02-05-2010, 02:12 PM
I know I shared this with a couple of forum members the last Shuttle Launch, so I thought I'd pass on the message again for those who might be interested.
News Release taken from the NASA Shuttle Web Page.
Link: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttl...index.html
You can watch the launch live on NASA tv there is link in the left side bar if you feel so inclined to get up to watch the launch. I know I will cause I love watching those vehicles go up into space. The cargo is the Tranquility Node, the last big piece in the Space Station puzzle and one of the last 5 scheduled missions that the Space Shuttles will fly. Since the launch is so early in the morning, it should not interfere with the "big game" on later that evening...
News Release taken from the NASA Shuttle Web Page.
Quote:NASA Managers Say "Super Shuttle" Sunday Launch a "Go"
Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:50 PM EST
Officials meeting at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida reviewed space shuttle Endeavour's readiness for flight at the L-2 prelaunch meeting. They unanimously decided to move forward with the STS-130 mission countdown to launch on Sunday at 4:39 a.m. EST.
Mike Moses, shuttle launch integration manager, said, "We're really looking forward to this launch carrying up node 3 and the cupola.
"From the shuttle program perspective, looking at our launch readiness, we're in really good shape. We had a fantastic review this morning," continued Moses, "Unanimous poll, everyone's pressing forward to go for launch."
Bernardo Patti, ESA's International Space Station program manager, said how happy and proud he is to see the last two European elements ready for the space station. He also commented on the great support and cooperation between the space agencies and how rewarding the process has been.
Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, reported his team is not tracking any technical issues and everything is on track for the rotating service structure rollback at 8 a.m. Saturday and loading of the external fuel tank with propellants around 7:15 p.m.
"The team is energized and excited about the countdown... looking forward to getting Endeavour off the ground Sunday morning," said Leinbach.
Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer, said the forecast has improved and there's only a 20 percent chance weather would be an issue at launch time. Although it may be a little chilly and breezy, no constraints should be violated. The forecast at the transoceanic abort landing sites in Spain and France also looks favorable.
Saturday at 7 p.m., NASA TV will air the fueling of Endeavour's external tank at <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.nasa.gov/ntv">www.nasa.gov/ntv</a><!-- w -->. At 11:30 p.m., live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV.
You also can follow Endeavour's exciting countdown to launch with NASA's Launch Blog from inside Kennedy's Firing Room 3 beginning at 11:30 p.m. and continuing through main engine cutoff -- when Endeavour reaches orbit on its two-day race to the station.
Link: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttl...index.html
You can watch the launch live on NASA tv there is link in the left side bar if you feel so inclined to get up to watch the launch. I know I will cause I love watching those vehicles go up into space. The cargo is the Tranquility Node, the last big piece in the Space Station puzzle and one of the last 5 scheduled missions that the Space Shuttles will fly. Since the launch is so early in the morning, it should not interfere with the "big game" on later that evening...