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

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

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

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

Shuttle Atlantis has cleared the tower!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weather watchers here are concerned that a low cloud deck might persist throughout the day, but the chance of acceptable conditions at launch time is positive. Forecasters predict a 70 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time. The countdown is proceeding on schedule and liftoff is planned for 2:28 p.m. for space shuttle Atlantis' mission to the International Space Station.

Space shuttle Atlantis and its crew of six astronauts are headed for space, ready to begin their 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The climb to orbit takes about 8 1/2 minutes.

Following a smooth countdown, with no technical issues and weather that steadily improved throughout the afternoon, the shuttle lifted off on time from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:28 p.m. EST.

NASA TV will air a post-launch news conference at no earlier than 3:30 p.m. EST, and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Space shuttle Atlantis has been cleared for launch this afternoon at 2:28 EST. The mission management team, mission control and the launch team have given a unanimous "go" for launch.

The team is not working any technical issues and the weather has cooperated with clear skies over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The last minutes of Atlantis' countdown to launch include several steps; the retraction of the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end, and the gaseous oxygen vent arm, which holds the "beanie cap," or cover, over the external tank.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis and crew are nearing liftoff at Launch Pad 39A, prepared to begin the STS-129 cargo-delivery mission to the International Space Station.

The countdown clock is holding at T-9 minutes. This is the last built-in hold today and is scheduled to last about 45 minutes.

The weather forecast remains "go" at the launch site and the Transoceanic Abort Landing, or TAL, sites as the countdown clock ticks backward toward an on-time launch at 2:28 p.m. EST.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis and crew are nearing liftoff at Launch Pad 39A.

Atlantis' countdown has resumed at T-20 minutes and counting. There is a planned hold at T-9 minutes that will extend about 45 minutes.

Engineers evaluating the fuel cell electrical issue have determined it likely is a function of the configuration of the lighting in the crew cabin and there will be no troubleshooting necessary prior to launch.

All systems including weather remain "go." Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters has changed the launch weather forecast to 80-percent chance of favorable conditions at time of liftoff.

At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis' crew access hatch has been closed and locked for flight.

All six STS-129 astronauts are safely strapped into their seats and are awaiting liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST.

The Closeout Crew will pressurize the crew cabin, check for leaks and then finish up remaining work inside the pad's White Room before leaving the area.

The weather forecast remains "go" at the launch site and the Transoceanic Abort Landing, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency.

NASA's recovery ships, Liberty Star and Freedom Star are stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, ready to gather up the solid rocket boosters after they fall into the sea.

Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, Pilot Barry E. Wilmore, Mission Specialists Mike Foreman, Robert L. Satcher Jr., Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin are secured in their seats aboard shuttle Atlantis. Radio checks are continuing for the crew while the countdown clicks down on schedule for a liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST.

The launch pad Closeout Crew will close the hatch, pressurize the crew cabin, check for leaks, and then finish up remaining work inside the pad's environmentally controlled White Room before leaving the area.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported to Launch Director Mike Leinbach that the launch forecast is "green," which means there are no weather constraints for liftoff this afternoon.

The crew of STS-129 is getting into space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown continues on schedule toward a liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST. Commander Charles O. Hobaugh is the first aboard, climbing into the left-hand seat on Atlantis' flight deck.

Communications checks will be conducted throughout the strap-in process as the astronauts take their places.

There are no technical issues standing in the way of launch, and weather specialists continue to monitor the skies over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for signs of violations.

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

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

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

The Closeout Crew and Final Inspection Team are working through their highly specialized routines at Launch Pad 39A in preparation for liftoff this afternoon.

The Final Inspection Team will check the outside of the shuttle. They are studying Atlantis, the solid rocket boosters and external tank for large chunks of ice or other debris on or near the shuttle.

The Closeout Crew is dressed in white coveralls, while the Final Inspection Team wears orange coveralls. The coveralls for both teams are numbered so the technicians can be accounted for during their time at the pad.

The Closeout Crew will help the astronauts climb aboard Atlantis and get situated for launch. They also will close the hatch later and conduct leak checks before departing the pad.

There is a 70-percent chance of favorable weather for launch -- the primary concern at this time is for low cloud ceilings.

Space shuttle Atlantis' external tank has been loaded with about 535,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the propellants that will power the shuttle's three main engines during launch. The fueling operation went smoothly and a fill-and-drain valve inside Atlantis functioned properly throughout the process. Pumps at the launch pad will continue to trickle in a small amount of super-cold chemicals to replace the amount that boils off during the countdown.

Fueling of the external tank was completed at 8 a.m. and the countdown has entered 2 1/2 hour hold.

The Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew will head out to the pad shortly for their specialized tasks. The inspection team will look for signs of debris or ice buildup, while the Closeout Crew will ready Atlantis for its six-member astronaut crew.

Earlier this morning, the Mission Management Team met and gave the "go" for loading space shuttle Atlantis' external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, which began at 5:03 a.m. EST.

The three-hour fueling process will provide the fuel and oxidizer Atlantis' three main engines require for the 8 1/2 minute trip to orbit.

Weather forecast is now at a 70-percent chance of favorable weather for an on-time liftoff at 2:28 p.m. this afternoon.

NASA Television is providing live commentary of external tank loading and launch commentary and blog will begin at 9:30 a.m.

The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team met at 4:30 a.m. EST and gave a “go” to begin loading shuttle Atlantis’ external tank with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.

There now is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary concern is for low cloud ceilings. All three Transatlantic Abort Landing sites are “go.”

Launch is targeted for 2:28 p.m. NASA Television will provide live commentary of external tank loading beginning at 5 a.m. and launch commentary and blog will begin at 9:30 a.m.

The rotating service structure was rolled back Sunday evening revealing space shuttle Atlantis poised for launch. The STS-129 countdown is proceeding smoothly and on schedule. The astronauts will go to sleep around 9 p.m. and awaken at 4:30 a.m. EST.

Also, at 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, the Mission Management Team will meet to give the “go” for tanking of space shuttle Atlantis. Tanking is scheduled to begin at 5 a.m.

Weather remains at 90 percent favorable for an on-time liftoff at 2:28 p.m. Monday afternoon.

At the L-1 Atlantis launch countdown status briefing, NASA Test Director Steve Payne reported that all systems are "go" for liftoff and there are no issues being reported to hamper an on-time launch to the International Space Station at 2:28 p.m. EST Monday.

"After many, many months of hard work, STS-129 Atlantis and her crew are nearly ready to fly," said Payne. "We've had a clean countdown to date and are currently on schedule with no problems to report."

Main avionics check outs are still being performed and orbiter to ground communication tests will be completed this afternoon.

The flight crew's personal items also will be stowed this afternoon along with the recumbent seat that will accommodate the return of Nicole Stott, who has been serving as Flight Engineer at the station.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters of the 45th weather squadron was pleased to announce that the forecast for launch day remains at 90-percent both for fueling of the external tank and for liftoff.

Weather continues to look good for the transatlantic abort, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency although there still is a possibility of high seas where the solid rocket booster recovery ships are stationed.

If there is a 24-hour turnaround, Winters said the forecast increases to 30-percent probability that weather will violate weather constraints.

At about 5:30 p.m. today, the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away. Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. Monday.

Tune in for the L-1 countdown status briefing being broadcast at no earlier than 10 a.m. EST. The briefing will be aired on NASA TV and found on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Participating in today's briefing will be NASA Test Director Steve Payne and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.

Today at about 5:30 p.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away.

Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. on Monday.

Space shuttle Atlantis, its payload and crew are set to launch to the International Space Station at 2:28 p.m. Monday.

Launch countdown operations are on schedule with no issues to report, according to officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the STS-129 prelaunch briefing. With the unfortunate scrub of the Atlas rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today, space shuttle Atlantis is cleared for launch at 2:28 p.m. EST Monday.

"It was a really smooth meeting … Atlantis is ready to go," Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager said. (There was) "a unanimous vote to proceed with the launch countdown."

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director said, "… We're right on the money. We're not tracking any issues with the vehicle, flight elements or ground systems. I'm happy to report we're ready to go."

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast continues to be very favorable for launch day with only a 10-percent chance that weather will be a concern for liftoff and the fueling of Atlantis' external tank.

Weather also is looking good for the transatlantic abort, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency. The only issue Winters mentioned was the possibility of some high seas where the solid rocket booster recovery ships are stationed.

On Sunday at about 5:30 p.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather will be rolled away. Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 5 a.m. on Monday.

Tune in tomorrow for the L-1 countdown status briefing at no earlier than 10 a.m. which will be aired on NASA TV and found on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

NASA Television will air a Prelaunch News Conference no earlier than 11 a.m. EST, at the conclusion of the L-2 Mission Management Team meeting. The briefing also will be available on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The weather forecast for launch day, according the shuttle weather officer Kathy Winters, is looking very favorable for both launch and fueling of the shuttle's external tank.

There is only a 10-percent chance that weather will hinder any launch-related activities for Atlantis' Monday's 2:28 p.m. liftoff to the International Space Station.

At today's launch countdown status briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, managers reported space shuttle Atlantis, its payload and crew are ready for launch at 2:28 p.m. EST on Monday.

NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported everything is progressing on schedule for Atlantis' 31st flight to deliver the crew, two Express Logistic Carriers and other necessary parts to the International Space Station.

"Our teams here at Kennedy Space Center, as well as all the NASA centers around the country, have worked very hard preparing this hardware for flight," said Blackwell-Thompson. "We're all looking forward to the mission that lies ahead."

Scott Higginbotham, the STS-129 payload manager, said the processing of the payload for this mission has been a difficult and challenging race for his team. "But we're smiling today," Higginbotham said. "Because we crossed the finish line and we survived." Final inspections were completed and the payload bay doors were closed for flight this morning.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported weather is looking very good for launch day and for the loading of propellants into Atlantis' external fuel tank. At this time there's only a 10 percent chance of weather hindering a successful launch on Monday.

At 1 p.m. today, NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward toward Monday's liftoff.

Tune into the STS-129 mission's pre-launch news conference that will be aired tomorrow at no earlier than 11 a.m. EST on NASA TV and on the web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

NASA officials will hold the STS-129 mission launch countdown status briefing this morning a 10 a.m. EST. It will be broadcast on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Final launch preparations continue at Launch Pad 39A with technicians closing space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors this morning.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 astronauts continue their prelaunch activities at Kennedy today. Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore practiced landings at the Shuttle Landing Facility this morning in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft -- a Gulfstream II jet modified to simulate the shuttle controls and handling.

Techs also performed a final fit-check as Hobaugh and Wilmore donned their orange launch-and-landing gear.

NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward at 1 p.m. EST today toward Monday's 2:28 p.m. liftoff.

The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis's STS-129 mission to the International Space Station are now at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in a Shuttle Training Aircraft Gulfstream II jet at 12:35 p.m. EST.

After arriving, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and his crew made brief statements to the media who were gathered at the shuttle runway.

"It's a real honor and pleasure to be here," said Hobaugh. "This has been the culmination of at least nine months of us being together as a crew … we've been deeply entrenched in our training, getting to develop all of our individual requirements for accomplishing our objectives for this mission."

The astronauts departed the landing strip and headed for the crew quarters of Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building to begin final preparations for liftoff.

The official countdown clock begins counting backwards at 1 p.m. EST tomorrow towards Monday's 2:28 p.m. launch.

Tune in to the STS-129 countdown status briefing being aired on NASA TV and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv, scheduled for 10 a.m. EST Friday.

Space shuttle Atlantis' six astronauts are expected to arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for their prelaunch activities. They left Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston at about 10:40 a.m. EST on a NASA modified Gulfstream II jet Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Arrival is scheduled for about 12:30 p.m. EST and will be carried live on NASA TV -- also online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The crew is scheduled to make a brief statement to the media, who are gathered at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility covering the arrival, before departing to their quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building.

Technicians on Launch Pad 39A completed pressurizing tanks inside Atlantis' engine and steering jet systems, which are the main propulsion system and orbital maneuvering system, and the reaction control system early this morning.

Countdown officially begins tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. for Monday's 2:28 p.m. launch.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A begin work today to get space shuttle Atlantis' propulsion systems ready for flight to the International Space Station.

The shuttle's three main engines, as well as the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system, which will be used to steer Atlantis in space, will start being pressurized for flight.

Techs also will complete installation of sensors and microphones in Atlantis' aft section today for the acoustic environment testing. Final systems checks in the shuttle's aft section are complete.

The STS-129 astronauts will fly to Kennedy tomorrow in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft. Landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility is expected around 12 p.m. EST. NASA TV will air the crew's arrival live on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. Friday.

Liftoff of Atlantis' 11-day cargo mission to the space station is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

Technicians on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continue final checks of systems in the aft section on space shuttle Atlantis.

Installation work also continues for the shuttle's engine acoustic environment testing equipment. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff -- which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought.

Testing of the main engine acoustic environment equipment using microphones and sensors is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow.

The STS-129 mission's six astronauts are now in quarantine at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston until they fly to Kennedy on Thursday morning. They will practice final integrated ascent techniques in the motion base simulator and review camera equipment in crew quarters today.

Liftoff of Atlantis' flight to the International Space Station is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. The countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. Friday.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the work week begins with the installation of new equipment at Launch Pad 39A.

Technicians will install instruments in both the mobile launcher platform's tail service mast and in space shuttle Atlantis' aft section. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff -- which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought.

The testing of the "main engine acoustic environment" using microphones and sensors will continue with launch.

Yesterday, workers completed final ordnance installation and connections in the shuttle.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will enter quarantine tonight after a day of administrative duties. On Thursday they'll fly to Kennedy for final preparations for their flight to the International Space Station.

Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 and the countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. EST Friday.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Launch Pad 39A technicians are loading space shuttle Atlantis' two, mass-memory units today. Located in the middeck's two avionics bays, each reel-to-reel digital magnetic tape storage device holds basic flight software for the shuttle's general purpose computers and can store additional data.

Preparations for final ordnance installations and connections at the pad will begin today and are expected to wrap up this weekend.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts will be given their L-10 physicals today. They'll also practice integrated entry procedures in Johnson's motion base simulator.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

Final system checks on space shuttle Atlantis' aft, or back, section continue on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center today. Technicians also will install several cameras in the shuttle's payload bay.

Workers finished attaching the orbiter midbody umbilical unit from the pad's rotating service structure to the shuttle, and then leak checks were conducted and completed.

Atlantis' cargo, consisting of Express Logistics Carrier 1 and 2, holding about 28,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station, were moved from the pad's changeout room into the shuttle's payload bay yesterday.

Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 astronauts are participating in a final prelaunch meeting with the Mission Control Center's flight director team today, and they’ll also be reviewing final flight data.

Launch Pad 39A technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will install the cargo for the STS-129 mission into space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay today.

The payload consists of Express Logistics Carrier 1 and 2, holding about 28,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station.

Workers also will attach the orbiter midbody umbilical unit from the pad's rotating service structure to the shuttle today. The unit provides access to and permits servicing of Atlantis' mid-fuselage area. Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for the fuel cells and gases, such as nitrogen and helium, are provided through the unit.

The six Atlantis astronauts returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston yesterday after completing the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, training. They'll conduct final launch preparations at Johnson before flying back to Kennedy for the anticipated launch to the space station at 2:28 p.m. EST on Nov. 16.

The STS-129 astronauts concluded their countdown dress rehearsal Tuesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and headed back to Johnson Space Center in Houston aboard a NASA aircraft.

The crew will return to Kennedy when the real countdown begins in about two weeks to launch space shuttle Atlantis on a mission to the International Space Station.

Tuesday's dress rehearsal is a standard procedure for shuttle crews known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. It gives the launch team a chance to practice the intricacies of launch day and affords the astronauts an opportunity to run through their escape process in the unlikely event that an emergency develops in the last moments before a real launch.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the six STS-129 crew members will climb aboard space shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A. They will go through a complete launch countdown simulation right up to the point of liftoff.

This is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, typically conducted during a 3-day period about two weeks prior to launch. But this practice session was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA's Ares I-X test rocket.

After the launch simulation and emergency pad escape training, the astronauts will inspect the cargo that they'll fly to the International Space Station before returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston this afternoon.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the space station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.

The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida tonight. They arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility in staggered waves between about 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. EST. The crew will finish the full launch dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Tonight, STS-129 Commander Charlie Hobaugh and Pilot Barry Wilmore will practice shuttle landings in modified Gulfstream II jets called Shuttle Training Aircraft.

Tuesday, the launch team with all six crew members inside Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A will go through a countdown simulation. Additional training associated with TCDT was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed until this week because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.

After the launch simulation and emergency pad escape training, the astronauts will inspect the cargo that they’ll take to the International Space Station before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston Tuesday afternoon.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the space station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-129 launch team is getting ready for the final part of training called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, which will prepare space shuttle Atlantis, the mission's astronauts and the Kennedy team for the flight to the International Space Station.

Atlantis' six astronauts will fly to Kennedy late this afternoon. Tuesday morning they will practice a simulated launch countdown inside the shuttle's cockpit at Launch Pad 39A.

Before returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Tuesday, the crew members will inspect the cargo that they'll be delivering to the station.

The payload was transferred to the pad Oct. 30 and will be installed in Atlantis' bay Wednesday.

Launch of space shuttle Atlantis is set for Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cargo for space shuttle Atlantis' mission to the International Space Station was moved to Launch Pad 39A overnight and will be installed into the shuttle's payload bay.

Technicians will finish testing Atlantis' waste collection system, or toilet, this weekend and ground teams are getting ready for the final part of launch dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Today, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts are involved in their final bench review of flight hardware at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and they will conduct contingency abort simulation training in the motion base simulator.

The crew will fly to Kennedy Monday afternoon for the completion of TCDT. During their two-days at Kennedy they will participate in a simulated launch countdown where they practice liftoff procedures inside the shuttle. Before returning to Johnson on Tuesday, crew members will practice emergency pad evacuation.

On Oct. 29, NASA managers announced the official launch date and time of Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST for Atlantis' flight to the space station. The only deviation to this date would be if the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is delayed. Since the Atlas team has reserved the Eastern Range for Nov. 14 and 15, this means the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.

Space shuttle Atlantis, its crew and payload have been given the green light to launch to the International Space Station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.

At the post-FRR press briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations congratulated the Ares I-X launch team for a successful flight test. He then talked about the extremely thorough review of vast amounts of data that led to announcing that Atlantis is certified to launch.

"We accomplished what we wanted to to get ready to move to the next activity … with just a little bit of open work left to do," said Gerstenmaier.

Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager thanked the teams across the country for their hard work getting Atlantis into good shape for the launch. He highlighted the Kennedy teams, complimenting them for working on preparations for both the Atlantis and Ares I-X launches at the same time.

"I'm really pleased -- this is going to be a challenging 11-day mission with three EVAs; the cargo resupply to the station is going to set them up for the future," said Moses.

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director said Atlantis' payload for the STS-129 mission will be transported to Launch Pad 39A by Friday morning. The pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, which protects the shuttle against inclement weather and also provides access to the vehicle's payload bay, is being rolled away. This will allow techs to lift Atlantis' payload up to the pad for installation into the shuttle's cargo bay.

"It's a standard path flow for us and we have little bit of contingency hidden in the flow, so no problems there, said Leinbach. "We should be able to get to our T-0 on the 16th with no issues at all."

The Nov. 16 target date will depend on the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas has reserved the Eastern Range on Nov. 14 and 15. But if the Atlas launch is delayed to Nov. 15, the shuttle's liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.

NASA managers have concluded today's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, meeting at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and have set Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST as the official launch date for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.

A post-FRR news conference will be broadcast on NASA TV which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT.

Managers are gathered at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for the agency's Flight Readiness Review meeting for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.

So far, topics of discussion have been NASA's securing of the Eastern Range Nov. 16 and 17 for Atlantis' launch; the readiness of the EXPRESS Logistics Carriers, or ELCs, the payload that Atlantis will deliver; and the mission objectives which includes three spacewalks. No issues have been raised at this time.

Following the meeting, there will be a news conference broadcast no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv. An official launch date is expected to be announced at the briefing.

Currently, Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

Managers are gathered at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for the agency's Flight Readiness Review meeting for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.

The group will thoroughly discuss how preparations are going for Atlantis' 11-day mission and they are expected to set an official launch date. Currently, Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

Following the meeting, there will be a news conference broadcast on NASA TV no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT.

At Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians are continuing to prepare Atlantis for flight and for the mission payload that is expected to be transported to the pad tomorrow. The rotating service structure, which acts as weather protection and provides access to a shuttle, is scheduled to be opened today. This will allow techs to upload Atlantis' space station payload to the pad for installation into its cargo bay.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 astronauts are in the center's fixed based simulator today conducting an orbital simulation run.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Launch Pad 39A was reopened briefly following the Ares I-X launch scrub yesterday. Late last night, the pad and space shuttle Atlantis were secured again and cleared for today's Ares I-X launch opportunity.

The pad again will be reopened after launch, paving the way for technicians to continue their final check of systems in the aft, or back, section of Atlantis and to confirm that the waste collection system works.

The six STS-129 crew members will spend the day reviewing a variety of systems procedures and brushing up on photo and TV techniques at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tomorrow, NASA managers are traveling to Kennedy for the STS-129 mission's Flight Readiness Review meeting. After a thorough review, an official launch date is expected to be announced.

A post-meeting briefing will be broadcast on NASA TV and can be found at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch currently is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis was secured last night at Launch Pad 39A in anticipation of the launch of the Constellation Program's Ares I-X flight test. The flight test is lifting off from Launch Pad 39B -- only about a mile north of the shuttle launch pad.

After the Ares I-X launch, technicians will be allowed to return to pad A to continue making final system checks in the aft, or back, section of Atlantis. The waste collection system also will be tested later today.

Meanwhile, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore are completing their payload-related tasks at Kennedy, and will fly their T-38 jets to Edwards Air Force Base in California for additional mission training.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, for Atlantis' flight to the International Space Station is set for Oct. 29 at Kennedy. NASA managers will announce an official launch date at a post-meeting briefing, which will be broadcast on NASA TV.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch currently is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A will begin final system checks in the aft, or back, section of space shuttle Atlantis today.

Also, a retest of Atlantis' main propulsion pressure valve system, or engine piping, will take place today. This "closeout" work will be in progress all week.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 astronauts will be practicing for the mission's third spacewalk in the massive swimming pool, called the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

This afternoon, STS-129 Commander Charlie Hobaugh and Pilot Barry Wilmore will fly their T-38 jets to Kennedy for training associated with the mission's space station payload.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A are progressing with hypergolic loading of various systems in space shuttle Atlantis. They finished filling storage tanks in the orbital maneuvering system, which are the steering jets on the shuttle and the reaction control system. Today, loading of the auxiliary power units will take place.

During the weekend, pad techs will perform hypergolic load cleaning before starting final checks of Atlantis' aft, or back, section planned for next week.

Today, the six STS-129 crew members will review spacewalking procedures and timelines at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, for the STS-129 mission is set for Oct. 29 at Kennedy. Afterward, NASA will announce an official launch date and broadcast a post-meeting briefing on NASA TV.

Launch Pad 39A has been cleared of personnel today so oxidizers can be loaded into the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system tanks on space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS and RCS are thruster systems used predominantly to steer the shuttle in space. The OMS engines are used to slow the shuttle down before it enters the atmosphere for landing.

Both of the units use hypergolic propellants, which are chemicals that burn on their own when they come in contact with each other. That is different from the oxygen and hydrogen mixture that fuels the shuttle's three main engines at launch.

Atlantis is being prepared for a launch targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The STS-129 astronauts continue practicing their launch routine, as well. They are rehearsing ascent procedures during part of the day in the motion base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

After two days of prelaunch mission practice at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the six STS-129 mission astronauts returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. There, they will continue their training and perform customary housekeeping projects for Atlantis' upcoming flight to the International Space Station.

The crew members are scheduled to return to Kennedy to complete the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, on Nov. 2 and 3. At that time, they will participate in a full launch countdown exercise, safety briefings and payload bay walkdown.

Meanwhile at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A, technicians continue to check systems to verify there was no damage to the space shuttle from a lightning strike at the pad last week. So far no damage has been found.

Also at the pad today, workers are testing the solid rocket booster hydraulic system and completing the shuttle interface test -- which means confirming the various components and connections are "talking" to each other.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, for the STS-129 mission is set for Oct. 29 at Kennedy. Afterward, NASA will announce an official launch date and broadcast a post-meeting briefing on NASA TV.

The STS-129 astronauts, while at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a launch dress rehearsal, took the opportunity to speak with the media about their upcoming mission to the International Space Station.

Space shuttle Atlantis Pilot Barry E. Wilmore reflected on the first shuttle flight he'll be flying.

"I can't begin to put into words how it feels," Wilmore said. "After being an astronaut for nine years and it's just now become my turn to go … and how exciting it was to fly by yesterday, look down and see Atlantis on the pad... knowing that all the efforts around this nation that have gone into preparing this vehicle for our launch. We're proud to be the folks to sit on the pointy end of it and get to launch on it."

"I'd do backflips for you," Wilmore continued. "It's been a thrilling time and a thrilling moment for all of us, and certainly for me being a first-time flier."

Peppered among mission-related questions was one answered by Atlantis' Commander Charles O. Hobaugh about the Constellation Program's next-generation spacecraft.

"We're ready to take the next step when it happens. For us, where we're at right now... we're focused on getting this mission off and doing our best job to make sure it happens," Hobaugh said. "Once we get back we'll jump into whatever the Augustine commission and the current administration decides is the proper course for NASA to take in its next generation."

"We are very lucky to be a participant in the space program," Hobaugh continued. "It's part of the bigger national interest and also part of an international effort and wherever our piece fits in I think all of us are more than happy to do our best part to make sure it occurs in the best way possible."

While at Launch Pad 39A today, the crew will practice emergency pad egress and other related safety training. They will return to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow and then conduct the remainder of the launch dress rehearsal training at Kennedy on Nov. 2 and 3.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission astronauts will be traveling to Launch Pad 39A where they will practice emergency pad egress and other related safety training.

While at the pad, the crew will have a brief question-and-answer period with the media broadcast on NASA TV. The media event will begin at 9:40 a.m. EDT and can be accessed at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

In order to optimize NASA's ability to launch both Atlantis and the Constellation Program's Ares I-X flight test before the end of the year, the agency now is targeting Nov. 16 for the launch of Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. Therefore, the crew will cut this Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, short and conduct the remainder of launch dress rehearsal training Nov. 2 and 3.

The same launch team at Kennedy is supporting both the shuttle and the Ares I-X flight test, which is targeted to lift off Oct. 27.

NASA is targeting Nov. 16 for the launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Senior managers met Monday and decided to adjust Atlantis' target launch date to optimize the agency's ability to launch both Ares I-X and Atlantis before the end of the year. The same launch team at Kennedy is supporting both the shuttle and the flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, which is targeted to lift off on Oct. 27.

Atlantis' new target launch date will give Ares I-X launch opportunities Oct. 27, 28 and 29. NASA has yet to schedule Atlantis' new target liftoff date on the Eastern Range.

The change to Atlantis' targeted launch will affect the launch countdown dress rehearsal for the shuttle's six astronauts. The astronauts arrived at Kennedy on Monday for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test and related training. The simulated countdown has been rescheduled to Nov. 3. The astronauts will practice emergency escape and other related training while they are at Kennedy this week and return there Nov. 2 to conclude their rehearsal work.

The agency's Flight Readiness Review meeting for STS-129 is set for Oct. 29. NASA will schedule an official launch date for Atlantis at that meeting.

Five of the six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station now are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Except for Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, the crew arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in four T-38 training jets at 11:24 a.m. EDT. Melvin is on the way to Kennedy on a NASA G2 jet.

Because of the delayed arrival times, NASA Television will air crew arrival as a Video File segment on NASA TV this afternoon on www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch now is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

The six STS-129 mission astronauts are on their way to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to participate in a launch dress rehearsal and related training known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Five of the crew members are flying in their T-38 training jets. Currently, they’ve stopped for refueling in Mississippi and are expected to arrive after 11 a.m. EDT at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility.

Mission Specialist Leland Melvin will be further delayed because the G2 NASA aircraft he was flying had a technical issue and returned to Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Because of the delayed arrival times, TCDT crew arrival will not be carried live on NASA Television but it will air as a Video File segment on NASA TV this afternoon on www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The STS-129 mission astronauts are flying to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today in their T-38 jets.

The crew will be at Kennedy Oct. 19, 20, 21, to train for their upcoming flight to the International Space Station on space shuttle Atlantis.

The training, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods and participate in a simulated launch countdown and other activities.

Today's training includes driving M-113 armored personnel carriers. Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore will take to the skies in NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice shuttle landings at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, teams are preparing for the arrival of the STS-129 mission astronauts for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Space shuttle Atlantis' six-member crew will be flying to Kennedy on Monday for the launch training, and will arrive at about 10:15 a.m. EDT.

This weekend, technicians at Kennedy will be testing the camera on the massive external fuel tank that is used during launch to provide video of any potential debris which may come off during liftoff. They also are changing out a pressure valve in Atlantis' aft, or bottom, section.

Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.

Technicians working at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are testing connections between the launch pad and space shuttle Atlantis. The shuttle stack was rolled to the launch complex Wednesday to set the stage for liftoff of the STS-129 mission targeted for Nov. 12.

Several flight readiness tests are scheduled Thursday, including evaluations of the engines and aero surfaces. Workers will move standard weather protection panels into place, as well.

Two of Atlantis' astronauts are practicing spacewalking techniques inside the gigantic pool known as the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at their training base at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnick are rehearsing for the second of three spacewalks scheduled for the flight.

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is firmly secured to the fixed service structure pedestals at Launch Pad 39A. The 3.4-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad began at 6:38 a.m. EDT and was completed at 1:31 p.m.

The pad's protective rotating service structure will be closed around the shuttle tonight, and launch pad teams will begin preparations to support Atlantis' targeted Nov. 12 launch at 4:04 p.m. EST.

The STS-129 astronauts are scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. This training gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods and participate in a simulated launch countdown.

Space shuttle Atlantis has reached Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle stack should be secure on the pad's fixed service structure within the hour.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 astronauts are rehearsing orbit maneuvers today in the fixed base simulator.

The simulator mimics the dials and controls of the shuttle along with monitors that animate a view from outside the shuttle's window. Johnson technicians program the simulator's software to throw various problem situations at the crew to make sure they can cope with anything while in flight.

Meanwhile, the Space Shuttle Program’s Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21. The executive-level FRR with NASA managers to set an official launch date is planned for Oct. 29 and will be held at Kennedy.

Space shuttle Atlantis began its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:38 a.m. EDT. The 3.4-mile journey of the crawler-transporter with the shuttle stacked on top is expected to take about six hours.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 astronauts are rehearsing orbit maneuvers today in the fixed base simulator.

The simulator mimics the dials and controls of the shuttle along with monitors that animate a view from outside the shuttle's window. Johnson technicians program the simulator's software to throw various problem situations at the crew to make sure they can cope with anything while in flight.

Meanwhile, the Space Shuttle Program's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21. The executive-level FRR with NASA managers to set an official launch date is planned for Oct. 29 and will be held at Kennedy.

Space shuttle Atlantis' move to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is under way. First motion of Atlantis out of Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building was at 6:38 a.m. EDT. The 3.4 mile trip, known as rollout, is expected to take about six hours.
Atlantis and its six astronauts are targeted to launch Nov. 12 on the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians are going through final preps for space shuttle Atlantis' move, or rollout, from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A on Wednesday. First motion now is targeted for 6 a.m. EDT. No major issues are being worked, but teams needed additional time to prepare for the move.

The 3.4-mile trek to the pad with Atlantis perched on top of the crawler-transporter is expected to take about six hours.

The launch pad team says it's ready for Atlantis' arrival tomorrow with four liquid hydrogen tanker trucks scheduled to help load the pad's Liquid Hydrogen-2 storage tank today.

After the three-day holiday weekend, the STS-129 astronauts will resume their training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, Commander Charles O. Hobaugh and Pilot Barry E. Wilmore take to the skies in their T-38 training jets, while ‪Mission Specialists Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. practice techniques for the mission's first of three spacewalks in Johnson's neutral buoyancy lab swimming pool.

Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.

Technicians are conducting tests and working on final preparations for space shuttle Atlantis' move, or rollout, to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. EDT Wednesday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts have the Columbus Day holiday off and will resume training on Tuesday morning.

The crew is scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Typically held prior to launch, TCDT gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods, and participate in briefings on security and range safety.

Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.

Shuttle managers now are targeting Wednesday to move space shuttle Atlantis to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

First motion of Atlantis from Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to the pad is targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT.

The shuttle was towed Oct. 6 from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility 1, to the VAB in preparation for its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station. However, an issue with a crane that was being used to transfer Atlantis for attachment to its external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters caused a delay in operations. That in turn caused additional workload on teams in the VAB who also are working on preparing NASA's Ares I-X rocket for rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B on Oct. 19. Ares I-X is targeted to launch on its flight test on Oct. 27. Today, shuttle managers added 24-hours to Atlantis' rollout preparations to provide relief to the work force.

The one-day change to the rollout still will allow managers to target Atlantis' launch for Nov. 12. It also does not affect the practice countdown, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, and associated training for Atlantis' six astronauts and ground teams, which is set to begin Oct. 19.

The STS-129 astronauts wrapped up their week at Johnson Space Center by completing two-days of equipment reviews related to the items they will use during their mission.

Technicians are completing the careful and complex connecting tasks to complete the stacking of space shuttle Atlantis before next week's rollout to Launch Pad 39A. The work includes attaching the umbilicals from the mobile launcher platform to the aft section of Atlantis. The umbilicals have many system connections to the shuttle, and also pipe liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen through the shuttle into the external fuel tank before launch. The connections pull away from the shuttle at liftoff.
After the work is completed, an interface test will be conducted throughout the weekend to make sure the connections between the shuttle, external tank and two solid rocket boosters are set properly. Rollout for the STS-129 mission remains scheduled for 12:01 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.
The astronauts of STS-129 are completing two days of equipment reviews related to the items they will use during their mission to the International Space Station.
On the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Nicole Stott is expected to make the first official run on the COLBERT treadmill, the exercise device named for Comedy Central comedian Stephen Colbert.

Technicians connected space shuttle Atlantis to its external tank and solid rocket boosters at about 2:45 a.m. Thursday. The work inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida readies the shuttle for the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station in November.
The six astronauts for Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station begin a two-day review of flight crew equipment today and will practice entry techniques in the motion base simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Shuttle Atlantis once again is being lifted into position to be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building.

About 9:45 p.m. EDT Tuesday, a problem with the overhead crane forced technicians to stop the lifting operation. The issue wouldn’t allow a "fine" adjustment of the 325-ton crane in the north direction. That left Atlantis suspended on its sling over the VAB transfer aisle overnight and this morning. Engineers discovered a wiring problem and fixed it late this morning. Lifting operations resumed about 12:15 p.m.

During the rest of the day and evening, Atlantis will be moved into the VAB’s high bay 1 and attached to its external tank and SRBs.

Shuttle managers will assess schedules and workflow as operations continue, but they’re still looking to support Atlantis’ rollout to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 13 for its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.

Space shuttle Atlantis was moved from its hangar in Obiter Processing Facility-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday.

A sling was attached to the vehicle in order for it to be lifted and attached to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already positioned on the mobile launcher platform.

At this time, the lift process is holding at the 12-hour mark as engineers troubleshoot an overhead crane control issue that will not allow a "fine" adjustment of the crane in the north direction.

In another area of Kennedy, launch teams are scheduled to hold a countdown simulation today.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 mission's six astronauts are training in T-38 jets and practicing spacewalking techniques at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The crew will be involved in launch dress rehearsal activities, called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, scheduled for Oct. 19, 20, and 21 at Kennedy.

Atlantis is targeted to launch to the International Space Station at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.

Space shuttle Atlantis now is in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians began moving Atlantis from its hangar in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB at about 7 a.m. EDT. The move, known as rollover, was competed at 8:25 a.m. when Atlantis arrived in the VAB's transfer aisle.

The sling that will transfer Atlantis over to the VAB's High Bay 1 is set to be attached this afternoon. Atlantis will be lifted up and moved over the transom by this evening, and is scheduled to be firmly attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform by tomorrow morning.

Atlantis is on track to be rolled out to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 13 in anticipation of its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch Nov. 12.

Today, the mission's six astronauts are involved in a number of systems refresher meetings at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida technicians are back in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 today performing final checks on space shuttle Atlantis. The vehicle is set to move, or rollover, to the Vehicle Assembly Building tomorrow with first motion scheduled for 7 a.m. EDT.

In the VAB, the external tank and solid rocket boosters, now secured in place, also are undergoing final checks and testing.

After Atlantis is joined with the tank and boosters, the giant crawler-transporter will be rolled under the mobile launcher platform. The entire stack now is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 13.

Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-129 crew members will be reviewing deorbit burn procedures and space station systems manuals, and practicing heat shield repair techniques.

The astronauts are scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Typically held prior to launch, TCDT gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods, and participate in briefings on security and range safety.

An ambitious week is wrapping up at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Preparations for the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station remain on target.

The orbiter transport system will be rolled under space shuttle Atlantis for its move, or rollover, into Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building scheduled for Oct. 6.

Meanwhile, final work on the solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank stacked on the mobile launcher platform in the VAB continue in anticipation of Tuesday's rollover.

Rollout of shuttle Atlantis to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13.

The week ends for the STS-129 mission astronauts at Johnson with simulated docking procedures in the fixed based simulator.

The STS-129 crew members are scheduled to fly to Kennedy on Oct. 19 to participate in the three-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Typically held prior to launch, TCDT gives the crew an opportunity to check the fit of their spacesuits, practice emergency evacuation procedures at the launch pad, review firefighting methods, and participate in briefings on security and range safety.

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have completed Atlantis' crew module final prep work and side hatch closure in anticipation of the vehicle's rollover from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building, scheduled for Oct. 6.

Atlantis will be lowered on its wheels today and then weighed. A center-of-gravity check will be performed to make sure the shuttle is balanced properly for the move.

An exercise known as Mode II-IV also is taking place at Kennedy today. The exercise involves NASA fire rescue personnel, astronauts with simulated injuries, helicopters and personnel from the U.S. Air Force's 920th Rescue Wing, and medical trauma teams at three Central Florida hospitals.

The Space Shuttle Program and Air Force hold this emergency-simulation drill to allow teams to practice emergency response at Launch Pad 39A, including helicopter evacuation to local hospitals.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will take part in a long-simulation exercise today, practicing docking procedures in the fixed based simulator.

The crew spends many hours training with dials and controls identical to that of the shuttle computer and screens that animate the view from outside the shuttle's window. Johnson technicians program the simulator's software to throw various problem situations at the crew to make sure they can cope with anything while in flight.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida technicians will perform final tire pressurization today on space shuttle Atlantis.

Vehicle power down, aft structural leak tests and shuttle compartment pressure tests were completed yesterday.

Workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building are in the process of performing final preps on the external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters before Atlantis is attached to them following rollover, scheduled for Oct. 6.

The six STS-129 crew members will be doing a variety of training exercises today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston that relate to each astronaut's role in the mission.

In particular, Commander Charlie Hobaugh will be practicing flight proficiency training in a T-38 jet and Mission Specialist Leland Melvin will practice working with the Expedite the Processing of Experiments, or EXPRESS, rack, one of the several pieces of equipment Atlantis will be delivering to the International Space Station.

EXPRESS is a standardized shuttle payload rack system that transports, stores and supports experiments aboard the station.

Rollout of shuttle Atlantis to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13, and liftoff is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will power down Atlantis today for the final time before its move, or rollover, from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Oct. 6.

A structural leak test of the aft section of Atlantis, as well as a pressure test of the orbiter compartment, also will be performed.

The STS-129 mission astronauts will conduct an integrated entry simulation today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The simulator is a mock-up of a shuttle cockpit, balanced on a hydraulic platform and loaded with the same instruments and equipment of a real shuttle.

Launch of the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12.

Beginning a new week at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians continue working on space shuttle Atlantis to get it ready for its rollover from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

The Ku band communication antenna has been stowed in the vehicle's payload bay and the payload bay doors have been closed. Technicians now are testing systems and closing them down for the targeted Oct. 6 rollover.

Teams in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building also are working on installing pyrotechnic charges on the solid rocket booster and external fuel tank stack today.

After Atlantis is installed onto the mobile launcher platform, the entire stack will be moved or "rolled out" to Launch Pad 39A, currently scheduled for Oct. 13.

Meanwhile, the STS-129 mission astronauts have a full week of mission simulations at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Today, the crew will work in Johnson's virtual reality lab. This is a type of computer interface that is paired with virtual reality training hardware and software which helps the crew to practice working on tasks they'll be performing in space.

This weekend at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians will continue preparing Atlantis for its move, or rollover, from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building, targeted for Oct. 6.

Pre-rollover preps this weekend include work on the shuttle's thermal protection system, or heat shield, and application of waterproofing to the payload bay door hinge line. Atlantis' payload bay door will be closed today.

Meanwhile, the shuttle's hatch also is being prepared to be closed. Final preps are ongoing on the forward and wing sections of the shuttle and temporary doors will be installed to support rollover.

After Atlantis is rolled into in the VAB, it will be hoisted off the transfer aisle and joined with the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters that already have been stacked on the mobile launcher platform in High Bay 2.

Rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Space shuttle Atlantis remains in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, undergoing preparations for its rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building scheduled for Oct. 6.

Closure of the payload bay door in anticipation for the rollover is planned for Friday. Testing of the wing leading edge sensors is ongoing. The sensors help monitor the reinforced carbon carbon heat shield panels on the shuttle’s wings for possible debris impacts.

Once Atlantis is in the VAB, it will be joined with the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters that already have been stacked on the mobile launcher platform in High Bay 2.

Rollout to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for Oct. 13.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians are preparing space shuttle Atlantis for its move from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, next month.

Final preparations in the shuttle's aft section are complete and crews are working on the forward sections now. The main landing gear is set to be leak tested and the hydraulic fluid level will be checked today.

Battery installation and testing for the wing leading edge sensors is ongoing. The sensors help monitor the reinforced carbon carbon heat shield panels on the shuttle’s wings for possible debris impacts. The payload bay doors will be closed Friday for rollover.

Meanwhile in the VAB, Atlantis' external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters have been stacked on the mobile launcher platform in High Bay 2.