http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle en-us
Engineers have reviewed data from a lightning strike nearly half a mile from the pad on Wednesday. No issues have been seen due to the strike. An engineering team also will perform a visual inspection walkdown at the pad.

Today, technicians will connect the forward reaction control system quick disconnects and check them for leaks, over the weekend, teams will connect and check the quick disconnects for the auxiliary power system.

Meanwhile, technicians in Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-1 prepare Endeavour today for this weekend's purging of the vehicle's orbital maneuvering system chemicals.]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:00:28 GMT
Meanwhile, technicians completed a hotfire of space shuttle Atlantis' auxiliary power unit and connected the ground umbilical carrier plate Wednesday.

At Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-1, technicians will begin draining the residual cryogenic fuel from shuttle Endeavour's power reaction control distribution system today.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:26:03 GMT
"I think we all should be really impressed how big and magnificent that space station is," said STS-134 Mission Specialist Mike Fincke at the crew press conference following landing. Describing their parting view of the space station where he served once as crew and once as commander, he said, "We were impressed; we were excited like five-year olds at a rollercoaster park."

"What a great ending to this really wonderful mission," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations. In regard to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, Gerstenmaier said, "They're getting great data from their instrument on board the space station. It couldn’t have gone any better for this mission."

"We've had a lot going on here," said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, "Being able to send Atlantis out to the pad and then go out and land Endeavour was really a combination I never expected to have."

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, added, "It's been a great morning at the Kennedy Space Center."

Endeavour landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after 248 orbits around Earth and a journey of 6,510,221 miles. The STS-134 mission was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which spent a total of 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles.

Also overnight, space shuttle Atlantis completed its 3.4 mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A and was secured to the launch pad at 3:29 a.m. The move began Tuesday at 8:42 p.m. and took approximately 7 hours.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:25:40 GMT
"What a great ending to this really wonderful mission," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operation. In regard to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer delivered by the STS-134 crew, Gerstenmaier said, "They're getting great data from their instrument on board the space station. It couldn’t have gone any better for this mission."

"We've had a lot going on here," said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, "Being able to send Atlantis out to the pad and then go out and land Endeavour was really a combination I never expected to have."

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, added, "It's been a great morning at the Kennedy Space Center."

Endeavour’s main gear touched down at 2:34:51 a.m. followed by the nose gear at 2:35:04 and wheels stop at 2:35:36 a.m. STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles.

Space shuttle Atlantis just completed its 3.4 mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A and was secured to the launch pad at 3:29 a.m. The move began last night at 8:42 p.m. and took approximately 7 hours.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:36:15 GMT
Space shuttle Endeavour landed for the final time at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after 248 orbits around Earth and a journey of 6,510,221 miles on STS-134.

"What a great ending to this really wonderful mission," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operation. In regard to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer delivered by the STS-134 crew, Gerstenmaier said, "They're getting great data from their instrument on board the space station. It couldn’t have gone any better for this mission."

"We've had a lot going on here," said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, "Being able to send Atlantis out to the pad and then go out and land Endeavour was really a combination I never expected to have."

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director, added, "It's been a great morning at the Kennedy Space Center."

Endeavour’s main gear touched down at 2:34:51 a.m. followed by the nose gear at 2:35:04 and wheels stop at 2:35:36 a.m. STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles.

Space shuttle Atlantis just completed its 3.4 mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A and was secured to the launch pad at 3:29 a.m. The move began last night at 8:42 p.m. and took approximately 7 hours.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:36:31 GMT
Endeavour’s main gear touched down at 2:34:51 a.m. followed by the nose gear at 2:35:04 and wheels stop at 2:35:36 a.m.

A post-landing news conference with managers at Kennedy is expected no earlier than 4:30 a.m. on NASA Television and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv. The participants will be Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director.

STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles.

Meanwhile, space shuttle Atlantis just completed its 3.4 mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. The spacecraft, external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters, attached on the mobile launcher platform were secured to the launch pad at 3:29 a.m. The move began last night at 8:42 p.m. and took approximately 7 hours.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:53:05 GMT
Endeavour’s main gear touched down at 2:34:51 a.m. followed by the nose gear at 2:35:04 and wheels stop at 2:35:36 a.m.

A post-landing news conference with managers at Kennedy is expected no earlier than 4:30 a.m. on NASA Television and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv. The participants will be Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager, and Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director.

STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles.



Space shuttle Atlantis now is about half way complete with its move from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.

Currently, the crawler-transporter (CT) with Atlantis and its mobile launcher platform on top is temporarily stopped to allow technicians to preemptively grease some bearings in the CT that were starting to heat up. The rollout will resume shortly.

Atlantis is expected to be secured on the launch pad about 3:30 a.m. EDT.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:58:47 GMT
Space shuttle Atlantis now is about half way complete with its move from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.
Currently, the crawler-transporter (CT) with Atlantis and its mobile launcher platform on top is temporarily stopped to allow technicians to preemptively grease some bearings in the CT that were starting to heat up. The rollout will resume shortly.
Atlantis is expected to be secured on the launch pad about 3:30 a.m. EDT.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:35:21 GMT
Endeavour will head to the northeast across the west coast of Florida near Fort Meyers Beach, triggering dual sonic booms minutes later when it slows to subsonic speeds at about 2:31 a.m. Commander Mark Kelly will align Endeavour with Kennedy’s northwest to southeast runway 15 and touch down at 2:35:23 a.m.

The STS-134 ground track for the orbit 248 landing is posted here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/news/landing.html



Space shuttle Atlantis now is about half way complete with its move from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.

Currently, the crawler-transporter (CT) with Atlantis and its mobile launcher platform on top is temporarily stopped to allow technicians to preemptively grease some bearings in the CT that were starting to heat up. The rollout will resume shortly.

Atlantis is expected to be secured on the launch pad about 3:30 a.m. EDT.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:36:42 GMT
You can track Endeavour during landing in Google Earth using real-time data from Mission Control: http://bit.ly/lw9VCg

Weather is observed and forecast “go.”



Space shuttle Atlantis now is about half way complete with its move from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.

Currently, the crawler-transporter (CT) with Atlantis and its mobile launcher platform on top is temporarily stopped to allow technicians to preemptively grease some bearings in the CT that were starting to heat up. The rollout will resume shortly.

Atlantis is expected to be secured on the launch pad about 3:30 a.m. EDT.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:48:11 GMT
Weather is forecast and observed “go” and astronaut Rick Sturckow is flying weather reconnaissance at Kennedy Space Center to assess conditions for Endeavour’s landing.

At 10:59 p.m. Mission Control is expected to give a “go” for Endeavour’s computers to begin running the Ops 3 entry software. At 11:29 p.m. a “go” is expected for crew suit up. The “go” for deorbit burn is expected by 1:09 a.m. Wednesday.

The deorbit burn scheduled for 1:29:43 a.m. will lead to a landing at 2:35:23 a.m.



Space shuttle Atlantis now is about half way complete with its move from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A.

Currently, the crawler-transporter (CT) with Atlantis and its mobile launcher platform on top is temporarily stopped to allow technicians to preemptively grease some bearings in the CT that were starting to heat up. The rollout will resume shortly.

Atlantis is expected to be secured on the launch pad about 3:30 a.m. EDT.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:32:49 GMT
Weather is forecast and observed “go” and astronaut Rick Sturckow is flying weather reconnaissance at Kennedy Space Center to assess conditions for Endeavour’s landing.

At 10:59 p.m. Mission Control is expected to give a “go” for Endeavour’s computers to begin running the Ops 3 entry software. At 11:29 p.m. a “go” is expected for crew suit up. The “go” for deorbit burn is expected by 1:09 a.m. Wednesday.

The deorbit burn scheduled for 1:29:43 a.m. will lead to a landing at 2:35:23 a.m.



Space shuttle Atlantis now is moving out of Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building headed for Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 8:42 p.m. EDT.

Technicians repaired a minor hydraulic leak on a corner valve for the jacking and elevation system on the crawler-transporter, which delayed the scheduled 8 p.m. rollout start.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:04:07 GMT


Space shuttle Atlantis now is moving out of Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building headed for Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 8:42 p.m. EDT.

Technicians repaired a minor hydraulic leak on a corner valve for the jacking and elevation system on the crawler-transporter, which delayed the scheduled 8 p.m. rollout start.

The media Q&A with Atlantis’ four astronauts on NASA TV is expected about 9:15 p.m.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:06:42 GMT
The shuttle crew begins deorbit preparations at 9:26 p.m. and should close Endeavour payload bay doors at 10:49 p.m. By 1:19 a.m. Wednesday Entry Flight Director Tony Ceccacci will poll his team for a “go” or “no-go” on the deorbit burn; assuming the decision is “go,” Commander Mark Kelly will fire Endeavour’s engines at 1:29 a.m. to slow the orbiter enough for it to fall out of orbit and begin the last leg of its trip, concluding with a touchdown on runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility at 2:35 a.m.



Space shuttle Atlantis now is moving out of Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building headed for Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 8:42 p.m. EDT.

Technicians repaired a minor hydraulic leak on a corner valve for the jacking and elevation system on the crawler-transporter, which delayed the scheduled 8 p.m. rollout start.

The media Q&A with Atlantis’ four astronauts on NASA TV is expected about 9:15 p.m.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 22:33:48 GMT
Teams at NASA Kennedy Space Center are preparing for space shuttle Atlantis' final move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EDT tonight. Atlantis is being readied for the STS-135 mission, the last flight of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 09:47:39 GMT
The crew will “hotfire” Endeavour’s Reaction Control System thruster jets to verify their ability to steer the shuttle through its entry profile before it encounters the atmosphere.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 03:40:46 GMT
The contest received 1,350 entries for consideration, and NASA selected 10 songs as finalists. From March 29 through May 16, the public cast 1,581,531 votes for their favorite song. More details about the contest are at https://songcontest.nasa.gov/voteOrigResult.aspx.

Today the crew will check out the flight and reaction control systems and prepare for their return to Earth.

At 9:06 p.m., Endeavour's crew members will talk to reporters from ABC News, CBS, CNN, NBC News and Fox News Radio. At 12:26 a.m., the crew will pay tribute to Endeavour on its final voyage.

The mission status briefing will be at 5 a.m.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 23:02:42 GMT
Endeavour undocked from the International Space Station at 11:55 p.m. Sunday, ending a stay of 11 days, 17 hours and 41 minutes at the orbiting laboratory.

Landing is scheduled for 2:35 a.m. on Wednesday at Kennedy Space Center.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 17:49:25 GMT
Pilot Greg Johnson, at the aft flight deck controls, flew Endeavour in a circle around the station at distances of about 450 to 650 feet. Crew members took still and video images of the station.

As Johnson was about to begin the flyaround, Commander Mark Kelly radioed mission control that he could see the $2 billion Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer particle physics detector Endeavour had brought to orbit. "It's a new day for science on the space station," he said to mission control.

After the flyaround and a separation burn, Kelly took the controls for a test of an automated rendezvous and docking system called STORRM, for Sensor Test for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation. Endeavour moved about 20,000 feet above and behind the station, then to a point below and behind it.

Kelly subsequently maneuvered the shuttle on a rendezvous-like course, winding up at a point about 950 feet below the station. There the shuttle did a separation burn, beginning its departure from the area with the STORRM sensors still tracking the station until contact was lost. Initial reports were that the test had produced good data. All Endeavour crew members, including Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, Drew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff, were scheduled for almost four hours of STORRM work.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 11:39:19 GMT
The shuttle's re-rendezvous with the space station for the Sensor Test for Orion Relative-navigation Risk Mitigation, or STORRM, was completed as planned, with Commander Mark Kelly flying Endeavour to an approach within about 950 feet of the station as the systems visual navigation system was tested.

Today's Mission Status Briefing is at 6:30 a.m. with Space Shuttle Lead Flight Director Gary Horlacher and Heather Hinkel, principal investigator for the Sensor Test for Orion Relative-navigation Risk Mitigation, or STORRM, system.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 08:44:03 GMT
STORRM is examining sensor technologies that could make it easier for future space vehicles to dock to the International Space Station. STORRM's visual navigation system will provide an image of the space station. The visual navigation system is an eye-safe flash lidar system that operates very much like a stop sign reflecting headlights. On the docking port of the space station are specialized retro-reflectors -- which are made from material similar to that used on stop signs -- that bounce light back with minimal scattering. The lidar targets the retro-reflectors to calculate the range and line-of-sight angle measurements that the system then provides to the relative navigation software.

Nearly five hours after undocking, Endeavour’s engines will fire again to depart the station’s vicinity. The shuttle will begin to increase its distance behind the station with each trip around Earth.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 05:45:00 GMT
The fly around of the space station will begin at 12:22 a.m., with Pilot Greg Johnson maneuvering Endeavour to circle the station at a distance of about 600 feet. The shuttle crew members will take detailed photographs of the external structure of the station, which serves as important documentation for the ground teams in Houston to monitor the orbiting laboratory.

Once the shuttle completes 1.5 revolutions of the complex, Johnson will fire Endeavour’s jets to leave the area. Nearly two hours after undocking a second firing of the engines, which would normally take the shuttle further away, will serve as the first maneuver to bring Endeavour back toward the station for the Sensor Test for Orion Relative-navigation Risk Mitigation, or STORRM. Commander Mark Kelly will pilot Endeavour for the re-rendezvous.

The test will characterize the performance of sensors in Endeavour’s payload bay and acquisition of reflectors on the shuttle’s docking target at the station. The re-rendezvous will mimic the Orion vehicle’s planned rendezvous trajectory and will approach no closer than 600 feet to the station. Endeavour is targeted to approach the station to a point 1,000 feet below and 300 feet behind the station at its closest point.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 04:00:04 GMT
Today is undocking day for Endeavour and the six crew members of the STS-134 mission. Undocking is scheduled to take place at 11:55 p.m., while the spacecraft are 215 miles above and over La Paz, Bolivia.

At 12:22 a.m., Pilot Greg Johnson will fly the shuttle one lap around the station while the other crew members take photos to document its configuration. Following the fly around, Kelly will pilot Endeavour on a rendezvous maneuver that returns the shuttle within 600 feet of the station as part of the Sensor Test for Orion Relative-navigation Risk Mitigation, or STORRM.]]> Sun, 29 May 2011 23:32:43 GMT
During the docked operations, the crew delivered and installed the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 to study cosmic particles and the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 3 with spare parts, and performed four spacewalks to perform maintenance and install components on the station, including the Enhanced International Space Station Boom Assembly that marked the completion of the U.S. Orbital Segment of the station.

Endeavour's crew now will prepare for undocking at 11:55 p.m. by completing a check out of the rendezvous tools and installing the centerline camera before concluding their flight day at 11:26 a.m.]]> Sun, 29 May 2011 11:36:54 GMT Sun, 29 May 2011 11:29:35 GMT
At 6:56 a.m. EDT, the crew of Endeavour will say goodbye to the Expedition 28 crew members then close the hatches between the International Space Station and Endeavour for the last time as the shuttle crew prepares for undocking and return to Earth on Wednesday.]]> Sun, 29 May 2011 06:34:12 GMT
At 9:56 p.m., Mission Specialist Drew Feustel and Pilot Greg Johnson will talk to reporters from television stations in their respective home states of Michigan and Ohio.

Beginning at 12:46 a.m., a 14-minute maneuver will be performed to boost the attitude of the space station by about 3,500 feet.

On Sunday at 6:56 a.m., the crew of Endeavour will say goodbye to the Expedition 28 crew members then close the hatches between the International Space Station and Endeavour for the last time as the shuttle crew prepares for undocking and return to Earth on Wednesday.]]> Sun, 29 May 2011 00:14:26 GMT
Early in their day, at about 9:15 p.m. Friday, STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg Johnson along with Expedition 27 Flight Engineer Ron Garan talked with middle school students, teachers and others gathered at the University of Arizona in Tucson. At about 7:45 a.m. Saturday Johnson answered questions from representatives of Gannet, Houston's KPRC-TV and the Voice of America.]]> Sat, 28 May 2011 14:31:13 GMT
Crew members are scheduled to talk with reporters from television stations in Michigan and Ohio at 8:46 a.m. EDT.]]> Sat, 28 May 2011 06:16:53 GMT
Today the crew will be performing maintenance on the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, reconfiguring the spacesuits from yesterday's spacewalk, and transferring cargo between the shuttle and station.

Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg Johnson and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Ron Garan will participate from space in a community gathering in Tucson at 10:16 p.m. They will answer questions about their mission from a gathering of 100 local public school students from the area, the University of Arizona and NASA Space Grant partners.

At 8:46 a.m. Saturday, Johnson will talk to reporters from television stations in Michigan and Ohio.]]> Sat, 28 May 2011 00:08:28 GMT
Friday’s Mission Management Team briefing has been canceled.

Shuttle Endeavour’s first landing opportunity at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is at 2:35 a.m. EDT on June 1.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 18:57:45 GMT
At 5:02 a.m., Fincke and Chamitoff surpassed the 1,000th hour astronauts and cosmonauts have spent spacewalking in support of space station assembly and maintenance. The milestone occurred four hours and 47 minutes into today's spacewalk, the 159th in support of station assembly and maintenance, totaling 1,002 hours, 37 minutes.

It was the 248th spacewalk U.S. astronauts have conducted and the 118th from space station airlocks.

It was Fincke's ninth spacewalk for a total time of 48 hours and 37 minutes; he is sixth on the all-time list. At about 8 p.m. this evening, he will become the U.S. astronaut who has spent the most number of days in space, surpassing Peggy Whitson's record of 377 days in space.

It was Chamitoff's second spacewalk for a total time of 13 hours and 43 minutes.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 15:14:16 GMT
Today's mission status briefing now is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. NASA Television will air the briefing with International Space Station Lead Flight Director Derek Hassmann and STS-134 Lead Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger, who will discuss today's spacewalk.

This was the final spacewalk conducted by space shuttle astronauts. It also was the last of the four spacewalks for the STS-134 mission, for a mission total of 28 hours, 44 minutes.

At 5:02 a.m., Fincke and Chamitoff surpassed the 1,000th hour astronauts and cosmonauts have spent spacewalking in support of space station assembly and maintenance. The milestone occurred four hours and 47 minutes into today's spacewalk, the 159th in support of station assembly and maintenance, totaling 1,002 hours, 37 min.

It was the 248th spacewalk U.S. astronauts have conducted and the 118th from space station airlocks.

It was Fincke's ninth spacewalk for a total time of 48 hours and 37 minutes; he is sixth on the all-time list. At about 8 p.m. this evening, he will become the U.S. astronaut who has spent the most number of days in space, surpassing Peggy Whitson's record of 377 days in space.

It was Chamitoff's second spacewalk for a total time of 13 hours and 43 minutes.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 11:46:17 GMT
Meanwhile, Greg Chamitoff recharged his oxygen then tightened a loose tether on Dextre.

The spacewalkers then traversed to the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier #3 to take some photos of an experiment on that platform. The Space Test Program-Houston 3 payload, is a complement of four individual experiments that will test concepts in low-Earth orbit for long duration.

They now will clean up work areas and head back to the Quest airlock to conclude the final spacewalk made by space shuttle astronauts.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 10:50:53 GMT
The crews are cleaning up from the activity. The spacewalk timeline called for Fincke to stow the electrical flight grapple fixture they removed in Endeavour's cargo bay. However, in the interest of time, the spacewalkers will instead return the fixture to the airlock with them at the conclusion of today's spacewalk.�

The next task will be to work on a spare arm for Dextre, the Canadian Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator. The arm was delivered on the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 3, where three expandable diameter fixture bolts held it in place for launch. Fincke and Chamitoff will release each of the bolts, making use of a specially designed pry rod, if required.

Mission Control also notified the spacewalkers that they would like to extend the spacewalk to approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to allow them to accomplish the primary planned activities. Chamitoff will need to recharge his oxygen. He will skip a 15-minute task to inspect and perhaps tighten a tether on Dextre that has loosened some over time. If time allows, that task could be added back at the end of the spacewalk.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 09:41:35 GMT Fri, 27 May 2011 09:21:58 GMT
They will release the six bolts holding the electrical flight grapple fixture to the boom and cut its cable. Then Chamitoff will install an adapter assembly on the boom, using six bolts, and slide the power and data grapple fixture into place on it. Four bolts will hold it in place.

Fincke will then stow the electrical flight grapple fixture in Endeavour’s cargo bay.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 07:45:54 GMT
Mike Fincke will connect two grounding connectors, while Greg Chamitoff installs a foot restraint on the station’s robotic arm for use later in the spacewalk.

Currently, a grapple fixture in the middle of the boom is the only one the station arm is able to use, which halves the reach of the boom when on the station’s arm. To remedy this, the spacewalkers will replace an electrical flight grapple fixture currently on one end of the boom with a power and data grapple fixture the station arm can use. Once the power and data grapple fixture is added, it will be known as the Enhanced International Space Station Boom Assembly.

Both Mike Fincke and Greg Chamitoff will make their way to the P6 segment of the station’s truss to retrieve the power and data grapple fixture. To retrieve it, Fincke and Chamitoff will work together to release four bolts holding it in place. Chamitoff will then climb onto the station’s robotic arm for a ride back to boom on the starboard side of the station’s truss. Chamitoff, with assistance from Fincke, will release the six bolts holding the electrical flight grapple fixture to the boom and cut its cable. Then he will install an adapter assembly on the boom, using six bolts and slide the power and data grapple fixture into place on it. Four bolts will hold it in place.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 05:56:18 GMT
Most of the spacewalk work will focus on getting the shuttle’s Orbiter Boom Sensor System stored on the space station’s truss system and ready for use by the station’s robotic arm. The spacewalk will start with the station’s robotic arm taking the boom off the hands of the shuttle robotic arm. While Fincke and Chamitoff make their way out of the Quest airlock, Pilot Greg Johnson and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Ron Garan will maneuver the boom into position for them on the starboard side of the station’s truss, where stanchions will hold it in place. Fincke and Chamitoff will simply lock the boom into place. Afterward, Fincke will connect two grounding connectors, while Chamitoff installs a foot restraint on the station’s robotic arm for use later in the spacewalk.

From there, both spacewalkers will move to the P6 segment of the station’s truss to retrieve a power and data grapple fixture for installation on the boom.

This is the 248th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 159th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the ninth for Fincke and the second for Chamitoff.

Fincke is wearing an unmarked white suit, and his helmet camera displays number 20. He is lead for this spacewalk. Chamitoff is wearing a suit marked by broken red stripes, and his helmet camera displays number 18.

Drew Feustel, who was lead spacewalker for the first three spacewalks of the mission, will be inside the International Space Station, choreographing the astronauts' activities and coordinating communications between the spacewalkers and Mission Control in Houston.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 04:26:48 GMT
Mike Fincke and Greg Chamitoff, both mission specialists, are set to begin the mission’s fourth and final spacewalk at 12:46 a.m. It is scheduled to last approximately six and a half hours. The focus of today's spacewalk is to stow the shuttle’s 50-foot boom on the right-side truss on a permanent stowage fixture, retrieve the grapple from the station's left-side truss and use it as a replacement for the grapple currently on the boom.

If the spacewalk begins on time, the 1,000th hour spent spacewalking for assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station will be reached at 5:33 a.m.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:08:12 GMT
It will be the last spacewalk by space shuttle crew members. (A spacewalk during the program's final mission, STS-135, is to be conducted by space station residents.)

At about 8 p.m. Friday, Fincke will become the record-holder for the number of days a U.S. astronaut has spent in space, surpassing Peggy Whitson's total of 377 days.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 15:51:00 GMT
The late inspection occurred earlier in the mission than normal, prior to undocking. As a consequence, the risk of re-entering with undetected micrometeoroid debris is increased but deemed acceptable.

During the mission's fourth and final spacewalk on Friday, the boom will be left at the space station to extend the robotic reach. Mike Fincke and Greg Chamitoff will prepare it for its stay by replacing its grapple fixture with a power data grapple fixture to enable its use as the new International Space Station Boom Assembly. Once on station without power and in the extended exposure to the vacuum of space, the boom's imagery sensors will cease functioning.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 06:23:40 GMT
The late inspection of Endeavour’s reinforced carbon-carbon wing leading edge and nose cap using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System will begin at 10:56 p.m.

A few minutes later at 11:02 p.m., Commander Mark Kelly will participate in interviews with four Tucson television stations.

At 5:42 a.m., all nine station and shuttle crew members will participate in an international news conference.

At 8 a.m., Expedition 26/27 crew member Paolo Nespoli will participate in a news briefing to talk about his 157 days aboard the International Space Station as a flight engineer. Nespoli and fellow crew members Cady Coleman and Dmitry Kondratyev returned to Earth in a Soyuz at 10:27 p.m. Monday.

Today's Mission Status Briefing will take place at 9:30 a.m.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:43:01 GMT
Endeavour Mission Specialists Drew Feustel and Mike Fincke installed a power and data grapple fixture on the Russian Zarya module during a 6-hour, 54-minute spacewalk early Wednesday.

The arm can “inchworm” its way to the new base by grasping it and then releasing the hand holding the old base to become the new end effector. A cable to provide power to that new operating base is on the to-do list for the fourth spacewalk of the mission.

The spacewalkers also installed a video signal converter on Zarya and ran power cables from the U.S. segment to Zarya. That provides a backup for transmission of power from the solar arrays to the Russian segment.

Feustel and Fincke completed a job started on the flight’s first spacewalk, finishing hookup of an external wireless communications system antenna. The work was postponed because of a malfunction of one suit’s carbon dioxide gauge that caused the Friday spacewalk to be cut short.

They took photos of some of their handiwork and of Zarya thrusters, and some infrared video of an experiment involving coatings with variable thermal control qualities.

Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff was their intravehicular officer and astronaut Steve Swanson served as spacewalk capcom in the station flight control room. Endeavour Commander Mark Kelly did photo and video documentation.

Feustel and Fincke used a new procedure to prepare astronauts for spacewalks. They breathed oxygen for an hour, then put on spacesuits and did “light exercise” for 50 minutes, standing and doing slow intermittent movements. The procedure avoids the overnight stay in the Quest airlock that had become standard.

The Wednesday spacewalk ended at 7:37 a.m. CDT, when repressurization of the airlock began. It was the sixth for Feustel and the eighth for Fincke. It was the 247th U.S. spacewalk.

The spacewalk brought the total time spent for station assembly construction and maintenance to 995 hours and 13 minutes during 158 spacewalks. The mission’s fourth spacewalk, Friday morning, is expected to break the 1,000-hour mark. It will also be the last spacewalk by space shuttle crew members. A spacewalk during the program’s final mission, STS-135, is to be conducted by space station residents.

In other activities, Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori spent much of their day stowing equipment and supplies. Station Flight Engineer Ron Garan helped out with post-spacewalk tasks.

The next status report will be issued after crew wakeup or earlier if warranted.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 22:57:46 GMT
Today's Mission Status Briefing will take place one hour later than originally scheduled. NASA Television will air the mission status briefing with STS-134 Lead Flight Director Derek Hassmann and STS-134 Lead Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger at 11 a.m.

They completed all planned tasks, installing cables to increase redundancy for the power system on the Russian segment of the station, completing the external wireless antenna system work Feustel and Greg Chamitoff began during the first spacewalk, and installing a power and data grapple fixture to Zarya. The fixture will allow the station's robotic arm to "walk" to the Russian segment, extending its reach by using that grapple fixture as a base.

This was the third of the four STS-134 spacewalks, for a mission total of 21 hours 20 minutes. It was the 247th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 117th from space station airlocks, and the 158th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, totaling 995 hours, 13 min. If all goes as planned, the 1,000th hour of space station assembly and maintenance will be logged Friday.

It was Feustel's sixth spacewalk for a total time of 42 hours and 18 minutes; he is 14th on the all-time list. This was his last spacewalk for the mission.

It was Fincke's eighth spacewalk for a total time of 41 hours and 13 minutes; he is tied for 18th on the all-time list with cosmonaut Talgat Musabayev. On Friday, when Fincke conducts the mission's final spacewalk, he also will be doing so on the same day he will surpass Peggy Whitson as the U.S. astronaut who has spent the most days in space. She spent 377 days in space.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 12:51:43 GMT
They will then go on to take infrared imagery of the Space Test Program-Houston 3 payload, currently installed on the Express Logistics Carrier 3. The payload is a complement of four individual experiments that will test concepts in low-Earth orbit for long duration. It is integrated and flown under the direction and management of the Department of Defense Space Test Program Houston office.

The Air Force Research Lab sponsored the first two experiments. The goal of the Massive Heat Transfer Experiment (MHTEX) is to achieve flight qualification of an advanced capillary pumped loop system that includes multiple parallel evaporators, a dedicated starter pump and an advanced hybrid evaporator. Extended operation in the microgravity environment is to be demonstrated, and correlation of performance to ground testing for design and test purposes will be performed. The second experiment, known as VADER (Variable emissivity device Aerogel insulation blanket Dual zone thermal control Experiment suite for Responsive space), will test a robust, reconfigurable thermal control system that is focused primarily at small, responsive space missions but is applicable to a wide range of missions and satellite classes. It also will test a new form of multi-layer insulation protection using Aerogel material as the thermal isolator. This material is more durable, lighter and cheaper than traditional thermal blankets.

The Naval Research Laboratory sponsored the third experiment, Digital Imaging Star Camera (DISC), a low size, weight and power sensor used for pointing knowledge of 0.02 deg or greater.

The U.S. Air Force Academy sponsored the fourth experiment, Canary (not an acronym), which will investigate the interaction of approaching spacecraft and the background plasma environment around the station.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 11:04:44 GMT
They will then return to installing jumper cables that will add an extra level of redundancy to the system that provides the Russian side of the space station with power. These cables will run from the Harmony node to the Unity node to the Zarya module. They have installed cables 1 and 4 and now are working on 2 and 3.

While in the area, Fincke and Feustel will photograph Zarya’s thrusters as well as the newly installed power and data grapple fixture.

They are still about 30 minutes ahead of the planned spacewalk timeline.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 09:28:48 GMT Wed, 25 May 2011 07:47:40 GMT
Before beginning today's spacewalk, Feustel and Fincke employed a new protocol to help eliminate the nitrogen from their blood to minimize the risk of its release as gas bubbles when pressure is reduced, a condition commonly called "the bends." Astronauts typically "camp out" overnight in the Quest airlock. The In-Suit Light Exercise protocol avoids that and saves oxygen. While in their suits, the spacewalkers raised their legs and arms for about 50 minutes, surrounded by a total of 50 minutes of rest. It went as planned and successfully prepared them for today's spacewalk.

Feustel and Fincke are on their way to complete some setup work at the Zarya module to prepare to add a power and data grapple fixture to its exterior.

This is the 247th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 158th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the sixth for Feustel and the eighth for Fincke.

Feustel is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes, and his helmet camera displays number 18. Fincke is wearing an unmarked white suit, and his helmet camera displays number 20. Feustel is lead for this spacewalk.

Commander Mark Kelly and Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff will support the spacewalk activities, with Chamitoff choreographing the astronauts' activities and coordinating communications between the spacewalkers and Mission Control in Houston.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 05:48:09 GMT
The focus of today's activity will be the mission's third spacewalk, conducted by Drew Feustel and Mike Fincke. At 9:11 p.m., they begin preparations for the In-Suit Light Exercise protocol that is being used instead of camping out in the airlock the night before. At 11:36 p.m., they will begin the process. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 1:46 a.m.

The spacewalk will start with Feustel and Fincke doing some setup work at the Zarya module in preparation for the additional of a power and data grapple fixture to its exterior. They will move tools and equipment into place and remove caps covering the installation location. They will then return to the Quest airlock and bring out the grapple fixture and the interface equipment to which it will attach, called the PAMA. The size of the hardware will require both spacewalkers to carry it together.

Once they arrive back at Zarya, they will install the PAMA and the attached grapple fixture. Once it is installed, they will move on to connecting and setting it up.]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 00:08:15 GMT
During the spacewalk, they will complete the external wireless antenna system work Feustel and Greg Chamitoff were unable to finish on the first spacewalk. The remainder of the work of the third spacewalk centers around increasing redundancy in the power supply to the Russian side of the station and extending the reach of the station's robotic arm to that area. The latter will be achieved by adding a power and data grapple fixture to the exterior of the Zarya module. That will allow the arm to "walk" to the Russian segment, using that grapple fixture as a base.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 15:07:50 GMT
Today’s Mission Status Briefing is set for 9:30 a.m. and will air live on NASA TV and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 11:25:05 GMT
Spacewalkers Mike Fincke and Andrew Feustel will review procedures for Wednesday’s third spacewalk of the mission, along with intravehicular choreographer Greg Chamitoff and the rest of the team.

Two interviews also are scheduled, the first with San Francisco and Sacramento reporters, and the second with Pittsburgh and Houston reporters.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 07:12:35 GMT
Meanwhile, Mission Specialists Drew Feustel and Mike Fincke will begin reviewing procedures for the mission’s third spacewalk set to begin Wednesday at 1:46 a.m.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 04:15:00 GMT
Russian recovery teams are on hand to help the crew exit the Soyuz vehicle and adjust to gravity after their five-month stay in space. Kondratyev will return to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, outside of Moscow, while NASA’s Coleman and Nespoli of the European Space Agency will fly directly to Houston.

Kondratyev, Coleman and Nespoli spent 157 days aboard the space station and a total of 159 days in space. During their mission, the Expedition 26 and 27 crew members worked on more than 150 microgravity experiments in human research; biology and biotechnology; physical and materials sciences; technology development; and Earth and space sciences.

A quick succession of international space vehicles arrived on the station's loading docks during the five months the trio spent in orbit. The Japanese Kounotori2, or "white stork," H-II Transfer Vehicle 2; two Russian Progress cargo ships; the European Johannes Kepler Automated Transfer Vehicle-2; and, on their final flights, space shuttles Discovery and Endeavour delivered more than 15 tons of supplies necessary for working and living aboard the station, as well as the new cosmic ray detector, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

A veteran of three spaceflights, Coleman has logged 179 days in space. During two flights, Nespoli has spent 174 days in space. It was the first mission for Kondratyev.

Expedition 28 Commander Russian Cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko and Flight Engineers Ron Garan of NASA and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Samokutyaev remain aboard the station.

Three new Expedition 28 crew members, Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa, will launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in their Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft at 3:15 p.m. June 7 (2:15 a.m. Baikonur time June 8) and will dock to the complex two days later.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 02:42:08 GMT
The Soyuz module separation is scheduled to occur at 10:01 p.m., atmospheric entry at 10:03 p.m., parachutes will open at 10:11 p.m., and landing is targeted for 10:26 p.m. southeast of the town of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 01:45:42 GMT
Three station crew members who were aboard at their arrival have now departed to return to Earth this evening. Dmitry Kondratyev, NASA Flight Engineer Cady Coleman and European Space Agency Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli undocked from the space station at 5:15 p.m. and will return to Earth inside their Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft at 10:26 p.m. NASA Television coverage begins at 9:15 p.m.

Remaining on the station with the shuttle crew are three members of the Expedition 28 crew: Commander Andrey Borisenko, NASA astronaut Ron Garan and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Samokutyaev. By Thursday, all nine aboard will have shifted to the same sleep cycle, making all crew members available for transfer operations during the remainder of the shuttle mission.]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 00:35:27 GMT
Russian cosmonaut Kondratyev, the Soyuz commander, is at the controls of the spacecraft. He is backing the Soyuz TMA-20 away from the station and will halt it about 600 feet away. From there, Nespoli will take still photographs and video of the complex with space shuttle Endeavour attached. The station will slowly rotate 130 degrees to provide Nespoli with the best lighting and views during his photo opportunity. NASA will post the pictures and video on its website at www.nasa.gov. They are not expected to be available until mid-day Tuesday at the earliest.

Once Nespoli has completed taking pictures, Soyuz will perform a separation burn at 6:15 p.m. to increase the distance from the station before executing a deorbit burn at 9:36 p.m. The crew is scheduled to land at 10:26 p.m. southeast of the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

The departure of Kondratyev, Coleman and Nespoli marks the end of Expedition 27. Remaining aboard the station are Expedition 28 Russian Cosmonaut and Commander Andrey Borisenko, NASA Flight Engineer Ron Garan and Cosmonaut Alexander Samokutyaev. Two weeks after the Expedition 27 crew lands, Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on June 7. They will dock with the station and join its crew on June 9.

NASA Television will air live coverage of the Soyuz TMA-20 deorbit burn and landing beginning at 9:15 p.m.

The timeline for a typical Soyuz landing event can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/soyuz/landing_timeline.html]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 23:35:31 GMT
After it undocks, Soyuz will move to between 590 and 650 feet from the station and hold in place while Nespoli takes still photographs and video of the space station. The station will rotate 130 degrees to provide Nespoli with ideal views of the complex with space shuttle Endeavour attached.

The deorbit burn targeted for 9:36 p.m. will lead to a landing at 10:26 p.m. in Kazakhstan. NASA Television coverage of deorbit and landing begins at 9:15 p.m.]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 19:07:15 GMT Mon, 23 May 2011 17:05:36 GMT
Earlier, Commander Mark Kelly and Mission Specialist Mike Fincke spoke with about 400 students from Mesa Verde Elementary School in Tucson, Ariz. Replays of the event will air on NASA TV at 5 a.m., 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 04:45:19 GMT
At 10:45 p.m., Commander Mark Kelly and Mission Specialist Mike Fincke will speak with about 400 students from Mesa Verde Elementary School in Tucson, Ariz. The event will air on NASA TV and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 02:06:29 GMT Sun, 22 May 2011 16:26:59 GMT
This was the second of the four STS-134 spacewalks, for a mission total of 14 hours 26 minutes. It was the 246th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 116th from space station airlocks, and the 157th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, totaling 988 hours, 19 min. It was Feustel's fifth spacewalk for a total time of 35 hours and 24 minutes; he is 30^th on the all-time list. It was Fincke's seventh spacewalk for a total time of 34 hours and 19 minutes; he is 32^nd on the all-time list.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 14:21:27 GMT Sun, 22 May 2011 14:13:14 GMT
Meanwhile, astronaut Drew Feustel conducted work on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre. Inside the space station, astronauts Greg Johnson and Cady Coleman manipulated the station’s robotic arm to deliver Dextre to Feustel. He then installed a cover on one of the robot’s cameras and lubricated the snares that allow the robot to grab equipment.

Both spacewalkers now are headed back to the P3 solar alpha rotary joint to apply another layer of lubricant. Flight controllers on the ground in Houston have rotated the solar alpha rotary joint 200 degrees to spread the first layer of grease. If Feustel and Fincke have time, they also will replace covers 16, 13 and 9 before making their way back to the Quest airlock.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 12:23:54 GMT Sun, 22 May 2011 10:58:46 GMT
Meanwhile, Feustel will get into place for his work with the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre. The station’s robotic arm will bring Dextre to Feustel so he can install a cover on one of the robot’s cameras and lubricate the snares that allow the robot to grab equipment.

By the time those tasks are finished, the port solar alpha rotary joint should be in place for its second round of lubrication. Feustel and Fincke will work together on the task this time.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 10:31:51 GMT
Meanwhile, Mission Control has decided to modify the lubrication effort of the P3 solar alpha rotary joint astronaut Mike Fincke will perform during this spacewalk. The joint has 22 protective insulation covers. The original plan called for opening covers 12, 13, 16, 17, 8 and 9. However, during removal of covers 16 and 17, bolts and washers came loose from the cover. At least one bolt and one washer were lost overboard. The other bolts were captured and stowed in a bag. Mission Control is concerned about any more bolts or washers coming free.

Therefore, the modified plan calls for minimizing the number of covers Fincke removes. He will continue with removing covers 16, 13 and 9. He will use a modified removal process using his hands to make the final turns that loosen and remove the bolts to remove the covers. The modified plan calls for lubricating the solar alpha rotary joint underneath those areas only.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 08:57:55 GMT
Fincke has moved to the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint on the P3 segment of the station’s truss to replenish its lubrication. In 2007, its starboard-side counterpart was found to be grinding against itself, so lubrication was added to both joints during the spacewalks of the STS-126 mission, and it has been working very well.

The rotary joint has 22 protective insulation covers. Fincke will start the work by opening covers 12, 13, 16, 17, 8 and 9. He will inspect the area under one of the covers, taking photos and wiping the surface of the joint to collect samples of the remaining grease from the previous lubrication. Then Fincke will use grease guns to add lubrication to the surface of the wheel.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 08:02:31 GMT
Feustel and Fincke will refill radiators with ammonia. They also will complete venting the early ammonia system, lubricate a left-side solar joint and parts of Dextre, a two-armed space station robot capable of handling delicate assembly tasks currently performed by spacewalkers.

Endeavour Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff will be inside the International Space Station, coordinating communications between the spacewalkers and Mission Control in Houston and choreographing the spacewalkers' activities. Greg Johnson and Expedition 27 crew member Cady Coleman will be operating the space shuttle and space station robotic arms in the later portion of the spacewalk.

This is the 246th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 157th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the fifth for Feustel and the seventh for Fincke.

Feustel is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes, and his helmet camera displays number 18. Fincke is wearing an unmarked white suit, and his helmet camera displays number 20. Feustel is lead for this spacewalk.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 06:09:56 GMT
The first task of the day will be to refill one of the station’s cooling loops with ammonia. Feustel and Chamitoff completed much of the preparation for this task during the mission's first spacewalk. They will first finish rerouting the cables to create a continuous open line from the P1 segment of the station’s truss, where the extra ammonia is stored in ammonia tank assemblies, to the P6 section where the leaky loop is. After the flight controllers on the ground in Houston perform a leak check to confirm the line is good, the refill will begin. About five pounds of ammonia will be added to the cooling loop. Once the refill is complete, Feustel will vent the remaining ammonia from the jumper cables then remove the cables.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 05:35:59 GMT
Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel and Mike Fincke are slated to perform the second spacewalk of the STS-134 mission to continue outfitting and maintenance of the space station complex. The spacewalk will begin shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday.]]> Sun, 22 May 2011 01:58:35 GMT
A conversation with the pope, the focused inspection and spacewalk preparation highlighted Saturday events aboard the shuttle and the International Space Station.

STS-134 Mission Specialists Drew Feustel, Mike Fincke and Greg Chamitoff worked for about two hours to configure spacewalking tools. Near the end of their day all crew members gathered for a spacewalk procedure review. Feustel and Fincke were spending the night in the reduced pressure of the station's Quest airlock to lower the nitrogen content of their blood and reduce the possibility of nitrogen narcosis in the low pressure of the spacesuits.]]> Sat, 21 May 2011 21:19:00 GMT
The Focused Inspection procedure was conducted per the plan, using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System to acquire imagery and laser data. It lasted about two hours. The data and imagery are on the ground in the hands of the team that will review them to assess the damaged tile.

Mission Specialists Drew Feustel and Mike Fincke are reviewing procedures and gathering tools for Sunday's spacewalk. They will camp out in the Quest airlock overnight.

Today's Mission Management Team (MMT) briefing with LeRoy Cain, deputy shuttle program manager and chairman of the MMT, is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. EDT. It will air live on NASA Television.]]> Sat, 21 May 2011 16:28:18 GMT
Sensors on the orbiter boom sensor system were used to take three integrated digital camera views and make two passes with the laser camera system to gather high fidelity imagery of the area between the right main landing gear door and the External Tank disconnect door.

At 6:11 a.m., the combined crews joined together in the Kibo module for a special call from Pope Benedict XVI. The event was conducted from The Vatican, and aired live on NASA television.]]> Sat, 21 May 2011 08:35:49 GMT
Earlier this morning, the space station robotic arm grappled the OBSS from Endeavour’s payload bay then handed it off to the shuttle’s robotic arm. Pilot Greg Johnson will lower the OBSS to about a seven-foot distance above the damage site. The goal will be to take three integrated digital camera views and make two passes with the laser camera system to gather close-up imagery of the damage site. Meanwhile, the station’s robotic arm will be positioned on the other side of Endeavour with its cameras looking under, toward the orbiter, to allow the crew to monitor clearances between the orbiter and OBSS.

The data will be downlinked for analysis. Flight controllers are fairly confident the area will be cleared using the higher fidelity data acquired from this inspection.]]> Sat, 21 May 2011 07:40:02 GMT
The crew will enjoy some time off to rest after the successful spacewalk. They will take about two hours to conduct a focused inspection of one damage site on the shuttle's thermal protection system between the right main landing gear door and the External Tank disconnect door. Pilot Greg Johnson will lower the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) to about a seven-foot distance above the damage site to take pictures and data with the LCS laser system. Meanwhile, the station’s robotic arm will be positioned on the other side of Endeavour with a vantage point looking under, toward the orbiter, to provide camera views for clearance. Flight controllers are fairly confident the area will be cleared using the higher fidelity data acquired from this inspection.

At 7:11 a.m. crew members will talk to Pope Benedict XVI from the Vatican. Then they begin preparations for the mission's second spacewalk.]]> Sat, 21 May 2011 01:38:50 GMT
Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff also installed a light on a station handcart, set up equipment for adding ammonia to a cooling loop and installed a cover on a rotary joint for solar arrays.

An issue with a carbon dioxide level sensor in Chamitoff’s suit caused replanning of the later part of the spacewalk. Removal of a micro meteoroid debris shield to access some cable connection points and to hookup some of the cables was put on hold to ensure Chamitoff would be back in the airlock early. The spacewalk ended at 9:29 a.m. EDT.

The Mission Management Team decided to proceed with a focused inspection of one damage site on Endeavour’s underside Saturday morning. The location is between the right main landing gear door and the External Tank disconnect door.

The rest of Endeavour’s heat shield has been cleared for entry from ascent debris damage.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 22:49:19 GMT
Because of a carbon dioxide sensor failure in Chamitoff’s spacesuit, flight controllers limited his spacewalk time to about 6 hrs 20 minutes, 10 minutes less than the planned six hours and 30 minutes. There was no indication his suit's carbon dioxide levels would rise. However, they deferred tasks to remove a micrometeoroid debris shield to access and attach some of the connection points.

This was the first of the four STS-134 spacewalks, the 245th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 115th from space station airlocks, and the 156th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, totaling 980 hours, 12 min. It was Feustel's fourth spacewalk for a total time of 27 hours and 17 minutes. As Chamitoff's first, his total time spacewalking is six hours and 19 minutes.

Meanwhile, Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori transferred equipment and supplies from Endeavour's middeck to the station.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 13:39:57 GMT
They started by installing the cable, then they vented nitrogen from the loops between the port-1 and port-5 segments and from the jumper that connects the ammonia reservoir that will be used for the refill on the second spacewalk.

Next, they will move on to the Destiny laboratory for their final major task for today, where they will be installing antennas for the External Wireless Communication (EWC) system. That task is expected to take about two and a half hours.

Feustel will work on routing the cables to which it will connect while Chamitoff sets up the antenna. Chamitoff will first remove two handrails on Destiny and replace them with EWC handrails, which have the antennas integrated. Each handrail is held in place by two bolts. Once the antenna handrails are installed, Chamitoff will connect two power cables, and Feustel will connect three more and store two additional cables for future use.

Feustel will wrap up the first spacewalk of the mission by preparing tools and equipment that will be used in the second and third spacewalks.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 10:45:51 GMT
Greg Chamitoff installed a Crew Equipment and Translation Aid cart light on the starboard-3 segment of the station’s truss. He used one bolt to secure the light to the cart and connect one power cable. Then they installed a cover on one face of the S3 solar alpha rotary joint.

Chamitoff has recharged the oxygen levels in his suit, and the two are moving on to a task that will prepare for the work Feustel and Mike Fincke will perform on the mission’s second spacewalk: to top off the ammonia in the station’s port-6 photovoltaic thermal control system cooling loop. The loop has a slow ammonia leak.

They will start by installing a jumper cable that will eventually connect the cooling loops of the port-4 segment of the station’s truss to the port-3 segment, then venting nitrogen from the loops between the port-1 and port-5 segments. They also will vent nitrogen from the jumper that connects the ammonia reservoir they will use for the refill to port-6.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 09:54:05 GMT
To remove the experiments, each spacewalker disconnected one power cable, closed the experiment, removed two pins holding it in place, and carried it back to Endeavour’s cargo bay for return home. Chamitoff retrieved MISSE 7B, and Feustel moved MISSE 7A.

They stored the two experiments opposite from each other on the side of the shuttle’s cargo bay and secured them using two latches. The experiments will return to Earth on space shuttle Endeavour.

Feustel retrieved MISSE 8, which was brought to space on Endeavour, and carried it back to the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 2 for installation in the place 7A had been. He installed two pins to hold the experiment in place, opened the experiment and connected two power cables.

Chamitoff is heading back to the airlock to recharge the oxygen in his spacesuit. This is not uncommon.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 09:08:28 GMT
This is the 245th spacewalk conducted by U.S. astronauts, the 156th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the fourth for Feustel and the first for Chamitoff.

Feustel is wearing a spacesuit marked with solid red stripes, and his helmet camera displays number 18. Chamitoff’s suit is marked by broken red stripes, and his helmet camera displays number 20. Feustel is lead for this spacewalk.

Once outside, their first task is to retrieve two Materials International Space Station Experiments – MISSEs 7A and 7B. They were delivered to the station in November 2009 and installed during one of the spacewalks on the STS-129 mission. To remove the experiments, Chamitoff will disconnect one power cable from each of them. He will then close the experiment and remove two pins holding MISSE 7B in place and carry it back to Endeavour’s cargo bay for return home. Feustel will do the same with 7A.

The two experiments returning home will be stored opposite from each other on the side of the shuttle’s cargo bay and secured using two latches. When they are in place, Feustel will retrieve MISSE 8, brought up by Endeavour, and carry it back to the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 2 for installation in 7A’s place. He will install two pins to hold the experiment in place, open the experiment and connect two power cables.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 07:16:56 GMT
Today Mission Specialists Drew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff perform the first of four spacewalks of this shuttle mission. The spacewalk is expected to begin at 3:16 a.m. and last six to six and a half hours.

Feustel and Chamitoff will retrieve two experiments and install a new package of experiments on ELC-2, which is already on the station. They will install jumpers between segments on the left-side truss, or backbone of the station, for ammonia refills; vent nitrogen from an ammonia servicer; and install an external wireless communication antenna on the Destiny laboratory that will provide wireless communication to the Express Logistics Carriers mounted on the station’s truss.]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 02:37:09 GMT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Samuel Ting, AMS principal investigator, congratulated crew members by radio from the station flight control room in the Mission Control Center.

Experts on the ground continue to perform analysis based on images taken from the station of Endeavour’s thermal protection system during the backflip maneuver while the shuttle approached the station. The teams are making plans to be able to do a focused inspection of Endeavour’s heat shield on Saturday. A final decision on whether the inspection is required or not is expected tomorrow.

Feustel and Chamitoff are scheduled to begin the first of the mission’s four spacewalks about 2:15 a.m. on Friday. The spacewalkers and Mike Fincke, their intravehicular officer who will help coach them through their activities, spent about an hour Thursday morning preparing tools for the spacewalk.

Tasks include retrieval of long-duration materials exposure experiments and installation of another, installation of a light on one of the station’s rail line handcarts, preparation for adding ammonia to a cooling loop and installation of an antenna.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 22:22:11 GMT
The AMS team will monitor the experiment 24 hours a day, gathering data for as long as the space station is in orbit. Using a large magnet to create a magnetic field that will bend the path of the charged cosmic particles already traveling through space, eight different instruments will provide information on those particles as they make their way through the magnet.

Armed with that information, hundreds of scientists from 16 countries are hoping to determine what composes the universe and how it began, as the AMS searches for clues on the origin of dark matter and the existence of antimatter and other unusual matter. AMS also could provide information about pulsars, blazers, gamma ray bursts and any number of other cosmic phenomena.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 09:52:21 GMT
The fourth day of the mission will focus on the installation of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a particle physics detector. The AMS is a 2-ton ring of powerful magnets and ultrasensitive detectors built to track, but not capture, cosmic rays in a search for various types of unusual matter. The 15,251-pound instrument will be connected to the outside of the International Space Station, tilted a bit so it will not interfere with any of the station's mechanisms and storage platforms. It will be operated remotely from Earth and should not require any attention from astronauts in orbit.

The mobile transporter is in position. The crew will extract AMS using the space shuttle robotic arm at 1:56 a.m. Shortly thereafter, the station crew will wake, and at 3:01 a.m., the shuttle robotic arm will transfer AMS to the station's robotic arm. At 3:41 a.m., the crew will manipulate the station arm to install AMS onto the starboard side of the station's truss structure on the zenith side.

Later this morning, the crew will participate in interviews.

Toward the end of the flight day, the crew will review procedures for the mission's first spacewalk, and spacewalkers Drew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff will begin their camp out at a reduced air pressure, a procedure that helps purge nitrogen from their bloodstreams and prevents the “bends” when they exit the airlock.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 03:41:21 GMT
The $2 billion, 15,251- pound instrument will be plucked from Endeavour’s payload bay by Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel and Roberto Vittori using the space shuttle’s robotic arm early Thursday. They’ll hand it off to the space station’s Canadarm2, and Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff will then install it on the starboard side of the station’s truss.

From its new perch on top of the station’s truss, it will begin observations of the cosmos and automatically send information to scientists on Earth for the life of the station.

Endeavour’s crew and Expedition 27 Flight Engineer Ron Garan, who is matching schedules with the shuttle crew, were awakened at 10:56 p.m. The wake-up song is scheduled to be transmitted about 30 minutes after wakeup, after a communications drop-out clears.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 03:19:55 GMT
After a welcoming ceremony by the Expedition 27 station crew the Endeavour astronauts got the required station safety briefing.

The shuttle astronauts used the shuttle’s robotic arm to lift the ELC3 cargo carrier from Endeavour’s cargo bay and hand it off to the station’s Canadarm2 for installation on the station’s port 3 truss. That task was completed at 11:18 a.m.

The spacesuits that will be used on the four spacewalks scheduled during Endeavour’s stay were moved into the station. The STS-134 spacewalkers will alternate in two-man teams for the 6.5-hour excursions for installation and maintenance. Oxygen and cargo from Endeavour also were transferred to the orbiting laboratory.

During the docking process an advanced system called STORMM (Sensor Test for Orion Rel-nav Risk Mitigation) gathered data that could help future spacecraft dock to the station. It also will be used again during undocking and a subsequent test rendezvous.

On Thursday, astronauts are scheduled to install the $2 billion, 15,251- pound Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, an advanced particle physics detector, atop the starboard 3 truss. There it is expected to automatically send information to scientists on Earth for the life of the station.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 21:52:15 GMT
Station crew member Ron Garan goes to sleep at 2:26 p.m., followed 30 minutes later by Endeavour’s crew. The remaining station crew members go to sleep at about 5:30 p.m.

NASA Television will carry a Mission Management Team (MMT) news briefing at 4 p.m. with LeRoy Cain, MMT chair and deputy shuttle program manager.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 16:38:04 GMT
Today’s Mission Status Briefing is set for 9 a.m. and will air live on NASA TV and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv. The Mission Management Team briefing will air at 4 p.m.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 11:45:10 GMT
The shuttle and station crews will open hatches and hold the traditional welcome ceremony at about 8:36 a.m. Endeavour’s crew will be working with Expedition 27 Commander Dmitry Kondratyev and Russian Flight Engineers Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev, Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency, and NASA's Cady Coleman and Ron Garan.

The first robotic activity will be about 45 minutes after hatches are open, when the spare parts carrier, Express Logistics Carrier 3, will be transferred from the shuttle's robotic arm to the station’s robotic arm then installed on the port side of the station's truss structure. Among items on it are a spare ammonia tank, a high-pressure oxygen tank, two S-band antennas and 10 circuit breakers.

Mission Specialists Mike Fincke and Drew Feustel will transfer the spacesuits and spacewalk equipment over to the station’s Quest airlock and begin setting up for the first spacewalk, scheduled for Friday.

Today’s Mission Status Briefing is set for 9 a.m. and will air live on NASA TV and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 10:20:14 GMT
Kelly then will fly the shuttle through a quarter circle to a position about 400 feet directly in front of the station. Docking is scheduled for 6:16 a.m.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 09:20:21 GMT Wed, 18 May 2011 07:43:52 GMT
Today is docking day in space. The terminal initiation burn at 3:38 a.m. will put the shuttle on the final course to link up with the International Space Station at about 6:16 a.m.

Commander Mark Kelly and pilot Johnson will fly Endeavour on its approach for docking to the station. After a series of jet firings to fine-tune the shuttle’s path to the complex, Endeavour will arrive at a point about 600 feet directly below the station about an hour before docking. At that time, Kelly will execute the rendezvous pitch maneuver, a one-degree-per-second rotational “backflip” to enable station crew members to snap hundreds of detailed photos of the shuttle’s heat shield and other areas of potential interest – another data point for imagery analysts to pore over in determining the health of the shuttle’s thermal protection system.

Once the rotation is completed, Kelly will fly Endeavour in front of the station before slowly docking. Less than two hours later, at 8:36 a.m., hatches will be opened between the two spacecraft. Along with Kelly and Johnson, shuttle Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and the European Space Agency’s Roberto Vittori will join the Expedition 27 crew: Commander Dmitry Kondratyev and Flight Engineers Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev of Russia, Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency, and NASA's Cady Coleman and Ron Garan.

The combined crew of 12 will begin almost 12 days of operations while the spacecraft are docked, including installation of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 and four spacewalks. Beginning at 9:16 a.m., they will operate the shuttle and station’s robotic arms to transfer the spare parts carrier, Express Logistics Carrier 3, from the shuttle to installation on the station. Among items on it are a spare ammonia tank, a high-pressure oxygen tank, two S-band antennas and 10 circuit breakers.]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 03:05:30 GMT
The shuttle and its crew of six, Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff are delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, other experiments and critical spare parts to the station.

The crew members took turns monitoring and using the shuttle’s robotic arm and its orbiter boom sensor system to look at the reinforced carbon-carbon on the spacecraft’s nose and wing leading edges, and some of its heat-resistant tiles.

Vittori and Johnson then latched the shuttle robotic arm onto the Express Logistics Carrier 3 to prepare for its installation shortly after arrival at the station.

Fincke and Feustel spent several hours preparing spacesuits for transfer to the station’s Quest airlock, where the mission’s four spacewalks will originate. The spacewalks are aimed at getting the International Space Station in the best possible shape for the retirement of the space shuttle fleet, through a variety of different tasks.

Feustel completed a checkout of the Sensor Test for Orion Rel-nav Risk Mitigation, or STORRM, equipment. The system is flying aboard Endeavour to examine sensor technologies that could make it easier for future space vehicles to dock to the International Space Station. It will gather data during the initial rendezvous and docking to the station, during the nominal undocking, and again during a dedicated re-rendezvous.

The next shuttle status report will be issued after crew wake up, or earlier if warranted. The crew is scheduled to be awakened at 9:56 p.m.]]> Tue, 17 May 2011 20:02:40 GMT Tue, 17 May 2011 11:56:59 GMT Tue, 17 May 2011 07:32:00 GMT Tue, 17 May 2011 04:14:01 GMT
"I can't thank the teams that got this vehicle ready to fly and for all the work they've done," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier referring to the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) heater issues and said, "The teams worked really hard to get through that, get it behind and to understand what the problem was -- and it was no problem to us at all during the count."

"The teams stayed focused, and made this launch a success," Gerstenmaier added. "The mission in front of us is no easy mission, the EVAs (extra vehicular activities) are very demanding -- but it'll be exciting to see the AMS (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer) get installed on the station and get some real research data for the ISS."

"We showed our determination to succeed on a very complex mission," said Michel Tognini, head of the European Astronaut Center and former ESA astronaut, "and this is the model of human exploration for the future."

Mike Moses apologized (in jest) about the view not being the best and the longest because of the cloud cover." But the data that we were looking at in the launch center was absolutely perfect," said Moses. "We had the clouds where we needed them, so we went."

There were a few minor problems, but they were managed and worked immediately, including the minor tile repair, reported Moses.

After every launch an award is given to one of the teams, according to Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, and today's honor was given to the combined APU repair/test team. "It was an outstanding countdown, lots of pats on the back in the lobby of the LCC (launch control center) afterwards when we were eating our beans and corn bread (a traditional post-launch snack)," said Leinbach. "Endeavour's on orbit safely and it's going to perform a great mission and we'll see her back here on June 1."

"It's a great day here at Kennedy Space Center and for the Shuttle Program," added Leinbach.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 15:35:13 GMT Mon, 16 May 2011 13:43:56 GMT
Following a relatively smooth countdown, the weather cooperated leading to an on-time liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:56 a.m. EDT.

NASA TV will air a post-launch news conference at no earlier than 10 a.m. and on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 12:56:43 GMT Mon, 16 May 2011 12:45:41 GMT
During this hold, the mission management team will conduct their final "Go-No-Go" poll, and the countdown enters the home stretch.

This hold in the countdown will last for approximately 40 minutes.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 12:01:24 GMT
Today's countdown continues to go relatively smoothly and weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center is cooperating, with favorable conditions still predicted for launch time at 8:56:28 a.m.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 11:51:19 GMT
Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station remains on schedule for 8:56:28 a.m. EDT. Today's countdown continues to run smoothly and current weather conditions are "green."]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 11:46:57 GMT
The weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continues to cooperate, and the launch team is not reporting any problem that would prevent an on-time liftoff at 8:56 a.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 11:33:16 GMT
Members of the Closeout Crew are wearing red "Go Endeavour" ribbons today.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 11:07:17 GMT
The Final Inspection Team reports finding nothing unusual during its survey of the external tank, Endeavour or the launch pad.

Weather conditions are "go" and there are no major technical issues in work. Launch remains on schedule for 8:56 a.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 10:50:36 GMT
The countdown continues to go well leading up to an on-time liftoff at 8:56 a.m. EDT.

There are no technical issues in work and the weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continues to be green with a 70 percent acceptable forecast for launch time.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 10:22:21 GMT
The weather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida continues to cooperate, and the launch team is not reporting any technical problems that would prevent an on-time liftoff at 8:56 a.m. EDT.

For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html and on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 09:44:04 GMT
The launch team is not tracking any issues at this point that would prevent an on-time launch and weather remains 70 percent "go" with only a slight chance for high crosswinds and low cloud ceilings at the Shuttle Landing Facility.

For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html and on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 09:14:06 GMT
Commanded by Mark Kelly, the crew will head out to Launch Pad 39A after they don their familiar orange-colored flight suits and climb into NASA's waiting silver Astrovan.

The countdown is continuing to go smoothly for the STS-134 mission and final flight of Endeavour. Liftoff remains on target for 8:56 a.m. EDT.

Weather remains favorable, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions at launch time and no technical issues are being worked.

For continuous live coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html and on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 08:50:13 GMT
At Launch Pad 39A, the Closeout Crew is beginning to ready the climate-controlled White Room outside Endeavour's crew access hatch and the Final Inspection Team, often known as the "Ice Team," is conducting a detailed survey of the shuttle and the pad structure, checking for ice buildups or other potential issues.

Weather remains favorable with a 70 percent chance of good conditions at launch time and no technical issues are being worked.

Follow along with Endeavour's countdown milestones on NASA's Launch Blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html and on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 08:12:00 GMT
The countdown entered a planned 2.5-hour hold at T-3 hours, during which the tank will remain in "stable replenish" mode, the Close Out Crew will prepare the White Room for astronaut arrival, and the Final Inspection Team will conduct its inspections.

Forecasters continue to predict a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for today's launch.

Follow along with Endeavour's countdown milestones on NASA's Launch Blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html and on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 07:28:12 GMT
Tanking operations began Sunday, May 15 at 11:36 p.m. and concluded this morning at 2:36 a.m.

The countdown has entered a planned 2.5-hour hold at T-3 hours, during which the tank will remain in “stable replenish” mode, the Close Out Crew will prepare the White Room for astronaut arrival, and the Final Inspection Team will conduct its inspections.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters continues to predict a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for today’s launch. The only concerns are for low cloud ceilings and high crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 06:43:20 GMT Mon, 16 May 2011 03:43:36 GMT Mon, 16 May 2011 03:19:29 GMT
Final preparations continue for Endeavour's 8:56 a.m. Monday liftoff. Cockpit switches will be configured this afternoon, while Commander Mark Kelly and his crew will begin their launch sleep schedule at 4 p.m.

The shuttle's electricity-producing fuel cells will be activated at 5:46 p.m. and managers will meet at 11 p.m. to give a "Go-No Go" to load the External Fuel Tank with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

Coverage of the fuel loading begins at 11:30 p.m. on NASA TV and at www.nasa.gov/ntv. The tanking process is scheduled to begin at 11:36 p.m.

At 12 a.m. Monday, Endeavour's crew wakes up for launch.]]> Sun, 15 May 2011 16:35:40 GMT
During a news conference on NASA Television following the MMT, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach said the countdown is going extremely well and the team is ready to go.

The forecast still calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time.

On Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, the rotating service structure is scheduled to be moved away from Endeavour starting at noon on Sunday. Endeavour’s external fuel tank is scheduled to be filled beginning at 11:36 p.m. Live NASA TV fueling commentary will begin at 11:30 p.m.]]> Sat, 14 May 2011 21:09:59 GMT


Current forecasts still call for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time.



The Mission Management Team will meet at 3 p.m. MMT chair and Space Shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters will hold a news conference at 4 p.m. live on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Sat, 14 May 2011 17:18:49 GMT
"I'm really proud of our teams working so hard over the last couple of weeks," said Spaulding. "All the teams here at Kennedy and all the other centers have done an outstanding job to get us ready for this launch on this historic and final flight of space shuttle Endeavour."

Joe Delai, STS-134 payload manager said all is ready to go and he and his teams are ready to support this launch.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the current forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions a launch time. There may be some storm disturbance around the time the rotating service structure is to be rolled back, now scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday, but launch day is looking good for Kennedy and also for booster recovery and abort landing sites.

NASA Managers will conduct a prelaunch news conference scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday and will air on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 14:47:03 GMT
Launch teams are not working any issues that would delay liftoff on Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m.

Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A are preparing to load the power reactant storage device (PRSD) and Endeavour's external fuel tank with propellants.

A Countdown Status Briefing will be aired live at 10 a.m. on NASA Television and at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

The STS-134 crew woke up at 1 a.m. to continue launch preparations. Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson performed practice shuttle landings this morning in their Shuttle Training Aircraft. The crew will continue to review its Flight Data File and will review its ingress plan with the Vehicle Integration Test Team.]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 11:05:36 GMT
"It's great to be back," said Kelly. "We really appreciate all the hard work by the team that's worked over the last couple of weeks to get shuttle Endeavour ready."

Kelly introduced Endeavour's pilot Greg H. Johnson who commented, "I can't think of a more perfect way to spend my birthday then to come here with my crew a get ready to fly Endeavour next week."

"We get a lot of attention as the crew, but the real heroes are the folks here at KSC who've been supporting the space shuttle," said Johnson. "And hats off to Dana Hutcherson and her team for preparing Endeavour for this flow and finally a special thanks to the APU team for all the hard work you've done getting us to this point. Kudos for solving it and getting us back on track."

Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Andrew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Roberto Vittori, European Space Agency astronaut, Vittori in his native Italian language, each had an opportunity to speak a few words before departing the shuttle runway.

Later today, Kelly and Johnson will practice landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft, which are Gulfstream II jets modified to handle like a space shuttle.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters has forecasted a 70% chance of having favorable weather for Endeavour's liftoff scheduled for 8:56 a.m. Monday.

Tomorrow's Countdown Status Briefing is scheduled to be aired at 10 a.m. on NASA TV and on www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Thu, 12 May 2011 13:57:04 GMT
Tomorrow at 7 a.m. NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward toward Monday's liftoff.]]> Thu, 12 May 2011 13:15:32 GMT
Tomorrow at 7 a.m. NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward toward Monday's liftoff.]]> Thu, 12 May 2011 12:25:19 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew will spend the day in spacewalk procedure review meetings with their spacewalk flight control team. The six crew members are set to arrive tomorrow at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at approximately 9 a.m. EDT. Crew arrival will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).

Endeavour is scheduled to launch Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m. on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 12:37:25 GMT
At NASA 's Johnson Space Center, the STS-134 crew is preparing to return Thursday to Kennedy.

Endeavour is scheduled to launch Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station.]]> Tue, 10 May 2011 12:10:55 GMT Mon, 09 May 2011 19:40:11 GMT
At 3 p.m. today, NASA Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach will hold a news conference at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to discuss the progress of repairs since Endeavour's launch postponement on April 29. The news conference will air live on NASA Television and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Over the weekend, Kennedy technicians installed and checked out new wiring that bypasses the suspect electrical wiring connecting the switchbox to the heaters. They also ran the heaters for up to 30 minutes to verify they are working properly and complete retesting of the other systems powered by the switchbox. Teams will begin closing out Endeavour's aft compartment and will begin launch countdown preps today.]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 12:37:35 GMT
At 3 p.m. on Monday, May 9, NASA Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach will hold a news conference at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to discuss the progress of repairs since Endeavour's launch postponement on April 29. The news conference will air live on NASA Television and online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Kennedy technicians are continuing work to resolve an issue in a heater circuit associated with Endeavour's hydraulic system that resulted in the launch postponement. Technicians determined the failure was inside an aft load control assembly, which is a switchbox in the shuttle's aft compartment, and possibly its associated electrical wiring.

Although the root cause of the failure in the switchbox has not been found, technicians are replacing hardware that could have caused the problem. The faulty box was changed Wednesday, and a test of nine shuttle systems powered by the new box is under way.

This weekend, technicians will install and check out new wiring that bypasses the suspect electrical wiring connecting the switchbox to the heaters. They also will run the heaters for up to 30 minutes to verify they are working properly and complete retesting of the other systems powered by the switchbox.

The shuttle has three Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) that provide hydraulic power to steer the vehicle during ascent and entry. The hydrazine fuel lines on each APU have two heater circuits that prevent the fuel from freezing while the shuttle is in space. NASA launch commit criteria and flight rules require all APUs and heater circuits to be operational for launch. On Endeavour's first launch attempt, one of two heaters for APU-1's fuel line did not work. Engineers confirmed the circuit in the original switchbox that directed power to the heaters was shorted out.

Launch attempts are available through May 26. May 21 is the only day a launch is not an option because it would lead to a May 23 docking with the space station. May 23 is when three of the space station's Expedition 27 crew members undock and return home in their Soyuz spacecraft. Managers reviewed the STS-134 mission timeline and determined the Endeavour crew can accomplish all objectives even with the departure of the three station crew members.]]> Fri, 06 May 2011 22:30:06 GMT Fri, 06 May 2011 17:41:38 GMT
Endeavour’s no earlier than launch date remains May 10, but senior NASA managers will meet today to evaluate the progress of repairs and select a new launch date for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.

Engineers have been doing forensic engineering testing on the failed LCA-2, which was removed from Endeavour on Tuesday. The LCA-2 feeds power to a variety of systems, including heaters on the fuel line for Endeavour’s auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1). APUs control the shuttle’s hydraulic system. Teams are trying to determine what caused a circuit inside the power box to short out.

‪The APU-1 fuel line heaters did not work on April 29, prompting the launch team to scrub Endeavour’s first launch attempt.]]> Fri, 06 May 2011 11:52:19 GMT


Endeavour’s no earlier than launch date remains May 10, but senior NASA managers will meet Friday to evaluate the progress of repairs and select a new launch date for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.



Engineers have been doing forensic engineering testing on the failed LCA-2, which was removed from Endeavour on Tuesday. The LCA-2 feeds power to a variety of systems, including heaters on the fuel line for Endeavour’s auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1). APUs control the shuttle’s hydraulic system. Teams are trying to determine what caused a circuit inside the power box to short out.


‪The APU-1 fuel line heaters did not work on April 29, prompting the launch team to scrub Endeavour’s first launch attempt.]]> Thu, 05 May 2011 22:37:22 GMT
Technicians are trying to determine what caused the power box to fail. Initial testing from yesterday shows a driver (circuit) inside the LCA-2 shorted out. The LCA-2 feeds power to heaters on the fuel line for Endeavour’s auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1). Initially, when the shorted out driver was replaced, the LCA-2 appeared to worked as designed.

‪Technicians are performing additional failure analysis on the driver today to confirm whether the short experienced by the system came from inside or outside the LCA-2. Depending on the results, additional testing of the box may be required.

‪On Launch Pad 39A, a new LCA-2 box was installed into Endeavour Wednesday morning, and technicians are retesting the system before Endeavour’s next launch attempt is scheduled. Currently, Endeavour’s no earlier than launch date remains May 10.

‪The APU-1 fuel line heaters did not work on April 29, prompting the launch team to scrub the Endeavour’s first launch attempt for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Thu, 05 May 2011 12:14:12 GMT
Technicians are trying to determine what caused the power box to fail. Initial testing from yesterday shows a driver (circuit) inside the LCA-2 shorted out. The LCA-2 feeds power to heaters on the fuel line for Endeavour's auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1). Initially, when the shorted out driver was replaced, the LCA-2 appeared to work as designed.

Technicians are performing additional failure analysis on the driver today to confirm whether the short experienced by the system came from inside or outside the LCA-2. Depending on the results, additional testing of the box may be required.

On Launch Pad 39A, a new LCA-2 box was installed into Endeavour this morning, and technicians are preparing to retest the system before Endeavour's next launch attempt is scheduled. Currently, Endeavour's no earlier than launch date remains May 10.

The APU-1 fuel line heaters did not work on April 29, prompting the launch team to scrub the Endeavour's first launch attempt for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 18:12:23 GMT
The LCA-2 distributes power to nine various shuttle systems, including heaters on a fuel line for Endeavour’s auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1). The heaters did not work on April 29, prompting the launch team to scrub Endeavour’s first launch attempt for its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.

After the new LCA-2 is installed, technicians will begin testing it and its power distribution system. Managers will continue to evaluate the repair process and make any additional adjustments before scheduling Endeavour’s next launch attempt, which remains no earlier than May 10.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew is conducting tag ups today in crew quarters with their Flight Directors and Robotics and Spacewalk Officers.]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 12:48:20 GMT


Following that work, a new LCA-2 will be installed into Endeavour by tomorrow morning. Early this morning, technicians removed the faulty LCA-2 and then transported it to the NASA Shuttle Logistic Depot in Cape Canaveral, Fla., where other technicians began forensic engineering testing to determine what caused the power box to fail. The LCA-2 distributes power to nine various shuttle systems, including heaters on a fuel line for Endeavour’s auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1). The heaters did not work on April 29, prompting the launch team to scrub Endeavour’s first launch attempt for its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.



After the new LCA-2 is installed, technicians will begin testing it and its power distribution system. Managers will continue to evaluate the repair process and make any additional adjustments before scheduling Endeavour’s next launch attempt, which remains no earlier than May 10.



Related to the ongoing Endeavour repair work, to move away from any potential launch date next week, managers have decided to retarget shuttle Atlantis’ move from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility-1, to Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building. Atlantis’ new “rollover” date now is May 16. The new target date to begin its move to Launch Pad 39A is May 23, depending on when Endeavour actually launches. Atlantis’ launch on the final Space Shuttle Program mission, STS-135, remains targeted for June 28.]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 23:10:46 GMT
Managers will continue to evaluate the repair process and make any additional adjustments before scheduling Endeavour’s next launch attempt for its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.

The earliest Endeavour could be launched on the STS-134 mission is Tuesday, May 10.

Plans are for managers to reconvene Friday to determine a more definite launch date after the box is removed and replaced and the retest of systems has been completed.

The STS-134 crew is in the motion base simulator this morning, conducting refresher ascent and entry sims prior to their planned return to Kennedy later this week for the second launch attempt.]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 12:51:33 GMT
Plans are for managers to reconvene Friday to determine a more definite launch date after the box is removed and replaced and the retest of systems has been completed.

Space Shuttle Program managers adjusted the date after further evaluating the schedules to change out the box and retest the nine shuttle systems associated with the controller. That work would be followed by the standard closeout of the aft compartment before proceeding into the launch countdown.

Sunday night and Monday, technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A conducted additional testing of systems associated with LCA-2, including testing the box itself, which is expected to be removed late Monday or early Tuesday and replaced with an existing spare.

Managers will continue to evaluate the repair process and make any additional adjustments before scheduling Endeavour’s next launch attempt for its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.

The STS-134 crew is back in Houston and remains in quarantine throughout as it slowly adjusts its wake and sleep schedule to match the new launch time. While at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the crew will conduct a launch and landing simulation with its ascent and entry flight control team based in Mission Control, before returning to Florida for the launch countdown.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 21:32:28 GMT
The failure appears to be a power problem within the aft load control assembly-2 (ALCA-2), a box of switches controlling power feeds.

The plan is to remove and replace the box, but that work and related testing will take several days to complete. Once the new box is installed, the team must verify it's working properly -- at least a two-day process -- and perform forensics on the failed box.

Managers are expected to meet over the next day or two to determine the next launch attempt, but it is expected to be no earlier than May 8.

Workers at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A have drained space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank of all cryogenics. The Rotating Service Structure was moved back around the spacecraft in order to protect the shuttle from the elements and to gain access to Endeavour's aft section.

After returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-134 astronauts will be involved in some additional training before they return for the next launch attempt.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 12:55:35 GMT
"That basically means the power is not getting out to the heaters that weren't working on launch day," said Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses.

The plan is to remove and replace the box, but that work and related testing will take several days to complete. Once the new box is installed, the team must verify it's working properly -- at least a two-day process -- and perform forensics on the failed box.

"We can tell you, pretty much, that it's not going to be any earlier than (May 8)," Moses said. "We're really not even setting the schedules today. There's still a whole lot of short-term work that has to be done."

Endeavour's six astronauts have returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for a few days of additional training before they report to Kennedy for the next launch attempt, and the crew's families also are going to return home today. The launch team is backing out of launch countdown operations.

"Responding to problems is one of the things we do best around here, and the team always likes a good challenge," said Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. "I'm sure we're going to be really glad when Endeavour's finally on orbit, but right now, the team is upbeat and ready to execute."]]> Sun, 01 May 2011 18:31:06 GMT
Technicians began testing systems associated with the heaters yesterday afternoon and into the overnight hours. Test results indicate the problem is with a power control box, the aft load control assembly-2 (ALCA-2) in Endeavour’s aft compartment. Teams are working on plans to replace the box or any faulty associated hardware. The launch team currently is backing out of launch countdown operations.

There still are numerous factor to be worked out, but just based on the amount of time needed to do the fix, a new launch attempt wouldn’t happen before the end of the week, at the soonest.

Endeavour’s six astronauts are heading back to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for a few days of additional training before they return for the next launch attempt. The crew’s families also are going to return home today.

NASA Managers will hold a news conference update briefing on NASA TV at 2 p.m. EDT.]]> Sun, 01 May 2011 14:01:10 GMT
Technicians gained access to the spacecraft earlier this afternoon. They were able to confirm the cockpit control fuse panel is working.

Teams began testing thermostats associated with the heater connected to the fuel line for the APU. Initial reports indicate the thermostat side that failed during Friday’s launch countdown still is not working, as expected. Teams will continue additional testing to help determine whether the thermostat is receiving a current or whether the issue is being caused by another part of the system. Managers are not expected to decide until Sunday morning, at the earliest, whether a launch attempt on Monday is possible.

Flight Dynamics at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston has refined the target launch time for Monday to 2:34:00 p.m. EDT.]]> Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:29:01 GMT
Launch now is planned for no earlier than Monday, May 2 at 2:33 p.m. EDT.]]> Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:48:47 GMT
While the management team discussed the APU heater issue earlier this afternoon, President Barack Obama was touring Kennedy with his family and spoke with U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, wife of STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, also here to watch the launch, according to Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana.

Mission Management Team Chair and Shuttle Launch Integration Manager, Mike Moses explained the importance of the APU heaters that keep the hydrazine fuel from freezing in orbit. There are two heaters on APU 1 and both are required for operations. "It was pretty straight-forward scrub today," said Moses. "The team made a very good call."

Shuttle Launch Director, Mike Leinbach explained that the thermostat that controls the heater didn't kick on when it was called to do so.

Once the external fuel tank is drained and safe to work around, which takes about 24 hours, technicians will be able to access the aft of the shuttle. By Saturday night, they should be able to start the troubleshooting process.

The next launch attempt for Endeavour is no earlier than Monday at 2:33 p.m. EDT depending on the results of Saturday's analysis. There will be a launch team meeting this weekend to assess the data that is accumulated and then a determination will be made for the next step in preparing Endeavour for its final flight, the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 22:59:02 GMT
During today’s countdown, engineers detected a failure in one of two heater circuits associated with Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) 1. Heaters are required to keep the APUs’ hydrazine from freezing on orbit. Attempts to activate the heater were not successful and engineers now believe the problem might be associated with a Load Control Assembly, which is a switchbox, located in the aft end of Endeavour, or an electrical short in the wires leading into or out of the switchbox.

Endeavour’s external tank will be drained, technicians will enter Endeavour’s aft compartment overnight and by tomorrow afternoon, will put in a platform to gain access to the avionics bay where the Load Control Assembly is located. Once there, they will assess whether they need to remove and replace the switchbox, or fix an electrical wiring short.

Because of this, Leinbach said there will be a minimum 72-hour scrub turnaround.

Engineers and managers will meet this afternoon to further refine their troubleshooting plan. NASA has scheduled a news conference at no earlier than 4:30 p.m. to discuss today’s scrub and the plan and will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:14:11 GMT
NASA Television will air a news conference 4 p.m. EDT.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:18:33 GMT Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:08:41 GMT
Weather remains favorable, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions at launch time.

For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:02:02 GMT
Commanded by Mark Kelly, the team of six astronauts, all spaceflight veterans, will head out to Launch Pad 39A after they don their familiar orange-colored flight suits and climb into NASA's waiting silver Astrovan.

The countdown is continuing to go smoothly for the STS-134 mission and final flight of Endeavour. Liftoff remains on target for 3:47 p.m. EDT.

Weather remains favorable, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions at launch time.

For continuous coverage of the countdown, check out NASA's launch blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:25:33 GMT
The countdown has entered a planned 2.5-hour hold at T-3 hours, during which the tank will remain in "stable replenish" mode, the Close Out Crew will prepare the White Room for astronaut arrival, and the Final Inspection Team will conduct its inspections.

Forecasters continue to predict a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for today's launch. The only concerns are low cloud ceilings and high crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility at time of liftoff.

Follow along with Endeavour's countdown milestones on NASA's Launch Blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:32:07 GMT
Space shuttle Endeavour’s external tank is fully loaded with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in preparation for today’s 3:47 p.m. EDT launch. Tanking operations began at 6:22 a.m. and concluded at 9:24 a.m. The countdown has entered a planned 2.5-hour hold at T-3 hours, during which the tank will remain in “stable replenish” mode, the Close Out Crew will prepare the White Room for astronaut arrival, and the Final Inspection Team will conduct its inspections.

At 10 a.m. NASA Television (www.nasa.gov/ntv) will provide coverage of 42 Progress docking to the International Space Station. STS-134 launch commentary will start on NASA TV at 10:30 a.m.

A storm cell is rapidly moving through the Kennedy Space Center. Once it passes, forecasters continue to predict a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for today’s launch. The only concerns are low cloud ceilings and high crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Follow along with Endeavour's countdown milestones on NASA's Launch Blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/launch_blog.html.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:30:02 GMT
Launch controllers will open the crossfeed valve between the left and right OMS systems to help alleviate the pressure, which is expected to clear the issue.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:51:50 GMT
There is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary weather concern is for low cloud ceilings and crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility

Launch is targeted for 3:47:55 p.m.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:54:30 GMT
There is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch. The primary weather concern is for low cloud ceilings and crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. A front will pass through Kennedy between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., bringing a chance for showers. After the front passes, high pressure will build into the area and winds will shift to the northeast and be near the peak limit for crosswinds. The Transatlantic Abort Landing site at Istres, France, is “go.”

NASA Television will provide live commentary of external tank loading beginning at 6:15 a.m. and launch blog and commentary will begin at 10:30 a.m.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:12:45 GMT Fri, 29 Apr 2011 06:08:29 GMT
Preliminary data indicates no lightning strikes within half a mile of the pad and no obvious damage to the pad or spacecraft.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:17:12 GMT
Teams now are targeting 10 - 10:30 p.m. EDT to begin moving the rotating service structure away from space shuttle Endeavour, weather permitting.

If no issues are found during the data review, launch still will be on track for tomorrow at 3:47 p.m.]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:16:37 GMT
]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:38:38 GMT
The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time, according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The only concerns for launch may be the crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility and a low cloud ceiling associated with a front moving into Central Florida.

The rotating service structure (RSS) is scheduled to be retracted at 7 p.m. today but may be delayed because of possible storm activity over the center. Teams will have about a four-hour leeway for the storms to clear out with no affect on Friday morning's external tank fueling, now planned for 6:22 a.m.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of performing an aerial survey of yesterday's brush fire, which was southeast of the Turn Basin and about three miles from the launch pad. The brush fire now is fully contained, and the plan is to burn off the remaining fuel within the fire area to help eliminate any smoke on launch day.]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:35:36 GMT
The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time, according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The only concerns for launch may be the crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility and a low cloud ceiling associated with a front moving into Central Florida.

The rotating service structure (RSS) is scheduled to be retracted at 7 p.m. today but may be delayed because of possible storm activity over the center. Teams will have about a four-hour leeway for the storms to clear out with no affect on Friday morning's external tank fueling, now planned for 6:22 a.m.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of performing an aerial survey of yesterday's brush fire, which was southeast of the Turn Basin and about three miles from the launch pad. The brush fire now is fully contained, and the plan is to burn off the remaining fuel within the fire area to help eliminate any smoke on launch day.]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:43:25 GMT
A brush fire was reported southeast of the turn basin, approximately three miles from the launch pad,  yesterday shortly after noon. Fish and Wildlife officials reported that the brush fire is now fully contained, but still smoldering and smoking. There were no reports of personnel injuries and no impact to operations at the launch pad.

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and his crew awoke at 6 a.m. EDT to continue their prelaunch activities.

A Countdown Status Briefing at 10 a.m., live on NASA TV, to provide an update on the countdown and weather forecast.]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:24:20 GMT
"We're ready to go and we're looking forward to Friday's launch," Moses said.

Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director said, "The countdown for Endeavour's final mission is going extremely well. The launch pad right now is cleared in preparation for loading the cryogenics fuels for the fuel cell system."

"We're not working any significant issues at all … the teams are upbeat about the mission and the President's visit," said Leinbach. "We're ready to go and right now looking forward to an on-time launch Friday afternoon."

The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time, according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. The only concern for launch may be the crosswinds at the Shuttle Landing Facility.

The Rotating Service Structure (RSS) is scheduled to be retracted at 7 p.m. tomorrow night but may be delayed because of possible storm activity over the center. Teams will have about a four hour leeway for the storms to clear out to rollback the RSS with no affect on Friday morning's external tank fueling, now planned for 6:22 a.m.

Endeavour is headed to the International Space Station on a 14-day mission to deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper.]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:32:22 GMT
At 11 a.m., NASA Television (www.nasa.gov/ntv) will air the STS-134 prelaunch news conference with Mike Moses, chair of the Prelaunch Mission Management Team and space shuttle program launch Integration manager, Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director and Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer.]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:36:19 GMT
Technicians at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A will fill Endeavour's three power-producing fuel cells with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen today.

Also, engineers will evaluate data following a storm which passed over Kennedy late yesterday afternoon. Preliminary results indicate there was no damage and there were no recorded lightning strikes within a half mile of the pad.

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson conducted an unsuited training flight in the Shuttle Training Aircraft today.]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:43:24 GMT
Commander Mark Kelly made a brief statement and introduced his crew to media who were gathered at the SLF for the arrival.

"We're really happy to be here today," said Kelly. "We got a chance to take look at the orbiter as we first flew over the field and then the over pad. It's great to see Endeavour all ready to go again."

Kelly introduced his crew, talked about how excited they were to fly this mission and deliver the special payloads to the station, and how happy he is that his wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, will be able to travel to Kennedy arriving in time for the launch on Friday.

Kelly and his crew then departed the shuttle runway. Later today, Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson will practice landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA), which are Gulfstream II jets modified to handle like a space shuttle.

Tomorrow's prelaunch news conference is scheduled to be aired at 11 a.m. on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:02:43 GMT
NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported everything is progressing on schedule for the 25th and final launch of space shuttle Endeavour.

"Our teams here at Kennedy Space Center, and at NASA centers around the country, have been working for over a year to get Endeavour ready for the STS-134 mission," said Graeber. "We're not working any issues at this time … and over the past ten days have completed some major milestones."

Joe Delai, STS-134 payload manager gave a brief overview of the payload and will have more details during Thursday's launch countdown briefing. "The payloads are closed for flight, we're not working any issues and ready to support launch," said Delai.

Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported weather is looking good for launch day and for the loading of propellants into Endeavour's external fuel tank although there may be possibility for a storm during the rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.

At this time there's only a 20 percent chance of weather hindering a successful launch on Friday, due to possible windy conditions, reported Winters.

Endeavour's six astronauts departed Ellington Field, Texas, shortly before 10 a.m. EDT. They are expected to arrive in their T-38 jets at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at approximately 12:50 p.m. Their arrival will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).

Today at 2 p.m. NASA's official launch countdown clock begins counting backward toward Friday's liftoff.

Tomorrow's pre-launch news conference will be aired at 11 a.m. on NASA TV.]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:49:00 GMT
Technicians at Launch Pad 39A will close Endeavour's payload bay doors today and workers at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) prepare for the STS-134 crew's arrival this afternoon.

Teams in the Launch Control Center's Firing 4 will officially begin the countdown at 2 p.m.

Endeavour's six astronauts are expected to arrive at the SLF at approximately 12:15 p.m. in T-38 training jets. The arrival will be shown live on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).

This morning, a pre-countdown status briefing also will be held live on NASA TV at 10 a.m.]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:50:38 GMT
The six STS-134 crew members are set to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday. The arrival will be shown live on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:03:36 GMT
Pressurization of Endeavour's various propulsion systems was completed yesterday and its aft 50 1/2 foot doors were installed for flight last night. Technicians are scheduled to get the weekend off before beginning prelaunch countdown preparations on Monday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Endeavour's six astronauts have administrative work to do today before going into quarantine tonight. They fly to Kennedy Tuesday morning for their final prelaunch preps.]]> Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:40:53 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Endeavour's astronauts conduct their final integrated ascent training today in the center's motion base simulator.]]> Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:37:15 GMT
Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A will continue preparations for space shuttle Endeavour's launch countdown, which will begin Tuesday at 2 p.m. EDT.

Today, pad crews will perform preparations to pressurize space shuttle Endeavour's main propulsion system.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 astronauts will perform ascent integration simulations today.

Endeavour's six crew members are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Tuesday, April 26, for final launch preparations.]]> Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:47:34 GMT
"We had a very extensive and thorough review today," said Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for Space Operations. "I think the things that impressed me the most is that the team is still continuing to really work issues and look at the vehicle performance on each and every flight just like they would during any normal mission."

"We're ready to go fly," Gerstenmaier said.

All analysis and inspections of External Fuel Tank-122 confirmed its integrity after repairs were made because of damage sustained during Hurricane Katrina, according to Gerstenmaier.

"It was a really good review today from both the station and shuttle prospective," said Mike Moses, chairman of the Mission Management Team. "Endeavour and the team are in great shape."

Endeavour is poised on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The countdown is to begin Tuesday at 2 p.m.

"The final processing flow for Endeavour is going extremely well out at the pad," said Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director. "I'm very proud of the team and we'll going to have a good launch and a good mission."

The STS-134 crew is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Tuesday, April 26, for final launch preparations.]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:53:52 GMT
The launch date was announced Tuesday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.

The crew consists of Commander Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, NASA Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff and European Space Agency Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori. They are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Tuesday, April 26, for final launch preparations.

STS-134 is the 134th shuttle mission, Endeavour's 25th flight and the 36th shuttle mission to the station.]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:03:00 GMT
The day-long Flight Readiness Review will conclude with a news conference to be aired at no earlier than 4 p.m. EDT on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv). Tweets from the meeting are available at www.twitter.com/NASA.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew will have a health review today.

Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station is targeted for April 29 at 3:47 p.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:49:04 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew will review rendezvous procedures today before Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson fly to El Paso for landing practice in the shuttle training aircraft at White Sands Space Harbor, N.M.

NASA managers will meet Tuesday at Kennedy for a flight readiness review. An official launch date will be announced during a news briefing after the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station remains targeted for April 29 at 3:47 p.m.]]> Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:50:36 GMT
The program had extended the mission one day on Wednesday, but managers determined late yesterday that they will keep it at a 14-day flight for the time being. Once Endeavour is in space, managers will evaluate the shuttle’s performance and other mission objectives and then decide whether to add another day or two to the flight to support operations aboard the International Space Station.

The first landing opportunity at Kennedy is Friday, May 13 at 9:28 a.m. EDT. All schedules will be discussed at Tuesday’s Flight Readiness Review meeting at Kennedy.

Launch remains targeted for April 29 at 3:47 p.m.]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:42:29 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-134 crew will spend the day working on various administrative duties.

Endeavour is targeted to lift off to the International Space Station on its final mission April 29.]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:55 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew is conducting contingency abort training and will tag up with the six station crew members to discuss plans for the upcoming and final flight of Endeavour.

The Flight Readiness Review for Endeavour's flight to the International Space Station will be held on Tuesday, April 19. NASA managers will announce the official launch date during a briefing at the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour is targeted to lift off at 3:47 p.m. EDT on April 29.]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:37:31 GMT
The extra day will be put in after Flight Day 9 as a new Flight Day 10 to accommodate work on the U.S. carbon dioxide removal system and other International Space Station tasks.

The Flight Readiness Review for Endeavour's flight to the space station will be held on Tuesday, April 19. NASA managers will announce the official launch date during a briefing at the conclusion of the meeting.]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:50:49 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Endeavour's six astronauts will review ascent procedures in the motion base simulator and practice external tank photo skills for the post-insertion timeline.

The Flight Readiness Review for Endeavour's flight to the International Space Station will be held on Tuesday, April 19. NASA managers will announce the official launch date during a briefing at the conclusion of the meeting.
Endeavour is targeted to lift off on its final mission 3:47 p.m. EDT, April 29.]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:32:04 GMT
Shuttle Enterprise, the first orbiter built, will move from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York.

The Udvar-Hazy Center will become the new home for shuttle Discovery, which retired after completing its 39th mission in March. Shuttle Endeavour, which is preparing for its final flight at the end of the month, will go to the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

Atlantis, which will fly the last planned shuttle mission in June, will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:12:13 GMT
At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew will review camp out procedures today for the mission's spacewalks. Meanwhile, Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson will practice landings in the shuttle training aircraft at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

The Flight Readiness Review for Endeavour's flight to the International Space Station will be held on Tuesday, April 19. NASA managers will announce the official launch date during a briefing at the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour is targeted to lift off on its final mission 3:47 p.m. EDT, April 29.]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:40:02 GMT
AMS and the Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) will be delivered to the International Space Station on the STS-134 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's final scheduled flight.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew will review flight data file material on various systems today.

NASA managers will hold a Flight Readiness Review on Tuesday, April 19, to assess the ground and flight team's readiness to support launch. An official launch date will be announced at the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour is targeted to launch 3:47 p.m. EDT, April 29.]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:08:03 GMT
Teams have concluded, with an additional walk down of the pad, that there was no new damage following a storm earlier this week.

NASA managers will hold a Flight Readiness Review on Tuesday, April 19, to assess the ground and flight team's readiness to support launch. An official launch date will be announced at the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted for launch at 3:47 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29.]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:40:17 GMT
Crews at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A will continue tests on Endeavour's payload, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) today.

The six STS-134 crew members are practicing rendezvous procedures today in the simulators at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA managers will hold a Flight Readiness Review on Tuesday, April 19, to assess the team's readiness to support launch. An official launch date will be selected at the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour is targeted to launch 3:47 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29.]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:41:01 GMT
Also, crews at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A will perform tests on Endeavour's payload, the Alphamagnetic Spectrometer-2, today.

NASA managers will hold a Flight Readiness Review on Tuesday, April 19, to assess the team's readiness to support launch. An official launch date will be selected at the conclusion of the meeting.

NASA has targeted the launch for Endeavour's STS-134 mission for 3:47 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29 due to a scheduling conflict with a Russian Progress supply vehicle scheduled to launch April 27 and arrive at the station April 29.]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:40:25 GMT
NASA managers will hold a Flight Readiness Review on Tuesday, April 19, to assess the team's readiness to support launch. An official launch date will be selected at the conclusion of the meeting.

Only minor damage to space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank foam was identified during detailed inspections Saturday by technicians and engineers on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Evaluations indicate there was no damage to the spacecraft. Teams were assessing any possible damage from severe storms that hit Kennedy on Wednesday and Thursday. ‪
Today, workers at the pad will continue closeouts in Endeavour's aft section and will load hydrazine into the shuttle's hydraulic power unit.]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:08:41 GMT
Today, workers at the pad will continue closeouts in Endeavour's aft section and will load hydrazine into the shuttle's hydraulic power unit.

‪Endeavour is targeted to launch to the International Space Station on April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:18:19 GMT Sat, 02 Apr 2011 01:59:56 GMT Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:19:45 GMT
Storms with strong winds, rain and lightning kept teams off of Launch Pad 39A and delayed preparations for today's practice countdown. The simulated launch time, T-0, which had been set for 11 a.m. EDT, now is set for 2 p.m.

Teams will conduct a thorough survey of Endeavour and the pad today. Yesterday's weather conditions prevented an evaluation following Wednesday’s strong storm that passed through the region. No one was injured and initial assessments indicate there was only some minor foam insulation damage to Endeavour’s external fuel tank.]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:37:59 GMT Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:21:36 GMT
This morning's severe weather also is preventing teams from conducting a thorough survey of Endeavour and the pad following yesterday afternoon’s strong storm that passed through the region. No one was injured and initial assessments indicate there was only some minor foam insulation damage to Endeavour’s external fuel tank. No other obvious damage has been seen, but the team’s survey will verify there is no additional damage.

The U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron reports that during yesterday's storm the pad briefly saw sustained 57 mph wind (50 knots), with a peak gust of 90 mph (79 knots). Small hail was spotted near the pad, and there was a lightning strike about a half mile from the pad’s center. Again, there was no indication of damage, but that will assessed by the teams during their pad walkdown once the weather improves.

The six astronauts who will fly space shuttle Endeavour on its last scheduled mission are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week for TCDT. The work culminates with a dress rehearsal of launch day for the astronauts and the whole launch team. Endeavour, standing on Launch Pad 39A, is set up exactly as it will be for liftoff and the crew takes their assigned seats.

"This is the time when our training meets the processing of the vehicle," Commander Mark Kelly told news media during a news conference this morning. The event took place indoors instead of its traditional setting at the launch pad because of poor weather conditions at Kennedy.

Describing the mission's payload, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, as one of the premiere scientific instruments of the 21st century, Kelly said the 15,000-pound physics experiment has to potential to rewrite humanity's knowledge of the cosmos as it measures cosmic rays from a perch on the International Space Station.

"We're pretty excited about what the results are going to be," Kelly said. "(AMS Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sam Ting) told us that within an hour of attaching to the space station, they're going to start collecting data. AMS could be teaching us things about the universe that are completely unexpected."

Mission Specialist Mike Finke, a veteran station commander and resident, said the crew is ready for the two-week shuttle flight.

"We're a team, we're a family and from what we've seen so far, I don't think there's anything out there we can't handle," Finke said. "When we have our game on, this is an amazing crew."]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:19:03 GMT
"This is the time when our training meets the processing of the vehicle," Commander Mark Kelly told news media during a news conference this morning. The event took place indoors instead of its traditional setting at the launch pad because of poor weather conditions at Kennedy.

Describing the mission's payload, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, as one of the premiere scientific instruments of the 21st century, Kelly said the 15,000-pound physics experiment has to potential to rewrite humanity's knowledge of the cosmos as it measures cosmic rays from a perch on the International Space Station.

"We're pretty excited about what the results are going to be," Kelly said. "(AMS Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sam Ting) told us that within an hour of attaching to the space station, they're going to start collecting data. AMS could be teaching us things about the universe that are completely unexpected."

Mission Specialist Mike Finke, a veteran station commander and resident, said the crew is ready for the two-week shuttle flight.

"We're a team, we're a family and from what we've seen so far, I don't think there's anything out there we can't handle," Finke said. "When we have our game on, this is an amazing crew."]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:09:08 GMT
A strong storm front passed over Kennedy's LC-39 area, including Launch Pad 39A, yesterday at about 5:20 p.m. EDT. Initial reports indicate are the launch pad experienced high wind and potentially small hail in the area near the pad.

Teams will perform a lightning data review and a walk down of the pad, as soon as weather permits, to inspect for any possible damage due to hail and heavy winds.  No one was injured and preliminary reports indicate there was only very minor damage to Endeavour's external fuel tank foam.]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:49:59 GMT Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:03:30 GMT
Technicians at Launch Pad 39A will continue closing out the spacecraft's aft section.

The next media event will be a Q and A at Launch Pad 39A on March 31 at 8:40 a.m. EDT. The event will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov.ntv).

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:39:42 GMT
TCDT will provide Endeavour's astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.

Later today STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson will practice shuttle landings in shuttle training aircraft.

The next media event will be a Q and A at Launch Pad 39A on March 31 at 8:40 am. EDT. The event will be aired on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov.ntv).

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:58:16 GMT Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:39:12 GMT
The crew originally had been expected to arrive at about 7 p.m. EDT and now are set to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at about 5:15 p.m. The arrival will be carried live on NASA Television (www.nasa.gov/ntv).

TCDT will provide Endeavour's astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:05:01 GMT
Endeavour's six astronauts are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility tonight at approximately 7 p.m. EDT to begin the dress launch rehearsal and other related training. The arrival will be shown live on NASA TV.

Once at Kennedy, STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Greg H. Johnson, will practice shuttle landings in shuttle training aircraft.]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:12:23 GMT
Endeavour's six astronauts are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility Tuesday at approximately 7 p.m. EDT to begin the full-dress launch rehearsal and other related training called Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. The crew's arrival will be shown live on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).

During the 14-day mission, Endeavour's astronauts will deliver to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays and the Express Logistics Carrier-3, a platform that carries spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired later this year.

Endeavour's final flight, on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:55:50 GMT
During the 14-day mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour's six astronauts will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays and the Express Logistics Carrier-3, a platform that carries spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired later this year.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center, STS-134 Mission Specialists Michael Fincke and Greg Chamitoff are rehearsing techniques for the mission's fourth and final spacewalk today in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:55:34 GMT
During the 14-day mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour's six astronauts will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays and the Express Logistics Carrier-3, a platform that carries spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired later this year.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, STS-134 Mission Specialists Michael Fincke and Greg Chamitoff are rehearsing techniques for the mission's fourth and final spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory today.

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:50:31 GMT
After the rotating service structure was extended yesterday morning, the payload changeout room main doors and Endeavour's payload bay doors were opened, allowing access for spacecraft and payload inspections. Installation of the payload is scheduled for Friday.

Space shuttle program managers, STS-134 mission managers and Endeavour's six astronauts will hold preflight briefings today from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas. The briefings will be shown live on NASA TV (www.nasa.gov/ntv).

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:46:54 GMT
Meanwhile, the STS-134 crew will practice flying techniques in their T-38 training aircraft today at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19.]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:49:32 GMT
Crews will move the payload into the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism, or PGHM, today. The rotating service structure will then be rotated back around the spacecraft early tomorrow morning. The payload is set to be loaded into Endeavour's cargo bay on Friday.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew will practice undocking and rendezvous procedures.

Launch of Endeavour to the International Space Station is targeted for April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:33:00 GMT At NASA's Johnson Space Center, the STS-134 crew will practice procedures for the missions third space walk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
Launch of Endeavour on the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for April 19.]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:22:48 GMT
Endeavour's payload, which includes the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) a high-pressure gas tank, spare parts for Dextre and other equipment, is set to begin its move to the launch pad Monday night.]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:53:18 GMT
Today technicians will focus on connecting the auxiliary power unit (APU) quick disconnects. The APU is a hydrazine-fueled, turbine-driven power unit that generates mechanical shaft power to drive a hydraulic pump that produces pressure for the orbiter's hydraulic system.

Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station is targeted for April 19.]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:02:54 GMT
Today, crews will perform leak checks on the external fuel tank's ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP).

Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT on April 19.]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:38:21 GMT
This morning, NASA and United Space Alliance managers met with pad workers who expressed a desire to continue shuttle processing following the unexpected death of a co-worker at the pad Monday morning.

Crews will perform checks on the power reactant storage distribution system, or PRSD, and the external fuel tank's camera. The PRSD holds super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for use by the shuttle's three fuel cells to produce electricity during flight. The fuel cells combine the chemicals to generate electricity. Water is a byproduct of the process and astronauts typically transfer that water to the space station during the mission.

Endeavour is targeted to launch on its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station on April 19.]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:11:15 GMT Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:43:45 GMT
All work at Launch Pad 39A has been suspended for the rest of the day, and counseling and other employee assistance are being provided to workers. Right now our focus is on our workers and for the family of the USA employee.

The incident is under investigation.]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:13:04 GMT Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:24:46 GMT
Today, workers at the pad will be connecting the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) hydrogen gas vent line to Endeavour's external fuel tank and will perform an Auxiliary Power Unit "hot fire" that will test the power-producing system for the spacecraft's hydraulics.

Meanwhile, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-134 astronauts are rehearsing ingress/egress procedures for launch and launch scrub, and they will be in Johnson's Virtual Reality lab for with robotics training.

Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT on April 19.]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:13:50 GMT
Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT on April 19.]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:05:55 GMT
Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT on April 19.]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:49:48 GMT
Endeavour's STS-134 mission is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT on April 19.]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:58:16 GMT
Endeavour is expected to arrive at the pad Friday, March 11 at approximately 3 a.m.]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:08:36 GMT
The launch team met for a final assessment at 3:30 p.m. and concluded that weather had improved sufficiently to support the move, known as "rollout."

Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach gave the team the "go" to begin final roll preps with call-to-stations for the team beginning at 4 p.m. In addition, no significant technical issues are being worked.

NASA Television (www.nasa.gov/ntv) will air live video of the beginning of rollout starting at 8 p.m.]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:43:58 GMT
The astronauts of STS-133, who landed at Kennedy yesterday to end the mission, are to leave for Houston at 2 p.m.]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:46:37 GMT