Shuttle Endeavour Lands Safely in California
30 November 2008 4:30 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour has safely landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, ending a 16-day mission to the International Space Station.

Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) at the back-up landing site in California's Mojave Desert where weather conditions were perfect for the spaceplane's return.

STS-126 commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Eric Boe guided the Orbiter on its fiery plunge through the atmosphere and hour-long free-fall descent back to Earth, then precisely executed a series of turns and banking maneuvers to slow the vehicle for its powerless landing on the 12,000-foot long asphalt/concrete temporary Runway 04 on Rogers Dry Lake in the high desert of California's Antelope Valley.

Endeavour was diverted to the West Coast alternate landing site when continued instability in the Florida weather – low clouds and thunderstorms within 30 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility - forced NASA to wave-off both of today's possible landing opportunities at the Kennedy Space Center.

STS-126 delivered a new flight engineer, Sandra Magnus, to join the ISS Expedition 18 crew, and returned ISS flight engineer Greg Chamitoff to Earth after a six-month stay in orbit. STS-126 mission specialists are Steve Bowen (who also served as Endeavour's flight engineer), Shane Kimbrough, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Donald Pettit.
 
STS-126 is the 52nd space shuttle mission to land at the California landing site. STS-126 also marked Endeavour's 22nd mission, the 27th shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the 124th flight in shuttle program history.
The Orbiter will now be ferried back to the Kennedy Space Center on the back of a specially-modified 747 airliner, a procedure that takes about a week at a cost of $1 million.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

-- Roger Guillemette

Shuttle Endeavour Lands Safely
30 November 2008 4:25 p.m. EST

The Shuttle has landed safely at Edward's Air Force Base in California.

-- SPACE.com Staff

Shuttle Endeavor Nearly Home. California Landing Imminent
30 November 2008 4:17 p.m. EST

Space shuttle Endeavour is on final approach for a landing at Edwards AFB, California. Touchdown is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) and weather conditions are ideal for the spaceplane’s return to Earth. All spacecraft systems are functioning normally and the vehicle is being tracked by radar and infrared cameras at the landing site.

Endeavour will soon cross the Southern California coast near Los Angeles on its landing trajectory to Edwards AFB. STS-126 commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Eric Boe and flight engineer Steve Bowen have completed a series of four banking maneuvers, known as 'roll reversals,' that slowed the 223,422-pound Orbiter’s velocity and dissipated heat from the vehicle’s protective tiles.

Endeavour will make a left overhead turn in the skies above the Mojave Desert, followed by a long gliding approach to temporary runway 04 on Rogers Dry Lake – a southwest-to-northeast concrete/asphalt runway 12,000 feet in length, 200 feet wide.
NASA astronaut Pam Melroy has been flying landing approaches in the Shuttle Training Aircraft – a specially modified Gulfstream jet that simulates the shuttle's handling characteristics – evaluating the weather conditions that Endeavour will encounter on its final approach and landing.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page. 

-- SPACE.com Staff

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Shuttle Heads Toward Clear California Skies for Landing
30 November 2008 3:54 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour is now transitioning from spacecraft to aircraft, encountering the upper fringes of Earth's atmosphere - known as 'Entry Interface' - at about 400,000 feet above the South Pacific Ocean as it begins its fiery descent and a long, gliding approach to the alternate landing site at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Landing on temporary Runway 04 – the southwest-to-northeast runway – on Rogers Dry Lake in the Mojave Desert is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT). All spacecraft systems are performing as expected.

With the heat on its Thermal Protection System tiles building to 2,500 degrees F, Endeavour is headed on a northeasterly course over the Pacific Ocean toward the Southern California coast, then making its descent over the high desert on its final approach for landing.

STS-126 mission commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Eric Boe completed a 2-minute, 54-second firing of Endeavour's twin Orbital Maneuvering System engines, reducing the Orbiter's velocity sufficiently to drop it out of orbit and begin its hour-long free-fall descent back to Earth. Ferguson and Boe will pilot the 223,422-pound spaceplane through a series of turns and banking maneuvers, known as 'roll reversals', to slow the vehicle for its powerless touchdown at Edwards AFB.

Weather conditions at the landing site are near-ideal for a shuttle landing, with light breezes and a few scattered clouds. NASA astronaut Pam Melroy continues to fly the Shuttle Training Aircraft on practice landing approaches to temporary Runway 04 and relaying her observations to flight controllers.

Edwards AFB temporary Runway 04 – a concrete/asphalt runway 12,000 feet in length, 200 feet wide – is adequate for a shuttle landing but considerably shorter and narrower than the main runway normally used. The primary Shuttle landing runway at Edwards AFB has recently undergone a major refurbishment and NASA managers felt there was insufficient time to restore the landing lights and navigation aids to support STS-126, so a decision was made to retain use of the temporary runway for this mission.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

-- Roger Guillemette

Shuttle Slows on Way Through Atmosphere
30 November 2008 3:40 p.m. EST

The shuttle has slowed to 16,500 mph and continues to slow as it continues its descent toward California.

Shuttle Endeavour Heads Toward California Landing
30 November 2008 3:30 p.m. EST

Space shuttle Endeavour ignited its braking rockets to initiate a fiery plunge through Earth's atmosphere and begin a long, gliding descent to the backup landing site - Edwards AFB, California.

Endeavour is scheduled to touch down at 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) and weather conditions in the Mojave Desert are ideal for the spaceplane's approach and landing in the mid-afternoon sunshine, about 3 hours before sunset (local time).

STS-126 mission commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Eric Boe just completed a two minute, 54 second firing of Endeavour's twin Orbital Maneuvering System engines that began at 3:19:29 p.m. EST (2019:19 GMT), reducing the shuttle's velocity by about 300 feet/second (approx. 204 miles/hour), sufficient to drop it out of orbit and begin an hour-long free-fall descent back to Earth. At the time of the de-orbit burn, Endeavour was orbiting about 220 miles above the Indian Ocean, just to the north of Madagascar.

Ferguson and Boe will precisely execute a series of turns and banking maneuvers to bleed-off excess speed and slow the Orbiter for its powerless landing. Endeavour will cross the California coast near Los Angeles on its descent and will then make a left overhead turn in the skies above the Mojave Desert, followed by a long gliding approach to temporary runway 04 on Rogers Dry Lake – a southwest-to-northeast concrete/asphalt runway, 12,000 feet in length and 200 feet wide.

Endeavour was diverted to the West Coast after unstable weather conditions forced NASA to wave-off both of today's landing opportunities at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

-- Roger Guillemette

Shuttle De-orbrit Burn Done; Endeavour on Way Home
30 November 2008 3:24 p.m. EST

The de-orbit began on schedule. Engines were fired for two minutes, 54 seconds to slow the spacecraft by about 300 feet/second (about 204 mph) to initiate its descent through the atmosphere. Mission control reported a good burn. Landing is planned for 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) at Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert.

-- SPACE.com Staff

Endeavour Cleared for California Landing
30 November 2008 3:05 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour has been cleared for a landing this afternoon in the high desert of California.

Flight Director Bryan Lunney just gave the 'Go for De-Orbit Burn' command for STS-126 commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Eric Boe to fire the Orbiter's engines at 3:19:29 p.m. EST (2019:19 GMT), culminating in a 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) touchdown at the shuttle's alternate landing strip, Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert.

Endeavour's pair of Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines will fire for two minutes, 54 seconds to slow the spacecraft by about 300 feet/second (about 204 mph) to initiate its descent through the atmosphere.

Weather conditions at Edwards AFB are ideal for a landing attempt this afternoon, with sunny skies, a few scattered clouds and light winds of 6 knots gusting to 11 knots. Endeavour was diverted to the California landing site when continued instability in the Florida weather – low clouds, atmospheric turbulence and thunderstorms within 30 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility - forced NASA to wave-off both of today's possible landing opportunities at the Kennedy Space Center.

The STS-126 crew recently completed "fluid loading," a process where the astronauts drink quantities of fluids laced with salt and electrolytes to rehydrate themselves in preparation for their return to Earth's gravity.

Endeavour will cross the California coast near Los Angeles on its approach to Edwards AFB. The Orbiter will make a left overhead turn in the skies above the Mojave Desert, followed by a long gliding approach to temporary runway 04 – a southwest-to-northeast concrete/asphalt runway 12,000 feet in length, 200 feet wide – adequate for a shuttle landing but considerably shorter and narrower than the main runway normally used. The primary Shuttle landing runway at Edwards AFB has recently undergone a major refurbishment and NASA managers felt there was insufficient time to restore the landing lights and navigation aids to support STS-126, so a decision was made to retain use of the temporary runway for this mission.

STS-126 will be the 52nd space shuttle mission to land at the California facility.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

-- Roger Guillemette

Endeavour De-orbit Burn Slated for 3:19 p.m. EST
30 November 2008 12:58 p.m. EST

Space shuttle Endeavour will land in California this afternoon after flight controllers determined that weather conditions in Florida will remain too unstable to reasonably attempt a landing there tomorrow.

An unacceptable combination of low clouds, stiff crosswinds, atmospheric turbulence and thunderstorms forced NASA to wave-off both of today’s landing opportunities at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

Endeavour commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Eric Boe are now slated to fire the shuttle’s Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines for the de-orbit burn at 3:19 p.m. EST (2019 GMT), resulting in a 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) touchdown at its alternate landing strip, Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert.

A near-perfect forecast at Edwards AFB – light winds with just a few scattered clouds – convinced Flight Director Bryan Lunney to forego the potential for a Florida landing tomorrow; instead, directing the STS-126 crew to begin preparations for a landing later today in the high desert of California.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

-- Roger Guillemette

1st Landing Opportunity Waved Off
30 November 2008 9:25 a.m. EST

The first landing opportunity of 1:19 p.m. EST landing is off due to crosswinds gusting up to about 19 knots at the Kennedy Space Center runway.

Mission controllers will continue to watch the weather. Final landing preparations, including closing the payload bay doors, were delayed, while other preparations continued. The earliest landing would be 2:54 p.m. EST at Kennedy, but no firm decision was made about whether to land there or later today in California -- or possibly wait and try for Florida tomorrow.

Mission controllers asked the crew to turn off a flash evaporator system, which vents the water out as steam, to conserve water in case of a later landing time.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- SPACE.com Staff

Landing Day: Astronauts are Up
30 November 2008 8:36 a.m. EST

The Space Shuttle STS-126 crew members were awakened at 4:55 a.m. EST by the music "Gonna Fly Now" for what is scheduled to be landing day. The two landing opportunities at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., are for 1:19 p.m. EST and 2:54 p.m. Forecasts say rain, perhaps thunderstorms and crosswinds could prevent a landing there. Two additional landing opportunities are available today at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., at 4:25 p.m. EST and 6 p.m.

- SPACE.com Staff

Astronauts Stow the Cabin
29 November 2008 10:55 a.m. EST

Space Shuttle Endeavour's astronauts were awakened at 3:55 a.m. CST by "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Cabin stowage began a few hours later.

They will deploy a Pico Satellite Solar Cell Testbed this afternoon. They will release springs that will push the Defense Department's Picosat into space from the cargo bay. It will orbit for several months to test new types of solar cells. They'll participate in space-to-ground interviews with reporters from CNN and two local stations.

NASA will hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. EST to discuss the mission status and another at 3:30 p.m. EST to discuss strategy for deorbit and landing.

- SPACE.com Staff

Astronauts to Move Shuttle Cargo Module
25 November 2008 1:30 p.m. EST

Endeavour shuttle astronauts are preparing to move their 4.5-ton Leonardo cargo module back into the orbiter's payload bay.

The crew will use the space station's robotic arm to pluck the cargo pod free of its Earth-facing berth on the station's Harmony connecting node, then move it down into Endeavour's payload bay for the return trip to Earth.

Hatch closure was set for 11:10 a.m. EST (1610 GMT), with unberthing slated for 4:05 p.m. EST (2105 GMT). Leonard should be tucked in aboard Endeavour by around 6:20 p.m. EST (2320 GMT).

Mission Control roused Endeavour's crew this morning with the song "North Sea Oil" by Jethro Tull. It was played for Endeavour mission specialist Steve Bowen.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Solar Wing Gear Does Well in Test
25 November 2008 10:18 a.m. EST

The first three-hour test of the International Space Station's refurbished solar array-turning gear is complete and apparently gone well.

It officially started at about 5:55 a.m. EST (1055 GMT), with the gear tracking the sun for about two orbits. The gear appeared to work smoother and draw less power than it did before the Endeavour crew's four spacewalks to clean and lubricate it.

Meanwhile, new tests of the station's urine recycler are continue to go well.

Endeavour's shuttle crew awoke today to the song "Fever" performed by the band Bandela and sung by Micki Pettit for her husband, mission specialist Don Pettit.

"Hey that was great music," said Pettit. "It's always great to wake up to the sound of Bandela and the sound of your wife singing."

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Begins Test of Solar Array-Turning Gear
25 November 2008 6:26 a.m. EST

A vital check of the refurbished starboard solar array-turning gear is under way at the International Space Station to test its ability to track the sun for a three-hour period, or two orbits around the Earth.

The test began at 5:55 a.m. EST (1055 GMT), with flight controllers commanding the gear to begin rotating the station's starboard solar arrays from Mission Control in Houston. It's the first test since the completion late Monday of a four-spacewalk tune-up to replace damaged bearings, lubricate the gear and clean metal grit from its turning surface.

So far the test is going well, with the gear drawing less power than it did before the repair. It is still drawing more power than the station's functioning port side gear.

The station crew and Endeavour shuttle astronauts are currently sleeping. Mission Control arranged the test at this time to minimize the amount of internal vibration from working crewmembers.

Meanwhile, new tests of the station's urine recycler are also apparently continuing to go well.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Space Station Urine Recycler Runs Full Test
25 November 2008 12:23 a.m. EST

The International Space Station's urine recycler, which takes astronaut urine and distills it back into drinkable water, has run its full 4-hour test process to the delight of astronauts and engineers.

"Not to spoil it, but I think up here we're feeling ... the appropriate words are 'Yippee,'" station commander Michael Fincke said.

"There'll be dancing later," Mission Control joked.

The machine is designed to spend about 4 hours distilling water from astronaut urine, but was shutting down after only 2 hours earlier. It ran about 3.5 hours on Saturday before shutting down.

So far, the urine recycler has been running since about 8:06 p.m. EST (0106 Nov. 25 GMT). Fincke said it made a few noises like a "washing machine in a spin cycle" for a short time but then went back to normal.

Mission Control is hoping to run the machine for 5 hours tonight, and then turn it off for a 3-hour cool down.

"I think if we can get past the 4-hour mark, I think we're going to be good," said Endeavour astronaut Don Pettit, who helped make repairs to the system.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Space Station Urine Recycler Test Under Way
25 November 2008 12:03 a.m. EST

NASA engineers and astronauts are keeping a close eye on the International Space Station's new urine recycler, which is being tested once more after new modifications were made Monday.

"It looks like we are still spinning and it's been 3 hours and 18 minutes or something like that," station skipper Michael Fincke said.

The machine is designed to spend about 4 hours distilling water from astronaut urine, but was shutting down after only 2 hours earlier. It ran about 3.5 hours on Saturday before shutting down.

So far, the urine recycler has been running since about 8:06 p.m. EST (0106 Nov. 25 GMT). Fincke said it made a few noises like a "washing machine in a spin cycle" for a short time but then went back to normal.

Mission Control is hoping to run the machine for 5 hours tonight, then turn it off for a 3-hour cool down.

"I think if we can get past the 4-hour mark, I think we're going to be good," said Endeavour astronaut Don Pettit, who helped make repairs to the system.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Fourth Spacewalk Ends at Space Station
24 November 2008 7:42 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough have begun repressurizing the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station, officially ending today's orbital work at 7:31 p.m. EST (0031 Nov. 25 GMT).

Total spacewalking time: 6 hours, 7 minutes.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and was expected to last about 6 1/2 hours, but flight controllers ordered Kimbrough back inside early due to elevated levels of carbon dioxide in his spacesuit.

The spacewalkers completed all their assigned tasks, including completing a clean-and-grease job on the space station's starboard solar array-turning joint, lubricating its portside counterpart as a precaution, and preparing the station's Japanese Kibo lab for the arrival of an external platform and unmanned Japanese cargo ship next year.

A wrap up of today's spacewalk will be posted to SPACE.com's home page shortly.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Return to Station Airlock
24 November 2008 7:25 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are back in side the space station's airlock after completing all their assigned tasks today.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and was expected to last about 6 1/2 hours, but flight controllers ordered Kimbrough back inside the Quest airlock a bit early due to elevated levels of carbon dioxide in his spacesuit.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Wrap Up Station Gear Work
24 November 2008 7:05 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough have finished their work to lubricate the space station's port side solar array-turning gear, with Kimbrough headed back to the airlock due to elevated carbon dioxide later.

Kimbrough is not in any danger, but Mission Control wants him to rest so his spacesuit air scrubber can extra have time to filter his air, NASA said.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker Takes a Break Outside Station
24 November 2008 6:25 p.m. EST

Mission Control ordered spacewalker Shane Kimbrough to take a short break while he wraps up work on the space station's port side solar array-turning gear after spotting rising levels of carbon dioxide within his spacesuit.

Kimbrough rested for a short period until the levels dropped back down, then returned to his task of replacing covers over the port side gear. He head greased up the entire gear earlier in today's spacewalk. 

"Looks like Shane taking a break did the trick," Mission Control said.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and is expected to last about 6 1/2 hours, but flight controllers would like to have Kimbrough back inside the Quest airlock at about 6 hours, spacewalk elapsed time.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Continue Work Outside Station
24 November 2008 5:57 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are continuing their orbital work for today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

Kimbrough is methodically lubricating the station's port side solar array gear in a preventative maintenance step. The starboard side gear, which has been damaged, was lubricated and received its last new bearing earlier today.

"You guys are doing super out there," said Endeavour shuttle pilot Eric Boe, who is choreographing the work.

Bowen is wrapping up work installing antennas atop the station's Japanese Kibo lab.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and is expected to last about 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Grease Up Station Gear, Install Antenna
24 November 2008 5:17 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are moving onto to more tasks for today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

Kimbrough has returned to the space station's port side Solar Array Rotary Joint to continue preventative maintenance to lubricate the 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear. Meanwhile, Bowen has climbed atop the space station's massive Kibo laboratory, where he'll install a GPS antenna to aid the navigation of a new unmanned Japanese cargo ship to launch toward the space station next year.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and is expected to last about 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalk Passes 3-Hour Mark at ISS
24 November 2008 4:40 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough have passed the three-hour mark of their work outside the International Space Station, but have already completed one of their major tasks.

Bowen is ahead of schedule after completing the clean-and-grease work on the space station's starboard side gear. He is closing a stuck latch on a berthing mechanism outside the station's Japanese's Kibo lab.

Kimbrough is just about on his schedule as he works to install a video camera to aid in better views a new Japanese cargo ship due to arrive year.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker Completes Space Station Gear Clean Up
24 November 2008 4:09 p.m. EST

Spacewalker Steve Bowen has completed the last clean-and-grease job on the International Space Station's clogged starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ). The work took four spacewalks to complete by Bowen and his crewmates with Mission Control echoing with applause.

"Finally!" Bowen said at 3:55 p.m. EST (2055 GM), about 2 1/2 hours into today's spacewalk.

"Thanks for your work," Mission Control radioed up.

"You're welcome," Bowen replied. "Any time...although never on the SARJ again, I hope."

With the task complete, Bowen will proceed with other tasks, which may include assisting spacewalking partner Shane Kimbrough.

Kimbrough is retrieving a video camera to be mounted on the station's Japanese Kibo lab. He has already completed one lube job on the space station's port side SARJ gear, and will return to complete the work later today.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and is expected to last about 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Prepare to Split Up for Gear Tasks
24 November 2008 2:50 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are preparing to split up to service the space station's port and starboard side solar array-turning gears.

Kimbrough is currently greasing up the station's port Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, a 10-foot (3-meter) gear that turns the outpost's left side solar wings to track the sun. The gear has been working fine, but the spacewalkers reported some slight wear on its surface as they perform preventative maintenance.

Extensive mottling and wear plague the station's starboard solar array joint, where astronauts have now spent three spacewalks cleaning and lubricating.

Bowen will soon head over the starboard gear to wrap up the orbital clean-and-grease job. It's a long way, with Bowen required to haul himself across 150 feet from the port gear to the station's airlock, then another 100 feet out to the starboard gear.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) and is expected to last about 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker Reports Slight Wear on Station Gear
24 November 2008 2:16 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are removing a set of covers from the space station's port side solar array-turning gear, where they have reported some slight wear on the massive rotary joint.

"It looks like there is some wear on where the trundle bearing lies," said Bowen as he looked at a spot with one of 12 large bearings around the gears steel ring. "It's sort of a little junior version of what we have on the other side."

The station's starboard side gear was damaged by metal shavings from grinding parts from an apparent loss of lubrications. Spacewalkers have been cleaning out the metal grit and adding a new layer of space grease to ease its mechanism.

Bowen said in addition to the slight wear on the port gear, which has been working fine, he also spotted lines of grease on either side of the bearing he's studying.

Kimbrough and Bowen will completely lubricate the port side solar array joint as a preventative maintenance and wrap up repairs on the starboard side joint.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Begin Fourth Spacewalk at ISS
24 November 2008 1:38 p.m. EST

Astronauts Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are have switched their NASA spacesuits to internal power, officially beginning today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station at 1:24 p.m. EST (1824 GMT) while the outpost flew 223 miles (358 km) above the South Pacific Ocean.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Depressurize Space Station Airlock 
24 November 2008 1:10 p.m. EST

Astronauts Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are depressurizing the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station for the fourth and final spacewalk of their extended mission to the orbiting lab.

The two spacewalkers are slated to step outside the station at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT), but are running about 25 minutes ahead of schedule despite a spacesuit glitch earlier.

They'll finish cleaning the space station's starboard side solar array gear and perform other maintenance tasks.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Prepare for Fourth Spacewalk 
24 November 2008 12:36 p.m. EST

Astronauts Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough are suited up in the NASA-issue spacesuits and proceeding ahead with plans to begin today's spacewalk at around 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT).

Kimbrough had some trouble with a waist latch that connects is spacesuit trousers to its hard upper torso shell, but the glitch has been resolved.

Today's spacewalk is the fourth of their mission, which NASA extended by one day earlier this morning. The astronauts will finish cleaning up the station's starboard solar array-turning joint and perform other tasks.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Space Shuttle Mission Extended One Day
24 November 2008 11:15 a.m. EST

The space shuttle Endeavour will spend one extra day docked at the International Space Station to allow more time to troubleshoot problems with the station's new urine recycler.

Meanwhile, astronauts preparing to perform today's planned spacewalk are tackling a recalcitrant waist ring connection on the spacesuit of Shane Kimbrough. Kimbrough and Bowen are due to step outside the space station at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT).

Endeavour's mission is now officially a 16-day mission that will feature a Thanksgiving Day at the space station.

 "Well great, we really enjoy having these guys up here and if we can only extend by one day that will have to do," station commander Michael Fincke told Mission Control after hearing the news. "But we're grateful for the news."

The astronauts awoke this morning to the song "Can't Stop Loving You" by Van Halen, a tune selected for mission specialist Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Tinker With Space Station Water Recycler
23 November 2008 3:35 p.m. EST

International Space Station Michael Fincke has been working to fix the outpost's new water recycler, which is designed to process urine and sweat back into drinkable water.

With an assist from shuttle astronaut Don Pettit, Fincke is removed a set of vibration-dampening mounts from a centrifuge that distills urine at the start of the recycling process. Mission Control believes the shock absorbing pads may be contributing to the urine processor's repeated early shut downs.

"We're getting a lot of oohs and ahhs down here," Mission Control radioed up to Fincke and Pettit after the task.

The recycler system's urine processor has only been able to run about two hours at a time. Engineers hope that by removing the mounts and bolting the centrifuge directly to surrounding structure, the glitch can be remedied.

"We're about ready to try this out," Fincke said.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Shuttle Commander Marks Anniversary in Space
23 November 2008 10:24 a.m. EST

It may be Flight Day 10 of the shuttle Endeavour's mission to the International Space Station, but the spacecraft's skipper had another date on his mind.

Today is Endeavour commander Chris Ferguson's 23rd wedding anniversary. NASA roused him, and the rest of his crew, with the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Frankie Vallie in a long distance dedication from his wife Sandra.

"And a special good morning and Happy Anniversary to my wife Sandy," Ferguson said.

Ferguson and his crew have a half-day off in space today as they begin the homestretch of their planned 15-day mission to the International Space Station.

Space station astronauts, meanwhile, will attempt to fix the outpost's finicky new water recycler.

Click here for a look at today's work at the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Third Spacewalk Ends at Space Station
22 November 2008 8:08 p.m. EST

The third spacewalk of the space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission has officially ended at the International Space Station as spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen have begun repressurizing the outpost's Quest airlock after nearly seven hours of grueling work. The spacewalk concluded at 7:58 p.m. EST (0058 Nov. 23 GMT).

Total spacewalking time: 6 hours, 57 minutes.

The astronauts floated outside the space station at 1:01 p.m. EST (1801 GMT) and spent the entire time cleaning and lubricating a massive starboard side gear. They managed to swap out five of six gear bearings remaining to be replaced. The remaining one will be replaced during a Monday spacewalk.

A wrap up of today's spacewalk will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage shortly.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers to Wrap Up Station Gear Work
22 November 2008 7:25 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are preparing to pack up their tools after replacing five of six bearings and cleaning a massive gear outside the International Space Station.

The installation of a sixth bearing, as well as the cleaning and lubrication of its location, will be added to the next spacewalk set for Monday.

The astronauts had hoped to complete all of the bearing replacement and clean up tasks, but were running short of time on their exhaustive seven-hour spacewalk. NASA will wait until at least Tuesday to test the gear's rotation to see the effects of their complicated spacewalk repair.

Inside the space station, astronauts are collecting the first water samples from the station's new recycling system. The system's urine processing side is experiencing glitches, but its wastewater and condensate recycling channel is currently being tested.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Tackle Bearing Swaps Outside Station
22 November 2008 6:48 p.m. EST

As they near the six-hour mark of today's planned seven-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station, spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are working to replace the last two bearings and clean their respective worksites of debris on the station's starboard side.

Stefanyshyn-Piper is hoping to get as far as possible with her bearing replacement, the last planned for today. If it cannot be finished, the chore can be added to the mission's fourth spacewalk set for Monday.

Bowen, meanwhile, is continuing work on his own bearing swap.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Pass Five-Hour Mark Outside ISS
22 November 2008 6:08 p.m. EST

Today's seven-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station by astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen has passed the five-hour mark as the two spaceflyer continue work to clean and grease a massive solar array gear.

So far, the astronauts have cleaned up various spots of the 10-foot (3-meter) ring and replaced four of six large bearings on tap for today.

"I think I'm finally getting the hang of this," said Stefanyshyn-Piper, who is making her third spacewalk dedicated to the repetitive, but painstaking, chore.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker Spots Metal Grit Build Up in Station Gear
22 November 2008 5:14 p.m. EST

Spacewalker Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper reported finding a larger than expected build up of metal debris while changing out a bearing on the space station's starboard solar array gear.

"It wasn't really a blob, it was really more of a pile," she said.

Mission Control asked her to snap a few photos of the spot before wiping it up with a mitten-like wipe cloth.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:01 p.m. EST (1801 GMT) and is slated to last at least seven hours.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Continue Station Gear Tune-Up
22 November 2008 4:22 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are proceeding ahead of schedule as they work to clean out and lubricate a massive, vital gear outside the International Space Station.

Stefanyshyn-Piper has replaced her second gear bearing of the day at her second worksite, while Bowen also works at his second task on the gear's 10-foot (3-meter) wide surface.

The spacewalkers plan to swap out five bearings, of the total 12, today. Five others were replaced on earlier spacewalks, as well as one swapped out over the summer. The last will be cleaned, but not replaced, mission managers said.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:01 p.m. EST (1801 GMT) and is slated to last at least seven hours.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Gear Clean-up Goes Smoothly in Spacewalk
22 November 2008 3:31 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are pushing ahead with their planned seven-hour spacewalk to tune up a clogged space station gear.

Bowen has moved on to his second of three worksites toda after replacing a bearing and cleaning metal debris from part of the starboard side gear earlier today. Stefanyshyn-Piper, too, is moving smoothly through her appointed tasks.

Their goal today is to finish clearing metallic debris clogging a 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear that turns the space station's starboard solar arrays to track the sun. They also plan to replace five grit-damaged bearings and clean around a sixth one.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Gear Clean-up Goes Smoothly in Spacewalk
22 November 2008 3:02 p.m. EST

The seven-hour space station gear cleaning job for spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen is going smoothly as the astronauts tackle the repetitive, but painstaking, work 225 miles above Earth.

Their goal today is to finish clearing metallic debris clogging a 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear that turns the space station's starboard solar arrays to track the sun. They also plan to replace five grit-damaged bearings and clean around a sixth one.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:01 p.m. EST (1801 GMT) and has passed the two-hour mark.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

S Spacewalkers Ahead of Schedule in Station Gear Clean-Up
22 November 2008 2:25 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are speeding through their marathon of space station cleaning and lubrication work. Mission Control has told the astronauts there's some time leftover to take a break from what is expected to be at least a seven-hour spacewalk.

Today's spacewalk began at 1:01 p.m. EST (1801 GMT) and is dedicated to cleaning metal grit and adding grease to a clogged solar array gear on the station's starboard side.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

The starboard solar array gear is designed to rotate the space station's right side solar wings like a paddlewheel so that they continuously track the sun to maximize power production. Last year, the gear was found to be filled with metal grit from grinding into itself.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Begin Cleaning Space Station Gear
22 November 2008 1:45 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen have begun the long, hard job of cleaning metal shavings and replacing bearings on a massive solar array-rotating gear outside the International Space Station.

Bowen is removing covers at the first of his three planned worksites on the 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear, which is known as a Solar Alpha Rotary Joint. Stefanyshyn-Piper, meanwhile, is working at her first worksite.

Click here for a diagram of the gear and the planned worksites today.

The starboard solar array gear is designed to rotate the space station's right side solar wings like a paddlewheel so that they continuously track the sun to maximize power production. Last year, the gear was found to be filled with metal grit from grinding into itself.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Begin Marathon Spacewalk to Clean Station Gear
22 November 2008 1:05 p.m. EST

The third spacewalk of the shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission has officially begun outside the International Space Station as astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen switched their spacesuits to battery power at 1:01 p.m. EST (1801 GMT).

"It's daylight out here," said Bowen, who will be the first one out of the airlock.

The spacewalk began 44 minutes early and is expected to run an arduous seven-hours to clean and grease a balky solar array gear.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Depressurize Space Station Airlock
22 November 2008 12:36 p.m. EST

Now nearly 50 minutes ahead of schedule, spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen depressurizing the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station for today's marathon clean-and-grease job on a starboard side solar array gear.

Once the spacewalkers switch their NASA-issue spacesuits to internal battery power, the planned seven-hour spacewalk will officially begin.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Ahead of Schedule in Spacewalk Prep
22 November 2008 12:08 p.m. EST

Astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are well ahead of schedule for today's spacewalk repair outside the International Space Station.

The astronauts are climbing into Crew Lock portion of the space station's Quest airlock. The compartment will be sealed behind them, and they'll prepare to depressurize the small room and open the outer hatch to space to begin today's marathon spacewalk tune-up of a balky space station gear.

The spacewalk was slated to begin at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT), but could begin nearly an hour early, NASA officials said.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Suit Up for Spacewalk, No Extra Day Planned
22 November 2008 11:04 a.m. EST

Astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are climbing into their NASA-issue spacesuits for today's marathon spacewalk repair job outside the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Mission Control has radioed up to the 10 astronauts aboard the shuttle and station to say there are currently no plans to extend Endeavour's 15-day mission by an extra day at the station.

In other news, Mission Control also reported that the Urine Processor Assembly of the station's new water recycler is currently functioning, during more tests.

"Good news," station astronaut Greg Chamitoff said

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station. Today's spacewalk is expected to begin at about 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT).

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Continue Water Recycler Tests, Prepare for Spacewalk
22 November 2008 9:49 a.m. EST

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station and shuttle Endeavour are continuing efforts to troubleshoot glitches with the outpost's new water recycling system while they prepare for the third, and longest, spacewalk of their mission today.

The water recycler is designed to turn urine and wastewater into drinking water, but is experiencing start-up hiccups. The machine was activated at about 9:16 a.m. EST (1416 GNT), but shut down a half hour later.

Meanwhile, today's spacewalk by astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen is slated to begin at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT), a marathon repair job to clean metal shavings out of a vital space station solar array gear.

Click here for a look at today's work outside the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Shuttle Astronauts Set for Reboost, Hour Off
21 November 2008 10:33 a.m. EST

Astronauts aboard NASA's space shuttle Endeavour are back to work today hauling new supplies into the International Space Station and tackling glitches with the space station's new Water Recovery System that turns urine into water.

The urine processor was activated for about 2 hours this morning before it shut itself down following other glitches late Thursday. Meanwhile, Endeavour's crew is due to take about an hour off today and fire their spacecraft's engine to boost the space station into a higher orbit.

Look for the space station reboost to take place at about 12:10 p.m. EST (1710 GMT) and astronauts to speak with reporters around 3:05 p.m. EST (2005 GMT).

Mission Control roused the astronauts at 9:05 a.m. EST (1405 GMT) with a song for lead spacewalker Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper called "Unharness Your Horses."

"I'd like to thank my family and all of my friends for that lively song for waking up to get us ready for another fun day in orbit today," Stefanyshyn-Piper said.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Endeavour's planned 15-day mission to the space station.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Second Spacewalk Concludes for Endeavour Crew
20 November 2008 7:52 p.m. EST

Endeavour astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough have begun repressurizing the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station, officially ending today's spacewalk.

Total spacewalking time: 6 hours, 45 minutes

The astronauts began the spacewalk at 12:58 p.m. EST (1758 GMT). During the work, they moved a pair of equipment carts and lubricated the station's Canadian-built robotic arm. They inspected a blemished cable and continued the arduous cleaning and lubricating of the space station's balky solar array gear.

A wrap up of today's spacwalk will be posted to SPACE.com's homepage shortly.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker Heads Back to Station Airlock
20 November 2008 7:33 p.m. EST

Spacewalker Shane Kimbrough is returning to the airlock aboard the International Space Station before crewmate Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper due to rising levels of carbon dioxide in his spacesuit. Kimbrough's levels were higher than Stefanyshyn-Piper, so Mission Control ordered him back to the station's Quest airlock.

Stefanyshyn-Piper is also now headed back to the airlock as they spacewalkers prepare to conclude today's work outside the station.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Wrapping Up Spacewalk
20 November 2008 7:14 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are wrapping up their work outside the International Space Station after more than six hours of tune-up work on the orbiting laboratory. They're gathering their tools before heading back to the station's Quest airlock.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Gear Clean Up Spacewalk Continues
20 November 2008 6:04 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough have passed the five-hour mark of today's planned 6 1/2-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

They're continuing work to clean up and lubricate a 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear that turns the space station's starboard solar arrays.

"You guys are doing super work out there," their crewmates aboard Endeavour said.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Gear Clean Up Goes Well in Spacewalk
20 November 2008 5:18 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are working steadily through their work to clean and lubricate massive gear outside the International Space Station. Their working on the far right side of the station, where they're using oven mitt-like wet wipes, scrapers and a space grease called Braycote to clean up the 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Station Gear Clean Up Goes Well in Spacewalk
20 November 2008 5:18 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are working steadily through their work to clean and lubricate massive gear outside the International Space Station. Their working on the far right side of the station, where they're using oven mitt-like wet wipes, scrapers and a space grease called Braycote to clean up the 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear.

Today's began at 12:58 p.m. EST (1758 GMT) and is expected to last at least 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker Finishes Station Arm Tune-Up
20 November 2008 4:32 p.m. EST

Spacewalker Shane Kimbrough has finished tuning up the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm, where he added a bit of lubrication to ensure it can grapple things properly.

He's heading over to help crewmate Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper  clean and lubricate a damaged gear that turns the space station's starboard solar arrays. The work is going smoothly, and has not been held up by the loss of a vital tool bag during a Tuesday spacewalk.

Today's spacewalk is nearing the 4-hour mark. It began at 12:58 p.m. EST (1758 GMT).

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Continue Station Gear Cleaning
20 November 2008 3:30 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are resuming work to clean and lubricate a damaged gear that turns the space station's starboard solar arrays.

Stefanyshyn-Piper is picking up where she left off during a Tuesday spacewalk to clean metal shavings out of the gear and lay down a new layer of grease to ease its ability to turn. Kimbrough is adding grease to the end of the space station's robotic arm. After that, he'll join Stefanyshyn-Piper on the solar array gear.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalker to Tune-Up Space Station Arm
20 November 2008 3:02 p.m. EST

After moving a pair of equipment carts outside the International Space Station, spacewalker Shane Kimbrough will now give the orbiting laboratory's Canadian-built robotic arm a tune-up of sorts.

He'll use some space grease to lubricate the sensitive snare at the tip of the arm, which is used to grapple station components, the outpost's hull and eventually grab spacecraft and guide them to open docking ports. Fellow spacewalker Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper is beginning work to clean and lubricate the station's balky starboard solar array gear.

Today's spacewalk began at 12:58 p.m. EST (1758 GMT) and has passed the two-hour mark. It is slated to run at least 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Move Space Station Pushcarts
20 November 2008 2:07 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are moving a pair of equipment carts from the right side of the International Space Station's railcar-like Mobile Transporter to its left, or port, side.

The move is needed to prepare the station for a planned February shuttle mission that will deliver new solar arrays for the starboard side. In order to install the new solar wings, the railcar needs a clear path to the rightmost edge of the orbital lab.

The work is going smoothly, with the astronauts working about 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Today's spacewalk began at 12:58 p.m. EST (1758 GMT) on the 10th birthday of the International Space Station.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Tackle First Tasks Outside Station
20 November 2008 1:34 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are hard at work outside the International Space Station, where they're gear up to move two pushcarts on the outpost's backbone-like main truss.

Stefanyshyn-Piper inspected an odd blemish on a cable that transfers power and data to and from the station's railcar-like Mobile Transporter.

"It looks like a black mark," she told Mission Control, which had spotted the blemish before and wanted to know what it was.

Kimbrough, meanwhile, is getting ready to climb aboard the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm, which is being flown by astronauts Sandra Magnus and Don Pettit inside the orbiting laboratory. Shuttle Endeavour pilot Eric Boe is choreographing today's spacewalk from inside the orbiter.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Begin Second Spacewalk at ISS
20 November 2008 1:15 p.m. EST

Astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough have begun today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station almost an hour early and are hard at work preparing the tools they'll use for their excursion.

The two spacewalkers floated outside the station's Quest airlock at 12:58 p.m. EST (1758 GMT), 49 minute minutes earlier than planned.

The spacewalk is the fourth for Stefanyshyn-Piper, who can be identified by the red stripe on her NASA spacesuit and the number 16 in helmet camera views here on NASA TV.

It is the first spacewalk for Kimbrough, who bears a dashed stripe on his spacesuit and the number 18 on his helmet cam views.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Second Spacewalk to Start Early at Space Station
20 November 2008 12:52 p.m. EST

Endeavour shuttle astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are preparing to begin today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station earlier than planned, thanks to some speedy work to prepare for the excursion.

The astronauts are set to switch their spacesuits to internal battery power to begin the spacewalk. It was initially slated to start at 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT).

Today's spacewalk is the second of four planned for Endeavour's crew. Astronaut will continue the complicated cleaning and lubrication of the station's balky starboard solar array joint and perform other space station maintenance.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Suit Up for Second Station Spacewalk
20 November 2008 10:58 a.m. EST

Endeavour shuttle astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough are donning their NASA-issue spacesuits for today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station on what is the 10th birthday of the orbital outpost.

Stefanyshyn-Piper is clad in a white spacesuit with red stripes, while Kimbrough is donning a white spacesuit with dashed red stripes. Today's spacewalk is the 116th spacewalk outside the space station and the fourth career spacewalk for Stefanyshyn-Piper. It is Kimbrough's first spacewalk.

Click here for a look at the space station's 10th birthday and today's spacewalk activities.

Today is Flight Day 7 of Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the space station. The astronauts awoke to the song "Summertime" performed by the band Bandelero for mission specialist Don Pettit.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page 

- Tariq Malik

Click here for earlier STS-126 mission updates.