Subscribe to Space and Astronautics News:
Enter your Email Address:
Privacy Policy: Your address is confidential, and will not be disclosed to third parties.
Landing: Shuttle Landing Facility, Kennedy Space Center; Feb 21, 22:20 EST/03:20 UT Feb 22 (deorbit burn: 21:15 EST)
Main gear touchdown: 22:20:31 EST
Nose gear touchdown: 21:20:39 EST
Wheels stop: 22:22:10 EST
Orbital Altitude: 122 nautical miles (140 miles)
Orbital Insertion: 191 nautical miles (220 miles)
Orbital Inclination: 51.6 degrees
Distance traveled: ~5.7 million miles
Crew:- Commander: George D. "Zambo" Zamka; Pilot: Terry Virts; Mission Specialists:- MS1 Kathryn P. "Kay" Hire, MS2 Stephen Robinson, MS3 Nicholas Patrick, MS4 Robert L. Behnken.
Following rollback of the RSS (rotating service structure) Space Shuttle Endeavour is ready for launch at Pad 39A. The first launch opportunity is at 4:39 am EST (09:39 UT) on Sunday, Feb 7. Image credit: NASA/Troy Cryder.
With this morning's launch attempt for Endeavour scrubbed for weather concerns, the launch team is setting up for a 24-hour delay, but a final decision will not be made until forecasts for Monday and Tuesday mornings are considered. A Monday morning launch would be scheduled for 4:14 a.m.
Log on to NASA's Web site to stay updated on the next launch attempt for Endeavour's STS-130 mission. The NASA Launch Blog will return on launch night to keep you up-to-date during the countdown to the beginning of this exciting mission.
Endeavour will remain on the ground this morning after dynamic weather prompted the launch team to stand down for this attempt.
"We were just not comfortable with launching the shuttle tonight," Launch Director Mike Leinbach radioed to Endeavour.
The closeout crew will return to the pad to help the astronauts unstrap from their seats and leave the shuttle.
This morning's launch is the last scheduled night launch of the Space Shuttle Program. The solid rocket boosters' white and orange flames light up the space center almost instantly. You could read a book by the light of the exhaust. As the shuttle rises, the brilliance extends out to other parts of the coast. The bright light also makes the shuttle easy to track as it arcs over the horizon into space. People as far north as Nova Scotia have reported seeing the shuttle head into the sky during a night launch. So if you're on the fence about whether to go out and have a look, get off the fence and go! Well, at launch time that is.
The launch team is cautiously optimistic that the weather conditions will improve as we get closer to launch time. The weather conditions are currently "green," which means they are within limits. Astronaut Chris Ferguson continues firsthand evaluations as he flies weather reconnaissance aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft.
T-9 minutes and holding . . . The countdown paused as planned this morning in the last planned hold of the launch process. This hold lasts 45 minutes and allows the launch team and flight controllers to give their final readiness checks before proceeding with launch.
As they've been doing all morning, the launch team will look closely at expected weather conditions at launch time before deciding whether to go ahead with the countdown.
The countdown clocks are moving again, ticking backward from T-20 minutes. Weather remains the concern for preventing a launch at 4:39 a.m.
The cloud ceiling forecasters have been watching tonight and this morning has moved over Kennedy Space Center and launch weather is now "red," or “no-go.” Launch procedures continue to move ahead and the countdown has entered a planned hold at T-20 minutes. There are no technical issues.
Technicians closed the hatch on the side of Endeavour in one of the milestones before launch. A leak check was performed to make sure the spacecraft is sealed correctly for flight. The hatch is designed so the astronauts inside the shuttle can still get out quickly on their own in an emergency. From this point, the closeout crew will make final preps to the White Room before they leave the launch pad.
The countdown is moving ahead as scheduled for a 4:39 a.m. launch, but many eyes are following a line of low clouds expected to move in. The chance for acceptable conditions remains at 30 percent.
The technicians who helped the astronauts get set inside Endeavour have taken all their materials out of Endeavour and will soon close the hatch. The closeout crew carefully inventory everything that goes into the shuttle during the strap-in work so they can be sure it all comes out before launch. Some things would be hard to miss, such as the large yellow hose that circulates air in the crew compartment. No matter the size though, everything gets inventoried and marked off on the list before the techs leave the White Room.
Shuttle weather forecasters continue to watch a layer of low-level clouds moving from the north into the Kennedy Space Center area. The chance for acceptable conditions at launch time now is 30 percent. Astronaut Chris Ferguson will take a look at the clouds during a weather reconnaissance flight aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft.
Endeavour's crew is carrying the last of three connecting nodes, Tranquility, to the International Space Station during STS-130. The node was named Tranquility in honor of Apollo 11's moon landing in 1969. Apollo 11's lunar module, Eagle, touched down on the Sea of Tranquility. The space station module will be connected on the fifth day of the mission. A host of life support equipment and other machinery will be housed inside Tranquility to allow the station to continue to host six-person crews.
Like other crew modules on the station, Tranquility is a cylinder with a network of wiring, plumbing and fixtures installed. The connections allow station crews to move refrigerator-sized racks into different parts of the station with ease. The racks are sophisticated networks of cables and equipment themselves. Some hold science experiments, others are loaded with life support gear. One of the racks destined for Tranquility is the COLBERT treadmill, the exercise machine named for Comedy Central's comedian Stephen Colbert. COLBERT already is on the station, but will be moved to its new home in Tranquility. Also, two water recovery racks that process everything from sweat to urine into drinkable water will be moved to its permanent place inside Tranquility.
The two other connecting nodes that make up the station are Unity and Harmony.
Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is getting into his seat on the flight deck behind and between Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts. Robinson will serve as the flight engineer for launch and landing, which means he will help the others during the climb into space. Robinson is the lead guitarist for the astronaut band "Max-Q" and is nicknamed "Stevie Ray."
With Robinson on Endeavour, the crew is complete. After the closeout crew finishes its work inside the orbiter, the technicians will climb out and close the hatch before prepping the White Room for launch and leaving the launch pad.
Terry Virts joined the astronaut corps in 2000 and served as lead astronaut in NASA’s T-38 program before being chosen to fly aboard STS-130. Like Zamka, Virts has controls at his station to let him fly Endeavour. Most of the time, Zamka does the flying, but Virts will get a chance to fly around the International Space Station as Endeavour leaves the orbiting laboratory. This is the first launch day for Virts, though he and the crew have practiced all the procedures repeatedly.
Kathryn Hire, who goes by "Kay," is moving into her place on Endeavour's flight deck. She will sit behind Pilot Terry Virts during launch and landing. Hire is one of Kennedy's own, since she worked here as a shuttle engineer before becoming an astronaut. She is also a U.S. Naval Reserve officer and went into active duty in recent years. For STS-130, she will operate the robotic arm on the International Space Station to lift the Tranquility node out of Endeavour and lock it into place on the station. She will also work the arm for the maneuvers to place the cupola in its permanent port on Tranquility.
The low-level clouds that forecasters are watching appear to be scattering a bit, shuttle weather forecasters have reported. The chances for acceptable conditions at launch time remain 60 percent.
Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has taken his seat next to Behnken on Endeavour’s lower level. Patrick is a naturalized citizen who was born in England. He flew once before as part of the STS-116 crew. This time up, Patrick gets to expand his repertoire with three spacewalks to set up the Tranquility module and cupola for the space station crew.
Robert Behnken is strapping in on the lower level in the seat closest to Endeavour’s hatch. Although he will only get to see a bank of white lockers on the way up, Behnken will have some of the most enviable looks at Earth as he performs three spacewalks during this flight. He took part in three spacewalks during his previous mission, STS-123. That flight was also aboard Endeavour.
Technicians working inside the White Room at Launch Pad 39A have put the finishing touches on George Zamka’s pressure suit, including the communications carrier sometimes called a “Snoopy cap.” So Zamka is making his way to the commander’s station at the left-hand seat at the front of the flight deck. One of Zamka’s hobbies, weight lifting, probably comes in handy here as he has to lift himself into the seat because Endeavour is on its tail for launch. Because of that arrangement, all the astronauts lay on their backs with their feet above their heads for about three hours before liftoff.
The six astronauts of Endeavour are up on the 195-foot level of the launch tower at Launch Pad 39A before walking across the metal bridge that leads to the shuttle's hatch. Zamka, as commander, gets to climb inside Endeavour first. A technician will follow him into the shuttle to help him get into his seat and strap him into place. While he is getting into place on the upper level of the shuttle's crew compartment, Robert Behnkenwill take a seat on the lower level. The crew will continue from there with one person heading up to the upper level and one on the lower level until they are all aboard.
At T-2 hours, 41 minutes and counting, weather remains the most pressing concern leading up to launch. Forecasters are watching a line of low clouds north of the space center. The official prediction remains at a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at 4:39 a.m. While we wait on the weather, the launch preps are moving ahead on time and the astronauts are making their way to Launch Complex 39A where Endeavour awaits.
Managers officially have scheduled space shuttle Endeavour's next launch attempt for Monday, Feb. 8 at 4:14 a.m. EST.
The Mission Management Team will meet at 6:15 p.m. Sunday to give the "go" to fill Endeavour's external fuel tank with propellants. Tank loading would begin at 6:45 p.m.
Space shuttle Endeavour's launch attempt has been scrubbed due to a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center.
Managers initially plan for a 24-hour turnaround, but will evaluate tomorrow's weather before making a final decision. Next possible launch attempt is Monday, Feb. 8 at 4:14 a.m. EST.
Forecasters describe the weather as dynamic with low-ceiling clouds moving in over Kennedy Space Center changing the "go" for launch to "red" or "no-go," once again.
Astronaut Chris Ferguson continues to fly weather reconnaissance reporting his findings to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.
We currently are "go" for weather. Launch managers are cautiously optimistic and they will look closely at expected weather conditions at launch time before deciding whether to go ahead with the countdown.
The countdown has entered a 45-minute hold at T-9 minutes. During the hold, a series of polls will be conducted to verify the readiness of managers and engineers at Kennedy Space Center and Mission Control in Houston to proceed with launch. Liftoff still is targeted for 4:39:50 a.m. EST.
We currently are "no-go" due to a low cloud ceiling. Astronaut Chris Ferguson continues to fly weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft to evaluate the situation.
The countdown to launch continues toward a 4:39 a.m. EST liftoff, but a cloud ceiling has moved over Kennedy Space Center and the launch forecast is "red," or "no-go," at this time.
Weather reconnaissance flights continue to monitor the cloud banks and a possible break in the cloud ceiling is possible at launch time.
Space shuttle Endeavour's countdown has resumed at T-20 minutes and counting. There will be a planned hold at T-9 minutes that will extend about 45 minutes.
The hatch on space shuttle Endeavour has been closed and latched for flight. The countdown is proceeding as planned but weather remains a concern around the launch site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with clouds moving in from the north.
NASA's recovery ships, Liberty Star and Freedom Star are stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, ready to capture the solid rocket boosters after they splash down and return them to Kennedy Space Center for refurbishing.
Commander George Zamka, Pilot Terry Virts, Mission Specialists Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken are secured in their seats aboard shuttle Endeavour.
Radio checks are continuing for the crew while the countdown ticks down for an on-time liftoff at 4:39 a.m. EST.
The launch pad Closeout Crew will close the hatch, pressurize the crew cabin, check for leaks then finish remaining work inside the pad's White Room before departing.
Astronaut Chris Ferguson is flying weather reconnaissance in his T-38 jet. He will help evaluate conditions throughout the remainder of the countdown.
The crew of mission STS-130 is getting into space shuttle Endeavour as the countdown continues on schedule toward a liftoff at 4:39 a.m. EST. Commander George Zamka is the first aboard, climbing into the left-hand seat on Endeavour' s flight deck.
Communications checks will be conducted throughout the strap-in process as the astronauts take their places.
There are no technical issues standing in the way of an on-time launch although the potential for clouds violating weather constraints is still being monitored.
Leaving their crew quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building, Endeavour's astronauts climbed aboard NASA's silver Astrovan, for a short ride to the launch pad.
There are no reported technical issues and launch is on target for 4:39 a.m. EST, although weather continues to be monitored over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for signs of violations.
The Closeout Crew and Final Inspection Team are at Launch Pad 39A in preparation for liftoff this morning.
The Final Inspection Team will check the outside of the shuttle, solid rocket boosters and external tank for large chunks of ice or other debris on or near the shuttle.
The Closeout Crew will help the astronauts climb aboard Endeavour and get strapped in their seats for launch.
The six crew members of space shuttle Endeavour are donning their orange flight suits as they get ready to head out of the crew quarters at Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building to Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Endeavour awaits their arrival.
Forecasters have changed the chances of acceptable conditions to 60 percent favorable for launch after determining there is a risk of low clouds blowing in near launch time. Weather will continue to be monitored with reconnaissance flights and weather balloons.
There are no technical issues being reported and the countdown continues toward a 4:39 a.m. EST liftoff.
Space shuttle Endeavour's external tank has been loaded with about 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen; the propellants that will power the shuttle's three main engines during launch.
Pumps at the launch pad will continue to trickle in a small amount of supercold chemicals to replace the amount that boils off during the countdown.
The Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew will head out to the pad for their specialized tasks. The inspection team will look for signs of debris or ice buildup on the shuttle and external tank, while the Closeout Crew will prepare Endeavour for its crew of six.
Liftoff remains on schedule for 4:39 a.m. EST.
At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, fueling of space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid propellants began at 7:47 p.m. EST. The three-hour process will provide the fuel and oxidizer Endeavour's three main engines require for the 8 1/2 minute trip to orbit.
There is an 80 percent chance of favorable weather for launch.
NASA Television is providing live commentary of external tank loading and launch commentary and the NASA Launch Blog will begin at 11:30 p.m.
The Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team met at 6:45 p.m. EST and gave a "go" to begin loading shuttle Endeavour's external tank with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The operation is set to begin at 7:14 p.m. Launch is targeted for 4:39:50 a.m. Sunday.
There is an 80 percent chance of favorable weather for launch.
NASA Television is providing live commentary of external tank loading and launch commentary and the NASA Launch Blog will begin at 11:30 p.m.
Preparations for space shuttle Endeavour's launch remain on schedule. The rotating service structure was rolled away from Endeavour this morning, completing the move at 8:39 a.m. EST.
Countdown coverage on NASA TV and NASA's Launch Blog begins at 11:30 p.m. tonight.
On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Rotating Service Structure around space shuttle Endeavour is being rolled back. First motion was at 7:58 a.m. EST. The rollback is in preparation for Endeavour's liftoff at 4:39 a.m. EST early Sunday morning.
Officials meeting at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reviewed space shuttle Endeavour's readiness for flight at the L-2 prelaunch meeting. They unanimously decided to move forward with the STS-130 mission countdown to launch on Sunday at 4:39 a.m. EST.
Mike Moses, shuttle launch integration manager, said, "We're really looking forward to this launch carrying up node 3 and the cupola.
"From the shuttle program perspective, looking at our launch readiness, we're in really good shape. We had a fantastic review this morning," continued Moses, "Unanimous poll, everyone's pressing forward to go for launch."
Bernardo Patti, ESA's International Space Station program manager, said how happy and proud he is to see the last two European elements ready for the space station. He also commented on the great support and cooperation between the space agencies and how rewarding the process has been.
Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, reported his team is not tracking any technical issues and everything is on track for the rotating service structure rollback at 8 a.m. Saturday and loading of the external fuel tank with propellants around 7:15 p.m.
"The team is energized and excited about the countdown... looking forward to getting Endeavour off the ground Sunday morning," said Leinbach.
Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer, said the forecast has improved and there's only a 20 percent chance weather would be an issue at launch time. Although it may be a little chilly and breezy, no constraints should be violated. The forecast at the transoceanic abort landing sites in Spain and France also looks favorable.
Saturday at 7 p.m., NASA TV will air the fueling of Endeavour's external tank at www.nasa.gov/ntv. At 11:30 p.m., live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV.
You also can follow Endeavour's exciting countdown to launch with NASA's Launch Blog from inside Kennedy's Firing Room 3 beginning at 11:30 p.m. and continuing through main engine cutoff -- when Endeavour reaches orbit on its two-day race to the station.
Loading of space shuttle Endeavour's fuel cells on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center was completed early this morning. Cryogenics currently are being offloaded to provide the correct ascent performance margin for the shuttle's climb to orbit.
Meanwhile, the STS-130 astronauts will spend the day reviewing flight plans in their crew quarters at the Operations and Checkout Building. Later, Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts will take to the skies in their T-38 training jets.
The forecast has improved to an 80 percent "go" for launch and clear weather also is expected at the transoceanic abort landing sites in Spain and France.
Tomorrow night, NASA TV will air the fueling of Endeavour's external tank beginning at 7 p.m. EST and available at www.nasa.gov/ntv.
At 11:30 p.m., live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV. You also can follow space shuttle Endeavour's exciting countdown to launch with NASA's Launch Blog from inside Firing Room 3 at Kennedy's Launch Control Center.
The STS-130 prelaunch news conference will be aired at 11 a.m. this morning on NASA TV. Scheduled participants include Mike Moses, shuttle launch integration manager, Bernardo Patti, ESA's International Space Station program manager, Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.
"Everything thus far is going exceeding well… we're right on schedule where we're supposed to be and we'll continue to work through the day on our preparations," said NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding during this morning's L-3 Countdown Status Briefing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Preps and tests at Launch Pad 39A will continue with final flight crew stowage occurring after communications checks Saturday. The rotating service structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather prior to launch will be moved away from the vehicle at about 8 a.m. EST Saturday.
NASA Payload Manager Joe Delai described the processing of the Tranquility node as one of the most complex modules he's had the privilege of working with. "We all should be proud of what we've done… and I'm very proud to work with this team," Delai said.
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters said the forecast is looking good for launch day with a 70 percent chance that weather will cooperate for liftoff. Winds will continue to be monitored, but Winters said it looks like they should subside enough for launch. Weather also is looking very good for the loading of space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank with propellants at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
The STS-130 prelaunch news conference will be broadcast no earlier than 11 a.m. EST Thursday on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.
The countdown for space shuttle Endeavour's Feb. 7 liftoff began on schedule Thursday, Feb. 4 at 2 a.m. EST.
Tune into the STS-130 mission's Countdown Status Briefing that will air this morning at 10 a.m. on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.
At today's prelaunch briefing held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, managers reported space shuttle Endeavour, its payload and crew are ready for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST on Sunday for the 13-day STS-130 mission.
NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported everything is progressing on schedule for Endeavour's flight to deliver the Italian-built Tranquility node and cupola to the International Space Station. "There are no issues and preps are going well," said Graeber.
According to Graeber the water leak that occurred in the Launch Control Center last week was confined to a south stairwell and cleanup was successfully accomplished.
"To summarize, Endeavour and the launch team are all ready to proceed and we're all very excited to pick up with the countdown leading up to Sunday's early morning launch," said Graeber.
Joe Delai, the STS-130 payload manager who leads the team of engineers and technicians assembling and testing the payloads, said, "This is one of the most complex modules I've seen in awhile. (But) we're ready for flight."
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported the forecast is looking good for launch day and for the loading of propellants into Endeavour's external fuel tank. Winds may be a little breezy but at this time there is only a 30 percent chance of weather hindering a successful launch on Sunday.
At 2 a.m. Thursday, NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward toward Sunday's liftoff.
Tune in to the STS-130 mission's prelaunch news conference that will be aired tomorrow at 10 a.m. on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.
On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, pressurization of the gaseous nitrogen and helium tanks on space shuttle Endeavour were completed overnight. Teams also are preparing the pad for the start of launch countdown that begins 2 a.m. EST Thursday.
The six STS-130 mission astronauts arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at about 10:10 p.m. last night. After settling into their crew quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building, they worked through the night reviewing data and equipment, including procedures to replace the ammonia lines that will be used to cool the Tranquility node. The crew now is on a sleep schedule to match their evening and overnight work hours during the mission.
A prelaunch countdown briefing will be held this morning at 10 a.m. EST and aired on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv. The participants will be NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber, STS-130 Payload Manager Joe Delai and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.
The STS-130 crew arrived in a modified Gulfstream II jet at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at approximately 10:10 p.m. EST, Tuesday.
Commander George Zamka made a brief statement: “It’s great to be here at the Cape. We just did our final ascent sim last night. Everything with Endeavour is going very well. We’re going to be reviewing our procedures and will be looking at flight equipment. We talked to the station crew last night. They’re doing great, and we’re looking forward to seeing them and getting started on bringing the Tranquility module to life. Go Endeavour!”
Wednesday, there will be a Countdown Preview Briefing at 10 a.m. live on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv. The participants are Jeremy Graeber, NASA test director; Joe Delai, STS-130 payload manager; and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.
The six astronauts for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission departed Ellington Field, Texas, in a modified Gulfstream II jet, shortly before 8:30 p.m. EST. The crew is expected to arrive in Florida at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at approximately 10:30 p.m.
At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crews continue preparing space shuttle Endeavour and Launch Pad 39A for launch. Primary activity for this afternoon is the pressurization of the shuttle's main propulsion system.
The STS-130 astronauts will fly to Kennedy tonight in Shuttle Training Aircraft, which are modified Gulfstream II jets. Landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility is expected around 10:30 p.m. EST. NASA TV will air the crew's arrival live on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.
Liftoff of Endeavour to the International Space Station is set for 4:39 a.m. Feb. 7. The countdown to launch begins 2 a.m. Thursday.
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prelaunch activities are in full swing this week with the official launch countdown to space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission set to begin at 2 a.m. EST Feb. 4.
Teams at Launch Pad 39A will be packing the astronauts' spacesuits into Endeavour today.
Meanwhile, the six STS-130 crew members who will fly to the International Space Station entered quarantine yesterday and now are on a sleep schedule to match their evening and overnight work hours during the mission. They will conduct final integrated ascent training in the motion base simulator today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and will be flying to Kennedy tomorrow night.
Last week, a water suppression system pipe leaked at Kennedy's Launch Control Center and workers have made progress during the weekend drying walls and carpets. This leak is not expected to hamper the liftoff of Endeavour at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7.
Today, teams at Launch Pad 39A are expected to finish closing out space shuttle Endeavour's aft for flight. Technicians also will load flight software into the shuttle's massive memory unit.
Meanwhile, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana will take part in NASA's Day of Remembrance wreath-laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial. Remembrance day pays tribute to members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-130 crew will practice entry integration procedures in the motion base simulator. Later, they will take part in Remembrance Day events.
The STS-130 preflight briefings held at Johnson begin today at 10 a.m. EST and will be aired on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv.
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, launch countdown preparations ramp up as technicians at Launch Pad 39A continue to ready space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-130 mission.
Teams prepare to close out Endeavour's aft doors for flight and are expected to be completed by Friday.
There are no issues at this time to impede an on-time liftoff to deliver Tranquility and cupola to the International Space Station.
Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-130 crew will be given their L-10 physicals today and they will be reviewing stowage procedures.
Shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to launch on its 13-day mission at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7.
During Wednesday's Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA managers agreed that the shuttle, crew, support teams and procedures are ready for flight to deliver the Tranquility node and cupola to the International Space Station at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7.
"We reviewed all the aspects of the shuttle and space station… the processing in Florida has gone exceptionally well ," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, during a post-FRR news conference Wednesday. "This is really a complicated mission … if you take a look through the press kits you'll gain an appreciation of what will be going on at the station."
International Space Station Program Manager Mike Suffredini agreed, "This is the primary objective of this mission -- the installation and activation of this module." Suffredini addressed the issues with the ammonia hoses and how the spares had been rebuilt and tested, keeping the launch date on target. "The team deserves an enormous amount of credit for coming up with that solution and implementing it as quickly as they were able to do."
Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, said it was a clean vehicle and clean flow. "We're real proud of the work everyone has done."
Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, said, "We're in outstanding shape." He also said Endeavour's aft doors will be closed eight to nine days ahead of schedule and the teams are looking at a standard flow ahead. "There are no problems and we're in great shape," said Leinbach.
The Flight Readiness Review taking place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida has concluded. The poll has been taken and all systems are "go for launch."
Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour’s STS-130 mission to the International Space Station to deliver the Tranquility node and its attached cupola has been scheduled for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7.
A news conference will be held at 4 p.m. and will be shown live on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv.
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA officials report that the Flight Readiness Review for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station is proceeding smoothly.
Following the review, a press briefing will be conducted and broadcast at no earlier than 4 p.m. EST on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv, to announce the official launch date.
Space Shuttle and International Space Station Program managers are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for the Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, where they will discuss space shuttle Endeavour's readiness for flight.
Following the meeting, NASA will announce an official launch date during a press briefing aired on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv.
Meanwhile, workers at Launch Pad 39A have completed ordnance connections in preparation for Endeavour's liftoff to the International Space Station.
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-130 Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts will conduct proficiency flying in their T-38 jet aircrafts.
Timezones: EST = (UT - 5 hours)
EDT = (UT - 4 hours) = (CDT + 1 hour)
CST = (UT - 6 hours)
CDT = (EDT - 1 hour) = (UT - 5 hours)
PST = (UT - 8 hours)
PDT = (UT - 7 hours)
MDT = (UT - 6 hours)
UT [GMT] = (EDT + 4 hours)
BST = (EDT + 5 hours) or (CDT + 6 hours) = (UT + 1 hour)
CEST = (UT + 2 hours) = (BST + 1 hour)
EDT, CDT, PDT, MDT daylight saving time = EST, CST, PST, MST +1hr. From 2007, this begins on the second Sunday in March, and ends on the first Sunday in November.
[Until 2007, EDT, CDT, PDT, MDT used to start at 02:00 local time on the first Sunday in April. EST, CST, PST started at 02:00 local time on the last Sunday in October.]
UT is also known as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), Z, and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). It is the time set on the International Space Station.
*Where '/' appears in dates, this site follows the following format: mm/dd/yr
