Touchdown! Atlantis Lands Safely in California
24 May 2009 11:39 a.m. EDT

Shuttle Atlantis has safely landed at Edwards AFB, California, ending a 13-day servicing mission to refurbish the Hubble Space Telescope.

Atlantis touched down at 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT) at the back-up landing site in California's Mojave Desert, where weather conditions were perfect for the spaceplane's return.

Mission commander Scott ‘Scooter’ Altman and pilot Gregory Johnson guided the 226,040-pound 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 that slowed the vehicle for its powerless landing on the 15,013 feet long, 300 feet wide Edwards runway 22 – the northeast-to-southwest concrete runway.

Atlantis was diverted to the West Coast alternate landing site when continued instability in the Florida weather – offshore thunderstorms encroaching 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.

Led by Altman and Johnson, the STS-125 mission specialists were Megan McArthur (who also served as Atlantis' flight engineer), Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino, and Andrew Feustel.

STS-125 is the 53^rd space shuttle mission to land at the California landing site. STS-125 also marked Atlantis' 30^th mission and the 126^th 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 over $1 million.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Atlantis on Final Approach for Landing
24 May 2009 11:28 a.m. EDT

Space shuttle Atlantis is on final approach for a landing at Edwards AFB, California. Touchdown is scheduled for 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 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.

Crossing the California coast near Santa Barbara on their approach to Edwards AFB, Atlantis commander Scott 'Scooter' Altman, pilot Gregory Johnson and flight engineer Megan McArthur have completed a series of four banking maneuvers that slowed the Orbiter’s velocity and dissipated heat from the vehicle’s protective tiles.

The Orbiter will make a 200-degree left overhead turn in the skies above the Mojave Desert, followed by a long gliding approach to Edwards runway 22 – the northeast-to-southwest concrete runway, 15,013 feet in length, 300 feet wide.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Atlantis Re-entering Earth's Atmosphere  
24 May 2009 11:08 a.m. EDT

Shuttle Atlantis is now transitioning from spacecraft to aircraft, encountering the upper fringes of Earth's atmosphere - known as 'Entry Interface' - at about 399,000 feet above the South Pacific Ocean as it begins its fiery descent and a long, gliding approach to its alternate landing site at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

All spacecraft systems are performing as expected. Touchdown on Edwards runway 22 – the northeast-to-southwest runway – is scheduled for 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT) and weather conditions in the Mojave Desert are described as "pristine" for the spaceplane's approach and landing this morning.

With the heat on its Thermal Protection System tiles building to 2,500 degrees F, Atlantis is headed on a northeasterly course over the Pacific Ocean toward the Southern California coast, then descending over the high desert on its final approach for landing. STS-125 will mark the 53^rd space shuttle mission to land at the California facility.

STS-125 commander Scott 'Scooter' Altman and pilot Gregory Johnson completed a 2-minute, 36-second firing of Atlantis'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. Altman and Johnson will pilot the 226,040-pound vehicle through a series of wide sweeping turns and banking maneuvers, known as 'roll reversals', to slow the vehicle and then perform a 200-degree left overhead turn to properly align Atlantis with the runway for its powerless touchdown at Edwards AFB.

Veteran astronaut Chris Ferguson has been flying landing approaches to Edwards AFB in the Shuttle Training Aircraft – a specially modified Gulfstream jet that simulates the shuttle's handling characteristics – to evaluate the atmospheric conditions that Atlantis will encounter on its approach and landing.

Bands of offshore thunderstorms encroaching too close to the Orbiter's flight path forced NASA officials to wave-off both of today’s possible landing opportunities at the Kennedy Space Center. Flight controllers were previously forced to wave-off Florida landing opportunities on both Friday and Saturday, also due to inclement conditions.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Atlantis Heading Home to California
24 May 2009 10:28 a.m. EDT

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

Atlantis is scheduled to touch down at 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT) and weather conditions in the Mojave Desert are described as "pristine' for the spaceplane's approach and landing in the morning sunshine.

STS-125 mission commander Scott 'Scooter' Altman and pilot Gregory Johnson just completed a two minute, 36 second firing of Atlantis' twin Orbital Maneuvering System engines that began at 10:24:41 p.m. EDT (1424:41 GMT), reducing the shuttle's velocity by about 307 miles/hour (267 feet/sec), 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, Atlantis was orbiting about 350 miles above the Southern Pacific Ocean.

Atlantis will cross the California coast near Santa Barbara, just south of Vandenberg AFB, on its approach to the landing strip. Altman and Johnson will then precisely execute a series of turns and banking maneuvers to bleed-off excess speed and slow the Orbiter for its powerless, gliding approach to Edwards< runway 22 – a concrete runway 15,013 feet in length, 300 feet wide. STS-125 will mark the 53rd space shuttle mission to land at the California facility.

Veteran astronaut Chris Ferguson has been flying landing approaches in the Shuttle Training Aircraft – a specially modified Gulfstream jet that simulates the shuttle's handling characteristics – to evaluate the atmospheric conditions that Atlantis would encounter on its approach and landing at Edwards AFB.

Bands of offshore thunderstorms encroaching too close to the Orbiter's flight path forced NASA officials to wave-off both of today’s possible landing opportunities at the Kennedy Space Center. Flight controllers were previously forced to wave-off Florida landing opportunities on both Friday and Saturday, also due to inclement conditions.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Atlantis to Land in California Today
24 May 2009 10:02 a.m. EDT

Space shuttle Atlantis will land in California this morning after flight controllers determined that weather conditions in Florida will remain too unstable to reasonably attempt a landing today.

Atlantis commander Scott 'Scooter' Altman and pilot Gregory Johnson are now slated to fire the shuttle’s twin Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines for the de-orbit burn at 10:24:41 a.m. EDT (1424:41 GMT), resulting in an 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT) touchdown at the alternate landing site, Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert.

Atlantis's twin Orbital Maneuvering System engines will be fired for 2 minutes and 36 seconds, high above the Pacific Ocean, to slow the Orbiter's velocity by about 267 feet/sec, sufficient to begin its fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere and a long, gliding approach to Edwards runway 22 – a concrete runway 15,013 feet in length, 300 feet wide. STS-125 will mark the 53^rd space shuttle mission to land at the California facility.

The STS-125 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.

A near-perfect forecast at Edwards AFB – breezy with just a few scattered clouds – made for an easy decision for Entry Flight Director Norm Knight to direct the STS-125 crew to begin preparations for a landing later this morning in the high desert of California.

Bands of offshore thunderstorms encroaching too close to the Orbiter's flight path forced NASA officials to wave-off both of today’s possible landing opportunities at the Kennedy Space Center. Flight controllers were previously forced to wave-off Florida landing opportunities on both Friday and Saturday, also due to inclement conditions.

Veteran astronaut Chris Ferguson has been flying landing approaches in the Shuttle Training Aircraft – a specially modified Gulfstream jet that simulates the shuttle's handling characteristics – to evaluate the atmospheric conditions that Atlantis would encounter on its approach and landing to Edwards AFB.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Atlantis Aims for Second Landing Opportunity
24 May 2009 8:30 a.m. EDT

Space shuttle Atlantis will not land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center on the first of its two possible landing opportunities today due to unacceptable weather conditions; however, flight controllers are keeping landing options open on both coasts to bring Atlantis home later this morning.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

Entry Flight Director Norm Knight waved-off Atlantis' first landing opportunity at Florida's Kennedy Space Center after meteorologists observed and forecast thunderstorms encroaching too near the Orbiter's projected flight path – a violation of landing weather criteria.

Atlantis' crew, commanded by veteran astronaut Scott Altman, has been instructed to prepare for landing at Edwards AFB in California, but flight controllers will closely monitor the dynamic Florida weather conditions to see if they improve sufficiently for landing on the next orbit. Weather at Edwards AFB is near-ideal for a landing attempt today.

There are two landing options available on orbit 197 - the first at Edwards Air Force Base at 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT) and a second opportunity, just nine minutes later, at the Kennedy Space Center at 11:48 a.m. EDT (1548 GMT). The de-orbit burn for landing at Edwards would occur at approx. 10:24 a.m. EDT (1424 GMT); the de-orbit burn for a Florida landing would be about sixteen minutes later at 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT).

NASA chief astronaut Steve Lindsey has been flying landing approaches in the Shuttle Training Aircraft – a specially modified Gulfstream jet that simulates the shuttle's handling characteristics – closely monitoring the winds and thickening cloud deck, evaluating the weather conditions that Atlantis would encounter on its approach and landing to the Kennedy Space Center.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’s STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Weather ‘Marginal’ for Florida Shuttle Landing
24 May 2009 8:19 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – There are blue skies over the Kennedy Space Center here for today’s Atlantis shuttle landing at 10:09 a.m. EDT (1409 GMT), but the weather is still “marginal” because of some developing rain showers within a 30-mile perimeter of the landing strip.

Mission Control has given the astronauts a tentative go to prepare to fire Atlantis’ engines at 8:57 a.m. EDT (1257 GMT) to begin its descent through Earth’s atmosphere.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Astronauts ‘Go’ to Start Fluid Loading for Landing
24 May 2009 8:00 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mission Control has given the seven astronauts aboard shuttle Atlantis a go to begin a process called “fluid loading,” which calls for the spaceflyers to drink at least 32 ounces of liquid to prepare their bodies for the return to gravity. They can choose from a chicken consommi , orange and lemon-lime drinks, and salt tablets.

Mission Control told the astronauts they can pace themselves while drinking the extra fluids, as the weather over Florida may still thwart a 10:09 a.m. EDT (1409 GMT) landing. An 11:48 a.m. EDT (1548 GMT) touchdown in California is still on the table.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Astronauts to Get Seated for Landing
24 May 2009 7:50 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Astronauts aboard shuttle Atlantis should be climbing into their seats soon, starting at about 7:57 a.m. EDT (1157 GMT) as they prepare for today’s first landing attempt at 10:09 a.m. EDT (1409 GMT) here at the Kennedy Space Center.

Atlantis has a second landing opportunity today in California at 11:48 a.m. EDT (1548 GMT), and will land then if bad weather thwarts the first try in Florida. Developing rain showers to the southeast of the shuttle’s landing strip here are the main concern. They’re within the 30-mile perimeter, violating NASA flight rules.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

NASA Recons Weather for Shuttle Landing
24 May 2009 7:19 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s chief astronaut Steve Lindsay will begin his weather recon flights over the Shuttle Landing Facility here at the Kennedy Space Center for Atlantis’ planned landing at 10:09 a.m. EDT (1409 GMT). If the weather cooperates, Atlantis would fire its twin Orbital Maneuvering System engines at about 8:56 a.m. EDT (1256 GMT) to begin the descent back to Earth.

Rain is still encroaching within the 30-mile (48-km) perimeter around the landing strip.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Astronauts to Suit Up For Shuttle Landing
24 May 2009 7:00 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Atlantis astronauts have been given the go-ahead to don their bright orange entry suits for today’s landing. They have closed the payload bay doors on Atlantis, indicating entry flight director Norm Knight’s hope to land here in Florida at 10:09 a.m. EDT (1409 GMT). A second attempt at the Edwards Air Force Base in California is available at 11:48 a.m. EDT (1548 GMT).

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Atlantis Astronauts Prepare for Landing
24 May 2009 6:00 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Astronauts aboard shuttle Atlantis are again preparing to land for the third day in a row. Touchdown is targeted for 10:11 a.m. EDT (1411 GMT) here at the Kennedy Space Center, where weather conditions have improved slightly – although rain showers are still expected. A second opportunity arises at 11:48 a.m. EDT (1548 GMT), when Atlantis could land at a backup runway in California.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Unstable Weather Scrubs Atlantis Landing Again
23 May 2009 8:40 a.m. EDT

Space shuttle Atlantis will remain in orbit for another day. Unstable weather conditions – low clouds in excess of acceptable limits and precipitation near the Orbiter’s projected flight path - forced NASA flight controllers to wave-off both of today’s possible landing opportunities at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

Entry Flight Director Norm Knight made the 'wave-off' determination after meteorologists again forecast 'No-Go' conditions for today's second Florida landing opportunity.

Weather conditions in Florida are expected to improve for a landing opportunity on Sunday, while the alternate landing site at Edwards AFB, California is forecasting ideal weather.

Atlantis has sufficient consumables to remain in orbit until Monday.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Atlantis Aims for Second Landing Opportunity
23 May 2009 7:30 a.m. EDT

Space shuttle Atlantis will not land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center on the first of its two possible landing opportunities today due to unacceptable weather conditions; however, flight controllers are keeping landing options open on both coasts to bring Atlantis home later this morning.

Entry Flight Director Norm Knight waved-off Atlantis' first landing opportunity at Florida's Kennedy Space Center after meteorologists observed and forecast low cloud ceilings and rain showers near the Orbiter's projected flight path – both violations of landing weather criteria..

Atlantis' crew, commanded by veteran astronaut Scott Altman, has been instructed to prepare for landing in California on the next orbit, but flight controllers will closely monitor the dynamic Florida weather conditions to see if they improve sufficiently for landing. Weather at Edwards AFB is near-ideal for a landing attempt today.

There are two landing options available on orbit 181 - the first at California's Edwards Air Force Base at 10:45 a.m. EDT (1445 GMT) and a second opportunity, just nine minutes later, at Florida's Kennedy Space Center at 10:53 a.m. EDT (1453 GMT). The de-orbit burn for landing at Edwards AFB would occur at approx. 9:29 a.m. EDT (1329 GMT); the de-orbit burn for a Florida landing would be about fifteen minutes later at 9:44 a.m. EDT (1344 GMT).

NASA chief astronaut Steve Lindsey has been flying landing approaches in the Shuttle Training Aircraft – a specially modified Gulfstream jet that simulates the shuttle's handling characteristics – closely monitoring the winds and thickening cloud deck, evaluating the weather conditions that Atlantis would encounter on its approach and landing to the Kennedy Space Center.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’s STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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

Weather Prevents First Shuttle Landing Attempt, Another Chance Ahead
23 May 2009 7:09 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Bad weather has again delayed the shuttle Atlantis’ landing today, with Mission Control forgoing the first opportunity because of nearby thunderstorms. The next landing opportunity is at 10:45 a.m. EDT (1445 GMT) in California, but NASA could press for a 10:54 a.m. EDT (1454 GMT) here at the Kennedy Space Center.

“We’re keeping our options open,” Mission Control told the crew. The astronauts are returning home after a 12-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

The weather is the big issue here in Florida. It is spotty at best and just on the edge of being acceptable for today’s planned landing. Atlantis has more landing chances here and at Edwards Air Force Base later today.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

NASA Eyes Weather for Shuttle Landing
23 May 2009 6:45 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Atlantis astronauts should soon be climbing into their seats for today’s 9:16 a.m. EDT (1316 GMT) landing attempt here at the Kennedy Space Center. Meanwhile, NASA’s chief astronaut Steve Lindsay is flying recon flights in a modified aircraft that mimics a shuttle during landing to take a better look at weather conditions.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

The weather is the big issue here in Florida. It is spotty at best and just on the edge of being acceptable for today’s planned landing. Atlantis has more landing chances here and at Edwards Air Force Base later today.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Shuttle Astronauts Suit Up for Landing
23 May 2009 6:12 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Astronauts aboard shuttle Atlantis have begun donning their bright orange partial pressure suits for today’s planned 9:16 a.m. EDT (1316 GMT) landing here at the Kennedy Space Center. Lightning can be seen in the distance, but Mission Control reports that weather conditions are just on the border of acceptability. The shuttle may also land today in California and has enough supplies to stay in space through Monday.

Click here for a look at today’s landing plans.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Atlantis Astronauts ‘Go’ to Close Payload Bay Doors
23 May 2009 5:00 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mission Control has given the astronaut crew of Atlantis the go-ahead to close the shuttle’s clamshell-like payload bay doors, a sign that entry flight director Norm Knight is confident in today’s landing attempts despite bad weather in Florida. The astronauts were told to hold off on donning their bright orange pressure suits for re-entry in case of a wave-off.

Click here for the full story.

Atlantis is slated to land here in Florida at 9:16 a.m. EDT (1316 GMT), but could also try to land at the Edwards Air Force Base in California at 10:45 a.m. EDT (1445 GMT). Mission Control said the weather over Florida is still being tracked.

Mission Control roused the astronauts at 1:01 a.m. EDT (0501 GMT) with the song “Where My Heart Will Take Me” by Russell Watson. The tune is the theme song for the TV series “Star Trek: Enterprise” and was played for the entire crew.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

WAVEOFF! Shuttle Astronauts to Spend Extra Day in Space
22 May 2009 8:08 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Atlantis astronauts will spend an extra day in space after bad weather thwarted their planned landing on Friday. The astronauts are backing out of the pre-landing set up work and reconfiguring Atlantis for one more night in orbit.

Click here for the full story.

The shuttle is now slated to land no earlier than 9:16 a.m. EDT (1316 GMT) here in Florida, but NASA also plans to activate its backup landing site in California. In all, four landing opportunities, two each in Florida and California, are available. 

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Weather Delays First Shuttle Landing Attempt
22 May 2009 6:15 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mission Control has decided to forgo the first attempt to land shuttle Atlantis here at the Kennedy Space Center due to weather. The call came early, just before 6 a.m. ET, as Mission Control told the shuttle astronauts to stand down from their work for a planned 10 a.m. ET landing.

The next opportunity to land comes at 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT), and would require Atlantis to fire its engines to leave orbit at about 10:33 a.m. EDT (1433 GMT).

Click here for the full story.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Weather Doubtful for Shuttle Landing Today
22 May 2009 5:33 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The weather continues to look bleak for today’s planned landing of the shuttle Atlantis and its crew, which are returning home after a successful last service call on the Hubble Space Telescope. Rain and thunderstorms, as well as a low cloud ceiling and winds, are all concerns at the target runway at Kennedy Space Center.

Click here for the full story.

"There are a lot of issues against us, however it's a very dynamic situation and we're going to keep an eye on it closely," Mission Control radioed the crew. NASA roused the astronauts at 2:01 a.m. EDT (0601 GMT) with “The Galaxy Song,” a tune from the film “Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.”

“Atlantis, we hope that soon you'll remember what it's like to stand on the planet,” Mission Control called up.

“And Houston, thanks for that,” Altman replied.  “We're looking forward to that as well.”

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

NASA Eyes Weather for Friday Shuttle Landing
22 May 2009 2:51 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis have packed up their spacecraft for their planned landing on Friday, but rainy weather may delay their return from a successful repair flight to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Atlantis and its seven-astronaut crew hope to wrap up their mission to the 19-year-old Hubble with a landing just after 10:00 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) here at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). But rain and thunderstorms are expected near their shuttle runway during two potential landing opportunities, mission managers said Thursday.
|
Click here for a look at today’s work in space.

“The weather for KSC on Friday, I’ll tell ya, doesn’t look great,” said entry flight director Norm Knight. “We expect it’s going to improve over the next couple of days, but again we’ll just have to wait and see.” Today is Flight Day 11 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The crew will land on Flight Day 12

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Repair Crew Spends Last Full Day in Space
21 May 2009 4:30 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – The Atlantis astronauts are spending what is expected to be their last full day in space today as they prepare to return home from their Hubble repair mission. Mission Control roused the astronauts at 3:04 a.m. EDT (0704 GMT) with the tune “Cantina Band” from the film “Star Wars” composed by John Williams. It was played for the entire crew.

Click here for a look at today’s work in space.

Here’s a rundown of the Atlantis crew’s day in space:

3:04 a.m. – Wake up
6:01 a.m. – Cabin stowage
6:11 a.m. – Flight control systems checks
7:21 a.m. – Reaction control system thruster checks
9:51 a.m. – Crew deorbit preparation briefing
12:31 p.m. – Testify briefing before Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee on NASA budget with Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)
2:41 p.m. – Speak with network TV reporters
3:06 p.m. – Stow Ku band antenna
3:15 p.m. – NASA Mission Status Briefing
6:01 p.m. –Crew sleep begins

Today is Flight Day 11 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The crew will land on Flight Day 12

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Shuttle Crew Conserves Power for Possible Landing Delay
20 May 2009 2:35 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis have powered down non-essential systems in order to conserve supplies in case bad weather delays their planned landing in Florida on Friday.

Mission Control asked the crew to start conserving power in case stormy weather thwarts their landing windows on Friday. NASA hopes to land Atlantis in Florida, but could land there – or at a backup runway in California – on Saturday or Sunday.

The Atlantis crew is headed back to Earth after a successful mission to repair the 19-year-old Hubble Space Telescope. The shuttle is due to land Friday morning at 10:01 a.m. EDT (1401 GMT) during the first of at least two landing windows.

Today is Flight Day 10 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Atlantis Astronauts Discuss Flight, Take Cosmic Calls
20 May 2009 12:24 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – During their only day off in a packed 11-day mission to overhaul the Hubble Space Telescope, the Atlantis astronaut crew discussed their flight with reporters. They are speaking to the crew of the International Space Station and U.S. President Barack Obama later today.

“We did it, but I’m still impressed that we did it,” Atlantis astronaut Andrew Feustel said. He participated in three of the five back-to-back spacewalks to upgrade Hubble during the mission.

The astronauts are speaking with the three astronauts aboard the International Space

“You were awesome, outstanding job,” station astronaut Koichi Wakata said.

Today is Flight Day 10 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Shuttle Astronauts Begin Day Off with Trek Theme
20 May 2009 4:30 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – The seven astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis awoke to the sound of the original ‘Star Trek’ television show theme music as they begin a day largely reserved as an off day for their mission. NASA roused the crew at about 4:01 a.m. EDT (0801 GMT) to the Trek theme music composed by the late Alexander Courage.

“That was a great wake-up call for the whole crew,” one of the astronauts said. “I’d just like to say to every one on the great planet Earth, ‘Live long and prosper.’”

Of Atlantis astronauts, veteran spacewalker and Hubble repairman John Grunsfeld has said he is a dedicated Star Trek fan. They are slated to speak with reporters about their mission at 10:26 a.m. EDT (1426 GMT) and call the International Space Station crew at 12:06 p.m. EDT (1606 GMT).

Today is Flight Day 10 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Atlantis Astronauts Inspect Heat Shield
19 May 2009 1:25 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – The astronauts aboard shuttle Atlantis have begun a day-long inspection of their spacecraft’s heat shield, a standard late inspection to check its integrity. Earlier, they released the Hubble Space Telescope after about six days of work to repair its ailing systems.

Click here for a look at today’s release of the Hubble Space Telescope.

They will scan the shuttle’s starboard wing, nose cap and then port wing to make sure they have not been dinged by space junk while Atlantis has been orbiting Earth.

Today is Flight Day 9 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Shuttle Atlantis to Move to Lower Orbit
19 May 2009 10:30 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Their work at the Hubble Space Telescope complete, the astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis are preparing to fire their shuttle’s twin rocket engines – the Orbital Maneuvering System – to lower their orbit. The move will send Atlantis down to an orbit with a lower amount of space junk than that at Hubble’s 350-mile (563-km) neighborhood.

It should lower the risk of critical damage to Atlantis, currently at about a 1-in-229 chance, by about 15 percent.

Click here for a look at today’s release of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Today is Flight Day 9 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Astronauts Release Hubble Space Telescope
19 May 2009 9:00 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON –Mission specialist Megan McArthur has released the Hubble Space Telescope back into space using the shuttle Atlantis’ robotic arm. Release occurred on time at 8:57 a.m. EDT (1257 GMT).

Shuttle commander Scott Altman has fired the shuttle’s engines to leave Hubble alone for good. 

Click here for a look at today’s Hubble release.

Today is Flight Day 9 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Hoisted From Shuttle, Deploy Time Pushed Back
19 May 2009 7:46 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON –Mission specialist Megan McArthur is slowly hauling the nearly 13-ton Hubble Space Telescope out of the shuttle Atlantis cargo bay using the robotic arm and is moving it to out to its redeploy position.

Click here for a look at today’s Hubble release.

McArthur plucked Hubble out of Atlantis’ cargo bay at about 7:26 a.m. EDT (1126 GMT). She is moving it to the deploy position and is expected to let Hubble loose at about 8:57 a.m. EDT (1257 GMT).

Today is Flight Day 9 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Atlantis Crew Prepares to Release Hubble
19 May 2009 7:00 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – The astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis are poised to release the Hubble Space Telescope back into space. Mission specialist Megan McArthur will redeploy Hubble at around 8:53 a.m. EDT (1253 GMT) using the robotic arm aboard Atlantis after nearly a week linked to the telescope to make repairs and upgrades.

Click here for a look at today’s Hubble release.

Mission Control roused the crew at 4:31 a.m. EDT to “Lie in Our Graves” performed by the Dave Matthews Band. It was played for astronaut Megan McArthur.

“Good morning, Atlantis, and a special good morning to you today, Megan,” Mission Control said.

“Good morning, Houston. Good morning to my husband, Bob,” said McArthur, who is married to fellow astronaut Bob Behnken. “I love you and I will see you soon.”

 

Today is Flight Day 9 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Deploys Antennas, 5th Spacewalk Ends
18 May 2009 3:27 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are repressurizing the airlock aboard the shuttle Atlantis, officially ending the last-ever spacewalk to the Hubble Space Telescope. With no more work planned, the telescope has deployed its twin high-gain antennas, which sit atop masts that fold up from its central trunk.

Click here for an initial wrap up of today’s work in space.

Total spacewalk time today: 7 hours, 2 minutes.

It was the eighth spacewalk for Grunsfeld, the third for Feustel and the 23rd dedicated to upgrading and repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Spacewalkers Return to Airlock
18 May 2009 3:22 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have returned to the airlock on shuttle Atlantis and are preparing to end their orbital work after nearly seven hours outside.

Click here for an initial wrap up of today’s work in space.

They accomplished all of their tasks to cap a five-day spacewalk marathon to extend Hubble’s systems and science instruments.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Spacewalkers Wrap Up Work
18 May 2009 2:54 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – After sailing through their spacewalk work, astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are preparing to return to the shuttle Atlantis’ airlock after an emotional exchange commemorating the end of their work.

“It’s a really big adventure we’ve been on,” said an emotional Grunsfeld. “Hubble isn’t just a satellite. It’s about humanity’s quest for knowledge.”

He thanked many people and teams behind the telescope’s evolution and mission life.

“On this mission we tried some things than many people thought were impossible,” he said, referring to some intricate repairs. “We achieved that, and we wish Hubble the best.”

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Spacewalkers Finish Hubble Insulation Work
18 May 2009 1:54 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are wrapping their work to add three new insulation panels, their final chore.

“John, if you’re done monkeying around with the airlock, I’ll take you back to the airlock,” Atlantis astronaut Megan McArthur told Grunsfeld, who was perched at the top of the shuttle’s robotic arm.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Spacewalkers Add 1st Insulation Panel
18 May 2009 1:00 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have successfully installed the first of three gleaming metal insulation panels to the Hubble Space Telescope’s hull. They have two more on tap. Some of the panels serve as both insulation and radiators for Hubble’s delicate instruments. They ward off the worst of the radiation and extreme temperature swings in space, while allowing radiating out heat to prevent overheating, Hubble managers have said.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Getting New Insulation Panels
18 May 2009 12:30 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON – With their battery and sensor upgrades completes, spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are installing new steel foil-covered insulation panels to the Hubble Space Telescope’s hull. They planned to fully install one and partially install a second, but Mission Control has given them the go-ahead to fully install three panels since they’re work is going smoothly.

Today’s spacewalk began at 8:20 a.m. EDT (1220 GMT) and was slated to run  nearly six hours.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Spacewalkers Button Up Hubble Doors
18 May 2009 11:58 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are speeding through their spacewalk and have closed the doors to Hubble’s fine guidance sensor, which they replaced earlier in their work.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Up next are plans to install new insulation panels on Hubble’s hull to protect its delicate instruments against solar radiation and the extreme temperature changes in space as the telescope orbits the Earth. Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Spacewalkers Install Hubble’s New Sensor
18 May 2009 11:30 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have successfully installed the new fine guidance sensor in the Hubble Space Telescope. The sensor, one of three, is used by Hubble for precise pointing as it observes distant objects. Hubble has three such sensors, and uses two at a time for steering. The third can be used for astrometry, the ultra-precise science of star positions and their motions.

Things are going so well, Mission Control may give the spacewalkers the go-ahead to install all of Hubble’s new insulating panels. Previously, there only hoped to attach one, and perhaps partially attach one other.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Spacewalkers Remove Old Hubble Sensor
18 May 2009 11:10 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – As their spacewalk continues to go smoothly, astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have removed an old fine guidance sensor from the Hubble Space Telescope – their second chore of the day.

Grunsfeld is riding the shuttle’s robotic arm and is hauling out old sensor, which has shown some signs of wear. They will install a new one during today’s spacewalk.

“Ah, what a beautiful view,” Grunsfeld said.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Spacewalkers Replace Hubble Batteries
18 May 2009 10:15 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have completed their work to install three new batteries inside the Hubble Space Telescope. The chore was the first task of the day, but the last major requirement for NASA’s list of minimum Hubble upgrades in order to consider the Atlantis’ crew’s mission a success.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

The spacewalkers have two more big tasks ahead. They will install a fine guidance sensor for pointing and much-needed insulation panels.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Spacewalkers Begin Hubble Battery Swap
18 May 2009 9:20 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Spacewalkers John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are tackling their first chore of today’s Hubble Space Telescope spacewalk: replacing a set of three old batteries that store the power generated by Hubble’s solar wings.

“What a beautiful spaceship we’re on guys, that includes you Megan,” Grunsfeld told his crewmates, which includes six men and one woman – astronaut Megan McArthur.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Fifth Spacewalker Begins at Hubble Telescope
18 May 2009 8:30 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON –astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have begun today’s spacewalk at the Hubble Space Telescope, the fifth and last of their mission. The spacewalk began nearly an hour ahead of schedule.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

The first chore for the two spacewalkers is the replacement of Hubble’s second set of batteries. It is the eighth career spacewalk for Grunsfeld, who is wearing a red-striped spacesuit, and the third for Feustel, in an all-white spacesuit.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Hubble Astronauts Depressurize Airlock for Spacewalk
18 May 2009 8:20 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Working well ahead of schedule, Atlantis astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel are depressurizing their shuttle’s airlock as they prepare for today’s last spacewalk at the Hubble Space Telescope.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

“It looks like it’s going to be a great day for EVA,” said Atlantis commander Scott Altman. Today’s spacewalk was slated to begin at around 9:16 a.m. EDT (1316 GMT), but Grunsfeld and Feustel are nearly an hour ahead of schedule.

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Astronauts Suit Up for Last Hubble Spacewalk
18 May 2009 7:32 a.m. EDT

HOUSTON – Atlantis astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel have donned their NASA-issue spacesuits and are gearing up for the last-ever spacewalk at the Hubble Space Telescope. Today’s spacewalk is aimed at vital maintenance and was slated to begin at around 9:16 a.m. EDT (1316 GMT), but Grunsfeld and Feustel are nearly an hour ahead of schedule.

Click here for a look at today’s spacewalk. It is their mission’s fifth spacewalk and the 23rd in history at Hubble.

Mission Control roused the astronauts early Monday with the song “Sound of Your Voice” by the band Barenaked Ladies, a tune selected for Atlantis skipper Scott Altman.

“Good morning, Houston, that's a great wake up,” Altman said. “I'd just like to say thanks for that song. I do miss waking up to the sound of my wife's voice. So thanks to you, Jill. Also my family, Daniel, Alex and Michael. I look forward to hearing the sound of all your voices when we come home. It's a great day here in space looking out the windows, and we're looking forward to a great EVA. Thanks so much, Houston.”

Today is Flight Day 8 of Atlantis’ 11-day mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope 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.

Click here for past STS-125 mission updates.