Endeavour's tanked loaded for launch
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 2 p.m. EST

The second most hazardous operation conducted at any launch pad -- namely fueling the rocket -- is now complete at Kennedy Space Center's complex 39. Tanking officially concluded at 1:45 p.m. EST, exactly three hours after it began.

Endeavour now sits at pad 39A essentially ready to fly, missing only its flight crew and a good weather forecast in Spain to clear it for launch.

The seven-member crew is expected to depart for the pad just under fours hours to launch. The exact timing of their movements is not being publicized by NASA as a security precaution.

There is no change in the weather prognosis. Florida weather is good, Spanish weather at the emergency landing sites is bad.

The launch team is sending out a small Red Crew to investigate and repair what NASA public affairs is describing as a small hydraulic leak on the Gaseous Oxygen vent arm, that is the uppermost swing arm now attached to the shuttle. A NASA spokesperson says the leak is considered minor and will not be a showstopper.

Astronauts arrive at pad for Endeavour launch
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 4:35 p.m. EST

NASA launch commentary has just started and video is being broadcast of the seven astronauts entering shuttle Endeavour in preparation for launch.

The silver 'Astro-Van' has completed its journey from the Kennedy Space Center's Operations & Checkout Building out to the launch pad, Commander Jim Wetherbee has entered the Orbiter and Mission Specialist Ken Bowersox is preparing to make his way to Endeavour's mid-deck.

Shuttle Endeavour's external tank is filled with a half-million gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for this evening's launch attempt. Tanking officially concluded at 1:45 p.m. EST, exactly three hours after it began. The vehicle is now in "stable replenish" mode and its massive fuel tank will continue to be topped-off until launch time.

There is no change in the weather prognosis. Weather on Florida's Space Coast is near-perfect, weather at the two emergency landing sites in Spain is forecast to be 'No Go' to support a launch attempt this evening. The Zaragoza landing strip appears to hold the most promise for clearing and launch officials hope that a break in the persistent bands of rain will coincide with the five-minute launch window for Endeavour.

No technical issues are being worked and liftoff remains targeted for 7:49:47 p.m. EST.

Flight crew strapped inside Endeavour
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 6:15 p.m. EST

All seven crewmembers are now seated inside shuttle Endeavour and securely strapped in for the ride to orbit. The Orbiter's main hatch is now closed and the close-out crew will depart the pad within the next few minutes.

The sun has set on Florida's Space Coast and conditions are near-perfect. However, as was the case yesterday, weather at the two Trans-Atlantic Abort (TAL) emergency landing sites in Spain continues to be a potential show-stopper. In order for Endeavour to be allowed to launch, weather at one of the two TAL sites must be both observed 'Go' and forecast 'Go'.

During the shuttle's climb to orbit there is about a 2.5-minute period of time where if there is an engine failure the shuttle would arc over the Atlantic, re-enter Earth's atmosphere and land at either Zaragoza or Moron, where a small crew of workers would be ready to receive the Orbiter and crew. Launch officials hope that a small band of good weather would drift over Zaragoza at the right time and allow Endeavour to be launched.

Shuttle Endeavour's external tank is filled with a half-million gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for this evening's launch attempt. The vehicle is now in "stable replenish" mode and its massive fuel tank will continue to be topped-off until launch time.

There are no technical issues being worked and liftoff remains targeted for 7:49:47 p.m. EST, weather permitting.

Weather improves for Endeavour launch
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 7:15 p.m. EST

Weather conditions at one of two emergency landing sites in Spain has improved and NASA officials are hopeful that tonight's third launch attempt will be the charm for shuttle Endeavour.

As was the case yesterday, weather at the two Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites in Spain threatened to be a show-stopper. In order for Endeavour to be cleared for launch, weather at one of the two TAL sites must be both observed 'Go' and forecast 'Go'. At this time, conditions at Zaragoza, Spain are now observed 'Go' and forecast to be 'Go' at the time of launch.

All seven crewmembers are now seated inside shuttle Endeavour and securely strapped in for the ride to orbit. The Orbiter's main hatch is now closed, leak checks are complete and the close-out crew has retreated to their vantage point near the Vehicle Assembly Building to await launch.

There are no technical issues being worked and liftoff remains targeted for 7:49:47 p.m. EST during a five-minute launch window.

Endeavour 'Go for Launch'
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 7:41 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour has been cleared for launch from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on its 11-day space station crew exchange mission. The countdown clock has been restarted following the planned T-9 minute hold as final launch preparations are rushed to completion. Liftoff time is set for 7:49:47 p.m. EST. Tonight's launch window closes about 5 minutes later at 7:54:46 p.m. EST.

The seven member crew, led by veteran commander Jim Wetherbee and including John Herrington, the first Native American in space, are positioned inside the Orbiter awaiting their third launch attempt. Endeavour is also transporting three members of the ISS Expedition Six crew, led by astronaut Ken Bowersox, who will replace the Expedition Five crew now onboard the station.

Endeavour is also carrying the space station's P1 Truss - one of the backbones of the International Space Station.

There are no technical issues being worked and all systems are 'Go for Launch.'

Liftoff Endeavour!
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 7:50 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour has just lifted off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on its 11-day space station crew exchange mission.

It will take almost nine minutes for Endeavour to reach orbit.

At the time of liftoff, the International Space Station was 240 miles above Austria on its approach toward Florida and the Kennedy Space Center.

We will next update this page when Endeavour reaches orbit.

Endeavour arrives in orbit
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 8 p.m. EST

After almost a two week delay, shuttle Endeavour is safely in orbit.

NASA's newest orbiter returned to space after an apparently flawless launch from the Kennedy Space Center at 7:49:47 p.m. EST.

The seven member crew, led by veteran commander Jim Wetherbee, will now chase down the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting three new residents of the ISS, the Expedition Six crew led by astronaut Ken Bowersox who will replace the Expedition Five crew now onboard the station.

Still ahead in the next two hours are some critical steps, including an orbital maneuvering engine firing to fine-tune Endeavour's orbit and the opening of the payload bay doors.

Endeavour is also carrying the P1 Truss - one of the backbones of the International Space Station.

Endeavour in pursuit of space station
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 at 9:50 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour is safely in orbit, all seven astronauts are out of their launch and entry suits and the crew has officially moved into their formal flight plan timeline after getting a 'Go' for orbital operations.

Mission Control states the Orbiter is in good shape with the exception of a minor problem - a ball valve in the right Orbital Maneuvering System engine is stuck in the open position. The problem has no mission impact, but under mission rules, the engine cannot be used during the flight and will not be fired again until the de-orbit burn. The left Orbital Maneuvering System engine will be used exclusively in a cross-feed configuration until the de-orbit burn.

Endeavour's payload bay doors are open and the crew is now unstowing gear for their planned 11-day mission. The crew will begin a sleep period at about 1:50 a.m. EST (Sunday) and awaken at 9:50 a.m. EST.

Three rendezvous maneuvering burns of the shuttle's Reaction Control System engines will take place tomorrow - these small engine firings will adjust Endeavour's orbit to enable the shuttle to catch up with the International Space Station.

We will next update this page on Sunday.

Shuttle crew sets up for mission ahead
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002 at 12:30 p.m. EST

A quick update before things get too busy this afternoon -- not in space but around the National Football League and specifically at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., where Jim Banke's Minnesota Vikings are playing Roger Guillemette's New England Patriots. Vikings by a touchdown.

Back in Earth orbit, this is a day for the seven-member crew to set up for the mission ahead.

Following a relatively routine flight plan, the six astronauts and one cosmonaut will test the shuttle's slightly damaged robot arm and use its attached cameras to survey the contents of the cargo bay and make sure everything looks OK following launch.

Mission specialists Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington also will inspect their spacesuits and begin preparing the tools and equipment they will use during a trio of spacewalks that are scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Later in the afternoon the crew will extend the docking ring on the Orbiter Docking System and install a camera in the ODS that will be used by Endeavour commander Jim Wetherbee to align the shuttle for joining with the station at 4:26 p.m. EST Monday.

Finally, a trio of news organizations will interview members of the crew in a NASA TV event that you can watch by clicking on our link above at 7:55 p.m. EST.

For more on today's plans, see this Flight Day Two Mission Briefing page that will be a new feature of our daily mission coverage.

Endeavour on course for Monday docking
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002 at 10:30 p.m. EST

The seven men aboard Endeavour are heading into their pre-sleep part of today's timeline, which calls for them to be out for the night at 12:20 a.m. EST Monday. Eight hours later they will be awakened to begin Flight Day Three, the highlight of which will be rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station.

A series of small engine firings will be made to keep Endeavour on course for the outpost, and then at 2:34 p.m. EST the final major burn -- called Terminal Initiaion, or the TI burn -- will be done to close the final distance separating the two spaceships.

Four small mid-course correction burns are available if needed at that point as the laws of orbital mechanics will bring Endeavour under the station and then ahead of it, at which point shuttle skipper Jim Wetherbee will take manual control of the flying and guide the spaceplane in to dock with the forward end of the Destiny science module.

Less than two hours later the hatches are to be opened and the STS-113, Expedition Six and Expedition Five crews will be able to greet each other.

For more on Monday's plans, see our Flight Day Three Mission Briefing page.

Our next update to this page will be to confirm the TI burn, sooner if events warrant.

And for those keeping track at home, the Patriots beat the Vikings 24 to 17. Mr. Guillemette's next steak dinner at the Cape will be on me.

Shuttle maneuvers toward station
Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 at 2:15 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour's left-hand orbital maneuvering system engine has just completed a burn that has put the orbiter on its final approach to dock with the International Space Station at 4:26 p.m. EST.

A television camera on the station's S1 truss captured the burn as Endeavour cruised some nine miles away.

During the next two hours or so there could be as many as four small midcourse correction burns until Endeavour gets close enough that shuttle commander Jim Wetherbee can take manual control of the flying duties and steer the spaceplane in to dock.

Less than two hours later the hatches are to be opened and the STS-113, Expedition Six and Expedition Five crews will be able to greet each other.

For more on the rendezvous and docking procedure, see our Flight Day Three Mission Briefing page.

In the meantime, NASA TV is expected to broadcast much of the final approach and docking, offering some hopefully spectacular views of the shuttle and station. You can watch along by clicking on the link above.

We will next update this page when we can confirm docking, sooner if events warrant.

Wetherbee taking his time
Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. EST

Shuttle skipper Jim Wetherbee is manually flying Endeavour to dock with the International Space Station and is now less than 150 feet away and closing at about one-tenth of a foot per second.

The docking was planned for 4:26 p.m. EST but is being delayed a bit as the commander is taking his time in making a very slow and methodical final approach to dock with the Pressurized Mating Adapter on the forward end of the Destiny science module.

We are standing by for confirmation of docking shortly and will post an update here as soon as the two ships are locked together.

Shuttle docks with space station
Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 at 5 p.m. EST

Shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station are joined together in Earth orbit.

STS-113 commander Jim Wetherbee manually flew the spaceplane at a very slow pace along the final 600-foot approach path and docked with the outpost at 4:59 p.m. EST -- 33 minutes later than planned but not because of any problems.

Inside the station's Unity node, Expedition Five science officer Peggy Whitson rang the ship's bell to announce Endeavour's arrival as the two craft flew some 240 miles above the South Pacific.

During the next few moments the crews will wait for the relative motions of the two ships to dampen out, and then the orbiter docking ring will be retracted and a series of hooks and latches will be closed to firmly lock the two spacecraft together.

Then during the next hour or so the volume of space between the shuttle and the station will be pressurized, the newly formed tunnel checked for leaks. A little later, hatches will be swung open to allow the 10 humans now in space to greet one another in the Destiny science module.

That informal welcoming ceremony is planned in about two hours.

Almost immediately after that the transfer of critical equipment and supplies will begin that will allow the Expedition Six crew to take up residence in the station. The quick work is needed so that in case the shuttle would have to make a fast get away the new crew could remain in space and the Expedition Five crew could come home.

Hatches open and crews gather together
Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 at 6:50 p.m. EST

The STS-113, Expedition Five and Expedition Six crews are all together at this hour aboard the International Space Station.

Hatches between the orbiting outpost and shuttle Endeavour were opened at 6:31 p.m. EST and moments later shuttle commander Jim Wetherbee was the first to board the station, followed immediately after by Expedition Six commander Ken Bowersox, who is about to spend the next four months or so living and working there.

Already the effort to transfer critical equipment between the shuttle and the station had begun -- activities that will allow the Expedition Six crew to officially take up residence in the station tonight. Also planned in the near term is for current station commander Valery Korzun to give the visitors and new expedition crew a safety briefing.

Endeavour's arrival sets up the next major activity for the mission, which is the installation on Tuesday of the P1 truss and the first of three spacewalks planned for Endeavour's stay.

Our updates to this page will continue Tuesday morning when Endeavour's robot arm is used to grapple the truss at about 10:20 a.m. EST.

For a preview of Tuesday's plans and timeline, be sure to see this Flight Day Four Mission Briefing page.

Shuttle arm grapples P1 truss
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 at 10:20 a.m. EST

The busiest and perhaps most important day of the STS-113 mission has begun in earnest as Endeavour commander Jim Wetherbee grappled the P1 truss with the shuttle's robot arm at 10:01 a.m. EST.

Sixteen minutes later the payload retention latches in Endeavour's cargo bay were released and now the shuttle arm is the only thing preventing the truss from floating away.

The next step is for Wetherbee to raise the truss into what's called the "high hover" position, after which the station's robot arm -- operated by astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is now officially a member of the STS-113 flight crew -- will take the truss from the shuttle arm to continue the installation.

As all of this is going on, Endeavour spacewalkers Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington are preparing for their first spacewalk to help install the P1 truss. That EVA is expected to begin this afternoon around 3:25 p.m. EST.

For a full preview of today's plans and timeline, be sure to see this Flight Day Four Mission Briefing page.

And stay tuned to this page throughout the day as we follow the P1 truss installation. Our updates will come about every two hours or as events warrant.

Robot arms move truss into position
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 at 12:20 p.m. EST

Efforts to install the P1 truss to the International Space Station are moving along without incident this morning. In fact, the crew is about 40 minutes ahead of their timeline for today.

Endeavour commander Jim Wetherbee operated the shuttle's robot arm to grapple the P1 truss at 10:01 a.m. EST. Sixteen minutes later he began lifting the 14.5-ton girder out of the cargo bay and placed the truss into its so-called "high hover" position.

At 11:41 a.m. EST, astronaut Peggy Whitson -- who is running the station's Canadarm2 -- grabbed hold of the P1 truss and nine minutes later the shuttle's robot arm released its hold on the truss. Whitson is now moving the truss toward its attach point next to the S0 truss.

At this point the shuttle's robot arm is through with its heavy lifting and will be used to provide television views of the truss installation. There were no problems with the arm as a result of the damage inflicted on it by a work platform back at the Kennedy Space Center.

Also ahead of the timeline are the two spacewalkers -- Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington -- and its possible the first spacewalk will begin ahead of time. It is scheduled to start nominally about 3:25 p.m. EST.

For a full preview of today's plans and timeline, be sure to see this Flight Day Four Mission Briefing page.

And stay tuned to this page throughout the day as we follow the P1 truss installation. Our updates will come about every two hours or as events warrant.

P1 truss segment now a part of space station
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 at 2:20 p.m. EST

The backbone of the International Space Station is another 45 feet longer now that the P1 truss is permanently attached to the S0 truss.

Official capture time was marked at 1:48 p.m. EST after astronaut Peggy Whitson had used the station's Canadarm2 to carefully move the 14.5-ton girder into perfect alignment and closed the gap to allow a claw on the S0 truss to clamp down on a bar on the P1 truss.

A series of bolts will be turned to securely fasten the P1 truss and then the claw will be released. At the same time, spacewalkers Mike Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington are preparing to venture outside via the Quest airlock.

They are fully suited up, inside the airlock which is depressurizing and are expected to begin their spacewalk as much as a half-hour early.

Their job will be to continue the truss installation by connecting critical electrical lines to feed power to the station's new truss.

For a full preview of today's plans and timeline, be sure to see this Flight Day Four Mission Briefing page.

And stay tuned to this page throughout the day as we now begin to follow the first spacewalk. Our next update will come after the spacewalk officially starts.

Spacewalk No. 1 begins at station
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 at 3:15 p.m. EST

Endeavour spacewalkers Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington have begun the first of three spacewalks planned for this STS-113 mission. Official start time: 2:49 p.m. EST.

This is Lopez-Alegria's third spacewalk and Herrington's rookie outing.

During the next 6.5 hours or so the pair of spacemen will spend much of their time outfitting the just-installed P1 truss segment with power, data and fluid lines that connect the girder to its S0 truss neighbor. The work is considered critical because electrical power must be applied to the truss within the next few hours to keep its systems from freezing.

Also on the timeline for today is to release the locks that was holding a Crew and Equipment Translation Aid cart in place on rails on the P1 truss, install several Spool Positioning Devices at the end of ammonia coolant line quick disconnects, remove hardware that helped hold the P1 truss in place in Endeavour's cargo bay and attach an antenna that will help future spacewalkers broadcast their helmetcam views.

For a full preview of today's plans and timeline, be sure to see this Flight Day Four Mission Briefing page.

You are invited to watch the spacewalk via our link to NASA TV. During this EVA Lopez-Alegria -- whose nickname is L.A. -- is wearing the suit with red stripes. Herrington's suit is plain white and Endeavour pilot John Lockhart -- whose nickname is Paco -- is serving as the spacewalk manager.