly said, "I feel great (but) I had noticed that many of the buildings here are on a little bit of a teeter-totter that I didn't know before." Wilmore was referring to coming back to Earth's gravity after being weightless in space.

The crew members fly back to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday. They’ll have the traditional Houston homecoming celebration on Monday.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:31:04 GMT

During a post-landing press conference held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations said, "This has just been an amazing mission. On-time launch, on-time landing ... just a phenomenal team effort across the board."

Gerstenmaier also gave special thanks to the production workers who prepared the hardware for this flight, especially those who have taken voluntary retirement and have been laid off as part of the staff reduction requirements.

"There's still a lot of activity in front us … still a very busy time," continued Gerstenmaier. "The teams are focused -- we're moving forward and doing great things."

Shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses agreed that this was an incredibly smooth mission. "It's great to have Atlantis back here at Kennedy," said Moses.

"We have a lot to do," Moses said regarding the remaining space shuttle flights. "We'll need to be diligent and stay focused."

Mike Leinbach, NASA shuttle launch director, said, "The orbiter looks really good, and the crew is doing fine and they reported that Nicole Stott is doing fine as well, so good news there."

"Everything is going really, really well, the orbiter looks great. It's fantastic to be a part of this team. I'm very, very proud of team Atlantis … and looking forward to her next mission."

NASA TV has scheduled the STS-129 crew news conference from Kennedy Space Center at about 3:30 p.m. EST.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:46:42 GMT

The STS-129 crew members climbed into NASA's silver Astrovan for the short trip back to the crew quarters at Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building. There they will undergo a thorough medical examination and greet their immediate family members.

Meanwhile, space shuttle Atlantis is waiting to be towed back to the orbiter processing facility where it will be prepared for its STS-132 mission to the International Space Station in May.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:12:04 GMT

The STS-129 astronauts are walking around and beneath space shuttle Atlantis, taking a last look at the vehicle that served them well in orbit and brought them safely home to Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning.

The crew will be flown back to Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday for a family reunion and a homecoming celebration at Ellington Field on the completion of the STS-129 mission.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:46:08 GMT

Following purge and cooling system connections, the crew transport vehicle, or CTV, moved into position alongside the orbiter access hatch on Atlantis' port side.

With the crew hatch opened, the astronauts left the orbiter to enter the CTV.

The CTV contains beds and comfortable seats so that the astronauts can receive a brief medical checkup before stepping onto the tarmac.

NASA TV will air the STS-129 post-landing briefing at no earlier than 11:45 a.m. EST. Also available on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:24:13 GMT

Work to safely shut down Atlantis' systems continues. It's been a little more than 30 minutes since the shuttle and its crew touched down at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A landing convoy is gathering around the vehicle to work on "safing" procedures.

Following purge and cooling system connections, the crew transport vehicle, or CTV, will be moved into position alongside the orbiter access hatch on Atlantis' port side.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:44:29 GMT

Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew of seven astronauts ended an 11-day journey with a 9:44 a.m. EST landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis flew 171 orbits around Earth and traveled 4,490,138 miles since its Nov. 16 launch.

The STS-129 mission 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. The shuttle left the space station 86 percent complete, weighing 759,222 pounds.

Astronaut Nicole Stott returned to Earth after 91 days in space. She had spent 87 days aboard the space station and 80 days as an Expedition 20/21 flight engineer. She is the last astronaut who will be transported to or from the space station by the space shuttle.

Atlantis’ main gear touched down at 9:44:23 a.m., followed by the nose gear at 9:44:36 and wheel stop at 9:45:05 a.m.

STS-129 was the 129th space shuttle mission, the 31st for Atlantis and the 31st shuttle mission to the International Space Station. It was the fifth and final flight of 2009.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:44:56 GMT

At 8:37 a.m. EST, space shuttle Atlantis performed the deorbit burn, setting it on a course to return to Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The maneuver occurred while Atlantis was about 220 miles above Indonesia. Entry interface, the point at which Atlantis begins entering the Earth’s atmosphere, will occur at 9:12 a.m. The first roll reversal to slow the spacecraft will take place at 9:28 a.m. and Merritt Island radar tracking systems will acquire the shuttle at 9:31 a.m.

Atlantis will cross the Florida coast south of Bonita Springs and pass north of Lake Okeechobee, triggering dual sonic booms at about 9:40 a.m. as it slows to subsonic speeds. Commander Charlie Hobaugh will line up Atlantis with Kennedy’s southeast to northwest runway 33. Touchdown is expected at 9:44 a.m.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:29:25 GMT

Mission Control Capcom Chris Ferguson radioed a “go for deorbit burn” to space shuttle Atlantis Commander Charlie Hobaugh at 8:14 a.m. EST. The three minute, seven second maneuver scheduled for 8:37 a.m. will slow Atlantis by more than 200 miles per hour and lead to a landing at 9:44 a.m. at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:02:24 GMT

At 5:52 a.m. EST, STS-129 entry Flight Director Bryan Lunney and his entry team of flight controllers gave space shuttle Atlantis Commander Charles Hobaugh a "go" to close the payload bay doors. Shortly, Atlantis will transition to the entry software program. The crew members will begin suiting up in their launch and entry suits at 7:14 a.m. and strap into their seats at 7:37 a.m. A "go-no go" call for the 8:37 a.m. deorbit burn is expected at 8:17 a.m.

Weather conditions at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility are observed "go" and forecast "go" for the predicted landing time of 9:44 a.m. EST. NASA Flight Crew Operations Director Brent Jett is flying weather reconnaissance flights at Kennedy and reports the conditions are as predicted. Capcom Chris Ferguson told Hobaugh, "Really good conditions down here."

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:58:30 GMT

The seven-astronaut STS-129 crew was awakened at 1:28 a.m. EST with the song "Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crue. Landing is scheduled for 9:44 a.m. at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:02:50 GMT

The STS-129 crew spent its final full day in space Thursday. The crew tested Atlantis’ flight control system, the flaps and rudders that will guide it through the atmosphere, and test fired the thruster jets that control its orientation in space and during early re-entry.

All crew members spent time stowing items in the shuttle’s cabin in preparation for the return to Earth. Landing is scheduled for 9:44 a.m. EST at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:36:34 GMT

The Atlantis crew has performed the Flight Control System checkout and the Reaction Control System hot-fire test. Landing is scheduled for Friday at 9:44 a.m. EDT at Kennedy Space Center.

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:48:59 GMT

Commander Charlie Hobaugh, Pilot Barry Wilmore and Mission Specialists Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman, Leland Melvin, Robert Satcher Jr. and Nicole Stott were awakened at 1:28 a.m. EST with the song “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. It was played for Stott.

The seven-member crew of Atlantis are packing the orbiter and preparing to return home, wrapping up the 31st shuttle flight to the International Space Station.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:35:10 GMT

A routine disposal overboard of waste water and urine collected aboard Atlantis was terminated early. It is not necessary to dump the now half-full collection tank before landing Friday. Flight controllers have a workaround available for the crew to bypass a suspected clogged filter and dump the liquid, if landing is delayed.

The STS-129 astronauts began their sleep shift at 5:28 p.m. EST and will awaken at 1:28 a.m. Thursday. Atlantis’ first landing opportunity is Friday at 9:44 a.m. at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:19:39 GMT

Shuttle astronauts used the camera on the Orbiter Boom Sensor System to survey the condition of Atlantis’ waste water dump nozzle. Capcom Megan McArthur told Commander Charles Hobaugh that it appears there is a slight discoloration that could be frost, but no ice. It is likely that there is a blockage in the line, which will not be a concern for a planned Friday landing.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:47:19 GMT

During a purge of the space shuttle waste water tank Wednesday morning, Mission Control noticed a reduction in the flow from the nozzle that vents the waste water into space. This has occurred on past shuttle missions and is not expected to be an issue. Capsule Communicator Stan Love told Atlantis Commander Charles Hobaugh it is likely no further waste dumps will be necessary before Friday’s planned landing.

As a precaution, to determine if there is ice on the outside of the nozzle, a robotic arm camera may be used to view the nozzle during a planned pause in the “late inspection” survey. There are heaters at the waste water dump nozzle to prevent water from freezing and flight controllers believe ice formation is unlikely, due to the nozzle temperatures they are measuring.

The waste water system stores waste from the crew cabin humidity separator and from the crew. The tank is located below the crew compartment middeck floor, and the dump nozzle is on the left side of the shuttle.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:41:03 GMT

Space shuttle Atlantis' crew uncradled the 50-foot-long Orbiter Boom Sensor System, or OBSS, from the payload bay at 8:37 a.m. EST. The OBSS is being used to conduct the standard "late inspection," a high fidelity, three-dimensional scan of Atlantis' thermal protection system. Managers and engineers in Mission Control will compare the results with data from a scan conducted earlier in the flight to validate the heat shield's integrity. The areas of the shuttle that experience the highest heating during entry - the wing leading edges and nose cap - will be inspected. The process will take several hours, concluding at about 1:30 p.m.

NASA Television will air a Mission Status Briefing at 11:30 a.m. and a post-Mission Management Team meeting briefing at 3:30 p.m.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:37:23 GMT

After completing a full circle around the International Space Station, space shuttle Atlantis fired its thrusters twice, at 6:04 a.m. EST and 6:32 a.m., to depart the station’s vicinity. Atlantis is heading away from the station at about 1.5 feet per second, or about 4.5 miles per orbit.

Shuttle astronauts recorded video of the fly around and will play it back on NASA Television at about 6:50 a.m.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:59:07 GMT

While flying 216 miles above the Pacific Ocean northeast of New Guinea, space shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station at 4:53 a.m. EST, six days, 17 hours and two minutes after docking on Nov. 18. Shuttle pilot Barry E. Wilmore will grab the stick and perform a fly around of the station, enabling his crewmates to conduct a photo survey of the 759,222 pound complex. The station now is 86 percent complete.

Atlantis’ newest crew member Nicole Stott spent 87 days aboard the space station and 80 days as an Expedition 20/21 Flight Engineer following her shuttle Discovery launch on Aug. 28. If Atlantis lands as planned Friday, she will have spent 91 days in space.

The deorbit burn is planned for 8:37 a.m. Friday, leading to a landing at 9:44 a.m. at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, runway 33.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:53:28 GMT

Space shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member crew has left the International Space Station. Undocking occurred at 4:53 a.m. EST. Atlantis' newest crew member, Mission Specialist Nicole Stott, and her six crew mates will return home to Kennedy Space Center with a landing on Friday at 9:44 a.m.

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:43:36 GMT

Today’s wake up music was “Amazing Grace” from the 1995 movie “Braveheart,” performed by Eric Rigler on bagpipes. It was played at 1:28 a.m. EST for space shuttle Atlantis Pilot Barry E. Wilmore.

Atlantis’ crew will briskly work through the timeline to prepare for its 4:53 a.m. undocking from the International Space Station. Wilmore will fly Atlantis around the station to help acquire imagery of the complex for ground experts to analyze. Later in the day the crew will conduct a survey of Atlantis’ heat shield to ensure its integrity for Friday’s deorbit, entry and landing. Two news conferences are scheduled to discuss the mission and review the landing strategy, based on current weather predictions at the prime Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:33:21 GMT

The space shuttle Atlantis and International Space Station crews began their sleep shift at 5:28 p.m. EST. The STS-129 astronauts are scheduled to wake up at 1:28 a.m. Wednesday and undock Atlantis from the station at 4:53 a.m.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:20:37 GMT

The hatches between space shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station were closed at 1:12 p.m. EST.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:53:19 GMT

At 12:43 p.m. EST, space shuttle Atlantis’ astronauts said farewell to the International Space Station’s crew and crossed the threshold into the shuttle. Soon, hatches will be closed in preparation for Wednesday’s undocking.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:36:14 GMT

The STS-129 crew joined Expedition 21 Commander Frank De Winne and his crew when he ceremonially handed over his command of Expedition 21 to NASA astronaut Jeff Williams.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:15:38 GMT

Around 7 a.m. EST a smoke and fire alarm was generated by the Japanese Kibo laboratory, part of the International Space Station complex. A rapid investigation proved the alarm was false, the third false station alarm during the STS-129 mission. The two previous alarms originated in the new Russian Poisk mini research module.

Transfer operations underway aboard the complex might have stirred up dust particles that triggered the sensitive station alarm sensors. Operations are returning to normal.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:05:39 GMT

Today’s wake up music was “The Marine Corps Hymn” played by the Marine Corp Band at 1:58 a.m. EST for Commander Charles Hobaugh.

This is the last day the space shuttle Atlantis and International Space Station astronauts will share each other’s company. The hatches between the spacecraft will be closed early this afternoon, following a change in command of the station from European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne to American astronaut Jeff Williams. Early in the morning all 12 crew members will gather for a joint crew news conference with reporters from around the world.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:09:45 GMT

Spacewalkers Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik completed a five hour, 42 minute spacewalk Monday at 2:06 p.m. EST. The pair completed all the primary jobs they were assigned and all the “get ahead” work that was added to their timeline.

This was the final STS-129 spacewalk, the 230th conducted by U.S. astronauts, and the second for both Satcher and Bresnik. It was the 136th in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, totaling 849 hours, 18 minutes. It was the 108th spacewalk out of the space station, totaling 662 hours, 3 minutes.

The three STS-129 spacewalks totaled 18 hours, 27 minutes. Mike Foreman now has completed five spacewalks between STS-123 and STS-129 totaling 32 hours, 19 minutes and placing him 28th on the all-time list. Satcher’s two spacewalks totaled 12 hours, 19 minutes. Bresnik’s two spacewalks totaled 11 hours, 50 minutes.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:10:32 GMT

Robert Satcher Jr. completed installing thermal covers at the mobile base system. It appears something small and unidentified might have floated away from his work area. The crew and Mission Control are taking an inventory to help determine its identity.

Satcher now is moving to the Starboard 1/Starboard 3 truss segment to install fluid jumpers, while Randy Bresnik continues the same task on the Port 1/Port 3 truss segment.

Spacewalk elapsed time is four hours, 40 minutes.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:38:55 GMT

Spacewalkers Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik have completed a series of tasks. Together, they removed a pair of micrometeoroid and orbital debris shields from the Quest airlock and strapped them to the External Stowage Platform #2, then Bresnik moved an articulating foot restraint to the airlock. Next, Satcher released a bolt on a starboard truss ammonia tank assembly (ATA) in preparation for an STS-131 spacewalk that will replace the ATA. The ammonia in the tanks helps keep the space station properly cooled.

At an elapsed time of four hours, Bresnik is installing fluid jumpers on the Port 1/Port 3 and Starboard 1/Starboard 3 trusses and Satcher is at the mobile base system where he will install an insulating sleeve over power connections and two camera covers.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:36:02 GMT

The high pressure gas tank has been installed on the outside of the Quest airlock and activated. The tank will be used to replenish Quest air that is lost when spacewalkers exit and enter Quest.

Spacewalkers Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik are about 30 minutes ahead of schedule as the elapsed time passed the three hour mark.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:32:26 GMT

Spacewalker Randy Bresnik completed installation of the MISSE 7 experiment on Express Logistics Carrier 2. This is the latest in a series of experiments that expose materials and composite samples to space for several months before they are returned for experts to analyze. This could lead to stronger spacecraft materials and applications on Earth. This MISSE experiment actually is plugged into the space station’s power supply.

Meanwhile, Mission Specialist Robert Satcher Jr. is preparing the Quest airlock for the installation of the high pressure gas tank, which is being moved to Quest by the station robotic arm.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:39:47 GMT

Spacewalkers Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik have prepared the high pressure gas tank for removal from the Express Logistics Carrier (ELC) 2 on the Starboard 3 truss segment. Space station robotic arm operators Leland Melvin and Barry Wilmore are grabbing it and will move it to the Quest airlock.

Bresnik already has moved the two MISSE 7 experiment “suitcases” from Atlantis’ payload bay and soon will install them on ELC 2.

At an elapsed time of an hour and 12 minutes, the spacewalk is about 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:49:37 GMT

Even though today’s spacewalk started about an hour late, Mission Control has decided to end it at its original time, around 2 p.m. EST. The “contingency” time listed in the original plan will be removed and the spacewalk is predicted to last about five hours and 30 minutes.

Sixteen minutes into the spacewalk, Robert L. Satcher and Randy Bresnik already were 15 minutes ahead of the timeline.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:31:18 GMT

At 8:24 a.m. EST, STS-129 spacewalkers Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik switched their suits to battery power, signaling the start of the mission’s third and final outing. Atlantis Mission Specialist Mike Foreman will be inside the International Space Station serving as the choreographer and relaying communications from Mission Control in Houston.

Satcher and Bresnik are scheduled for a six and a half hour spacewalk, although 30-45 minutes of it are set aside as “contingency” time for any tasks that require longer to complete than estimated. Because the mission’s first two spacewalks accomplished more than was planned, this third excursion has taken on several new chores that originally were listed as mission “get ahead” tasks.

The first item on Satcher’s agenda is to transfer an oxygen-filled high pressure gas tank (HPGT) from the External Logistics Carrier (ELC) 2 to the Quest airlock. Space station robotic arm operators Leland Melvin and Barry Wilmore will assist with the move of the large, “doghouse” shaped HPGT. While Satcher works with the HPGT, Bresnik will retrieve the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE 7) from Atlantis’ payload bay and install it on ELC 2. The pair will work together to remove Quest airlock debris shields and activate the HPGT. The tank will be used to replenish airlock air that’s lost when spacewalkers exit and enter Quest..The HPGT installation is expected to take about three hours.

Next, while Satcher loosens a bolt on a starboard truss Ammonia Tank Assembly, Bresnik will install fluid jumpers on the Port1/Port 3 and Starboard 1/Starboard 3 truss segments. Finally, while Bresnik relocates an articulating portable foot restraint, Satcher will install two camera covers and an insulating sleeve on the station’s Mobile Base System.

This is the 230^th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 136^th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the 100^th out of space station airlocks, and the second for both Satcher and Bresnik. Satcher is wearing an all white spacesuit and his helmet cam displays number 16. Bresnik is wearing a spacesuit with broken red stripes and his helmet cam displays number 18.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:25:47 GMT

Mission Specialists Randy Bresnik and Robert Satcher Jr. began the third and final STS-129 spacewalk at 8:24 a.m. EST. The spacewalkers started just over an hour later than planned due to Satcher reinserting a valve that became detached in his spacesuit drink bag.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:51:18 GMT

Spacewalker Robert Satcher Jr. successfully reinserted the bite valve into his drink bag and reported a good seal with no leaks. Crew members in the Quest airlock now will resume configuring Satcher’s suit for today’s spacewalk.

This activity is expected to delay the start of today’s spacewalk by about an hour to 8:18 a.m. EST.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:40:52 GMT

While spacewalkers prepared for today’s excursion, a valve on Robert Satcher’s spacesuit drink bag became detached. The bag is contained in the spacesuit and allows spacewalkers to sip water throughout their activity. The valve will be reinserted. If it does not seal tightly, then the entire drink bag will replaced.

This activity is expected to delay the start of today’s spacewalk by about an hour to 8:18 a.m. EST.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:40:44 GMT

Today’s wake up music was “Space Rise,” written and performed by Larry Whitehair and played at 2:28 a.m. EST for Atlantis Mission Specialist Mike Foreman.

Astronauts Robert Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik are ready to begin the third and final spacewalk of the STS-129 mission. They camped out in the Quest Airlock overnight to prepare for the task. The spacewalkers are scheduled to start an hour late at about 8:18 a.m. EST. Spacewalk veteran Foreman will be the intravehicular crew member and will help direct today’s activities and coordinate communications between the spacewalkers and Mission Control in Houston.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:07:56 GMT

STS-129 Mission Specialists Randy Bresnik and Robert Satcher Jr., set to perform the third and final spacewalk of the mission Monday, are spending the night in the Quest airlock as part of the overnight “campout” procedure that helps purge nitrogen from their bloodstreams, preventing decompression sickness once they move out into the vacuum of space.

The International Space Station crew began its sleep shift at 5:58 p.m. EST, and the shuttle crew headed to bed a half hour later. Both crews are set to wake up Monday at 2:28 a.m. The spacewalk is slated to begin at 7:18 a.m.

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:04:43 GMT

At 5:45 p.m. EST, NASA Television will replay “crew choice” television that was sent down from space late Sunday afternoon, showing Atlantis and International Space Station crew members joining Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik in celebrating the Saturday night birth of Abigail Mae Bresnik.

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:29:03 GMT

NASA flight surgeons have provided more details on the birth of STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik and his wife Rebecca’s daughter.

Abigail Mae Bresnik was born Saturday, Nov. 21 at 11:04 p.m. CST, weighs six pounds, 13 ounces and is approximately 20 inches in length.

Bresnik was connected through a phone patch from Mission Control and the hospital to Atlantis after he woke up Sunday morning. During his wife’s labor Saturday night, he also had been connected to STS-129 Flight Surgeon Dr. Smith Johnston through the International Space Station’s IP Phone until he had to go to bed. A video conference is planned today so Bresnik can see his daughter for the first time. Photos and some video of the baby also will be uplinked to him.

No other information will be available until after Bresnik returns to Earth. Rebecca and Randy Bresnik offered this final word, “We are sending a big thank you to all of the people who have supported NASA and us for this mission and our special occasion.”

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:21:00 GMT

Space shuttle Atlantis Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik is a new father.

At 5:14 a.m. CST, Bresnik called Mission Control and announced the birth of his daughter. Abigail Mae Bresnik arrived at 11:04 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 in Houston, TX. He reported his wife Rebecca and baby are doing well. He also thanked the flight control team and flight surgeon for their support and assistance.

This is the second time a baby has been born to an American astronaut during his spaceflight. Mike Fincke’s daughter was born in June 2004 while he was aboard the International Space Station.

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:41:49 GMT

Today's wake-up music was "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle, played at 2:58 a.m. EST for Atlantis Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik.

Today is an off-duty day for the International Space Station crew. The shuttle crew will enjoy half the day off, answer media questions, participate in an education event and prepare for Monday's spacewalk.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:43:03 GMT

Spacewalkers Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnik completed a six-hour, eight-minute spacewalk at 3:39 p.m. EST.

The spacewalking pair finished all their assigned work way ahead of schedule and completed several get-ahead tasks. They deployed the last two of the Payload Attach Systems that remained on the outside of the International Space Station.

This was the second of three STS-129 spacewalks, the 229th conducted by U.S. astronauts, the fifth for Foreman and the first for Bresnik. It was the 135th in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, totaling 843 hours, 36 minutes. It was the 107th spacewalk out of the space station, totaling 656 hours, 21 minutes.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:18:38 GMT

The final Payload Attach System (PAS) on the “to do” list was deployed by Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnik about four hours and 20 minutes into their spacewalk. This PAS on the inboard, Earth-facing side of the Starboard 3 truss segment, is the location where Express Logistics Carrier 4 will be attached during space shuttle Endeavour’s STS-134 mission in July 2010.

The STS-129 crew was planning to deploy two PAS in three spacewalks and actually deployed three PAS in two spacewalks.

Spacewalk choreographer Robert L. Satcher asked Mission Control, “Do you have any more PASs you need to deploy?” Capsule Communicator Steve Swanson replied, “Not on this station.”

Still running ahead of schedule, the spacewalkers are taking on more “get ahead” work. They are going to disconnect and reconnect a cable connector on the Space-to-Ground Antenna that was installed on the first spacewalk. The reconnection may correct a low signal on the system. The crew also may relocate an articulating portable foot restraint.