NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Mission: STS-127
Orbiter: Endeavour
Primary Payload: Kibo Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility, Kibo Japanese Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section
Launch Date: July 11
Launch Time: 7:39 p.m. EDT
Launch Pad: 39A
Mission Duration: 16 days
Inclination/Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

---

Tanking Test Clears Way for Launch

Image above: The afternoon sun casts shadows on space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank as workers remove the seal from the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate on June 24. Image credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
› View High-res

Space Shuttle Program teams have completed repairs to the plate that attaches a gaseous hydrogen vent line to space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank. Hydrogen leaks in the area of the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate postponed Endeavour's launch attempts June 13 and 17.

The repair work was confirmed a success Wednesday after Endeavour's external tank was filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen just as it is on launch day. Personnel closely monitored the three-hour tanking test closely and no leaks were detected, clearing the way for launch.

The STS-127 crew members are expected to arrive at Kennedy on July 7 at 2 p.m. The countdown will begin July 8 at 10 p.m. Liftoff is scheduled for July 11 at 7:39 p.m. EDT.

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks as the crews of Endeavour and the International Space Station work to install the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section on the orbiting outpost.