STS-127 Countdown to Launch
DaysHoursMinutesSeconds

Mission Highlights
(Times Approximate)
Monday, July 13
KSC Launch
6:51 p.m. EDT (2251 GMT)
Flight Day 2
Shuttle Heat Shield Survey
Flight Day 3
Shuttle Docks at ISS
Flight Day 4
First Spacewalk Begins
Japanese Porch Installed at ISS
Flight Day 5
In-Flight Interviews
Flight Day 6
Second Spacewalk Begins
Spare Parts Delivered to ISS
Flight Day 7
Robotic Arm Handoffs for:
Kibo porch cargo pallet
ISS spare part pallet
Flight Day 8
Crew Takes Time Off
Flight Day 9
Third Spacewalk Begins
Kibo Lab External Preparations
Solar Array Battery Swap
Flight Day 11
Japanese Kibo Experiments Installed
In-Flight Interviews
Flight Day 12
Fourth Spacewalk Begins
Solar Array Battery Swap/Kibo Camera work
Flight Day 13
Crew Takes Time Off
Flight Day 13
Robotic arm handoffs
Flight Day 13
Joint Crew News Conference
Flight Day 14
Fifth Spacewalk Begins
ISS Maintenance Work
Flight Day 14
Crew Farewell Ceremony/
Hatch Closure
Flight Day 15
ISS Undocking
Flight Day 16
Heat Shield Inspection
Flight Control Systems Check
Small Payload Deploys
In-Flight Interviews
11:15 p.m. EDT
Flight Day 17
De-orbit Burn
KSC Landing
Post-landing conference
Landing+2 Hours
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NASA Gives Endeavour a "Go" For Tanking
13 July 2009 9:34 a.m. EDT

Mission managers cleared the space shuttle Endeavour to begin tanking this morning in preparation for a launch attempt tonight at 6:51 p.m. EDT (2251 GMT), with a 40 percent chance of good weather expected..

Tanking should begin shortly.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Thunderstorms Scrub Endeavour Launch

12 July 2009 7:01 p.m. EDT

A line of lightning-producing thunderstorms approaching Florida's Kennedy Space Center has forced a scrub of this evening's planned launch of space shuttle Endeavour.

NASA will try again to launch Endeavour on Monday evening.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Thunderstorms May Scrub Endeavour Launch
12 July 2009 6:40 p.m. EDT

Thunderstorms forming along the afternoon sea breeze are threatening to scrub this evening's launch attempt of shuttle Endeavour on a mission to the International Space Station.

Chief astronaut Steve Lindsey is currently flying approaches around Florida's Kennedy Space Center to monitor a cluster of thunderstorms that have formed too close to the Shuttle Landing Facility. Launch commit criteria prohibit rain showers or thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility to ensure maximum visibility in the event of an emergency Return-to-Launch-Site Abort (RTLS).

The countdown clock is currently halted at the T-minus 9-minute mark – a scheduled built-in hold lasting approx. 45 minutes. The preferred launch time has been adjusted slightly to for 7:13:54 p.m. EDT (2315:54 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window that closes at 7:18:55 p.m. EDT (2318:55 GMT).

If needed, a secondary launch window of 3 minutes, 11 seconds is available through 7:22:06 p.m. EDT (2322:06 GMT); however, launch during that secondary window would result in a later rendezvous and docking with the space station.

Other than the weather, the launch team is not currently working any technical issues as the countdown enters its final 30 minutes. A concern about some “slushy ice” forming near the liquid hydrogen umbilical seal has been determined not to be an issue for launch.

Shuttle Endeavour's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the seven STS-127 astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing smoothly for this evening's launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center's pad 39-A.

Veteran of three shuttle missions, astronaut Mark Polansky is commander of STS-127 accompanied by rookie pilot Doug Hurley. STS-127 mission specialists are Christopher J. Cassidy, Thomas H. Marshburn, David A. Wolf and Canadian astronaut Julie Payette who also serves as Endeavour's flight engineer.

Endeavour will deliver astronaut Timothy L. Kopra to the International Space Station as flight engineer and science officer and return Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata to Earth.

Wolf is making his fourth spaceflight and previously spent 128 days aboard the Russian Mir space station; Payette is making her second spaceflight, having previously flown on mission STS-99 in 1999. Hurley, Cassidy, Marshburn and Kopra are spaceflight rookies.

The astronauts are running through their pre-launch checklists and are closely monitoring their spacecraft systems in preparation for their ascent to orbit. The close-out crew has finished breaking down the 'White Room' surrounding the spacecraft hatch and departed the launch pad.

The 16-day STS-127 mission will include five spacewalks and the installation of two platforms outside of the Japanese Kibo module. One platform is permanent and will serve as a type of porch for experiments that require direct exposure to space. The other is an experiment storage pallet that will be detached and returned with the shuttle. During the mission, Kibo’s robotic arm will exchange three experiments from the palette to the platform. Future experiments also can be transferred to the platform from the inside using the laboratory’s airlock.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


 Thunderstorms Threaten Endeavour's Launch Attempt
12 July 2009 6:15 p.m. EDT

Afternoon thunderstorms encroaching too close to Florida's Kennedy Space Center are threatening to disrupt this afternoon's smooth countdown for shuttle Endeavour on a mission to the International Space Station. Watch the launch attempt live via SPACE.com’s NASA TV webcast.

Launch commit criteria prohibit rain showers or thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility to ensure maximum visibility in the unlikely event of an emergency Return-to-Launch-Site Abort (RTLS). Shuttle Launch Weather Officer Kathy Winters has informed the launch team that a weather system to the northwest is moving toward the Kennedy Space Center and conditions are currently 'Red' or 'No Go for launch.

Launch remains scheduled for 7:13:55 p.m. EDT (2315:55 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window that closes at 7:18:55 p.m. EDT (2318:55 GMT). A final adjustment may be made at the T-9 minute hold to more precisely align with the orbit of the International Space Station.

Weather conditions at all three Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites in Zaragoza and Moron, Spain and Istres, France are both observed and forecast 'Green' or 'Go' to support a launch attempt this evening.

Aside from the weather concerns, the launch team is not currently working any technical issues as the countdown enters its final hour.

Endeavour's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the seven STS-127 astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing for this afternoon's launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39-A. The countdown clock has just restarted following the planned T-minus 20-minute hold and will tick down to T-minus 9-minute hold - a planned, built-in hold to allow the launch team to catch up on any final preparations.

Weather permitting, Endeavour is about to sail on its 23rd mission to deliver the final components of the Japan's Kibo laboratory to the ISS. The lab will provide a type of "front porch" for experiments in the exposed environment, and a robotic arm that will be attached to the Kibo Pressurized Module and used to position experiments outside the station.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Endeavour's Hatch Closed for Launch
12 July 2009 5:20 p.m. EDT

Shuttle Endeavour's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the seven STS-127 astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing smoothly for this evening's launch attempt from pad 39-A at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Watch the action live via SPACE.com’s NASA TV webcast.

Launch is scheduled for 7:13:55 p.m. EDT (2315:55 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window that closes at 7:18:55 p.m. EDT (2318:55 GMT). A final adjustment may be made at the T-9 minute hold to more precisely align with the orbit of the International Space Station.

The STS-127 crew - led by veteran mission commander Mark Polansky and rookie pilot Doug Hurley - just completed the final series of air-to-ground communications checks to ensure that the astronauts can talk to flight controllers and each other during the spacecraft's ascent to orbit.

Endeavour's massive External Tank is now filled with a half-million gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen and will continue to be topped-off until launch.

The launch team is not working any technical issues at this time; however, technicians are closely monitoring a build-up of "slushy ice" on the liquid hydrogen umbilical seal edge. Weather along Florida's Space Coast is still cooperating, with just a 30-percent chance that the afternoon sea breeze will trigger some showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Weather conditions at all three Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites in Zaragoza and Moron, Spain and Istres, France are observed and forecast 'Green' or 'Go' to support a launch attempt this evening.

STS-127 will be the 29th shuttle mission to the International Space Station and the 16-day flight will include five spacewalks.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


 Endeavour Astronauts Strapped-in for Launch
12 July 2009 4:45 p.m. EDT

The seven STS-127 astronauts are now securely strapped into their seats onboard shuttle Endeavour and are beginning final preparations for this evening's launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A. Watch the action live via SPACE.com’s NASA TV webcast.

Launch is scheduled for 7:13:55 p.m. EDT (2315:55 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window that closes at 7:18:55 p.m. EDT (2318:55 GMT).

Led by veteran commander Mark Polansky (making his third spaceflight) and rookie pilot Doug Hurley, the STS-127 mission specialists are Christopher J. Cassidy, Thomas H. Marshburn, David A. Wolf and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Endeavour will also deliver astronaut Timothy L. Kopra to the International Space Station as flight engineer and science officer and return Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata to Earth.

Wolf is making his fourth spaceflight and spent 128 days aboard the Russian Mir space station; Payette is making her second spaceflight, having previously flown on mission STS-99 in 1999, and will serve as Endeavour's flight engineer. Cassidy, Marshburn and Kopra will be making their first trips to space.

The astronauts are now engaged in a series of communications checks between the spacecraft, the launch team and Mission Control in Houston.

The launch team is not currently working any technical issues and weather conditions along Florida's Space Coast are near-ideal for July. The official forecast remains pegged at an optimistic 70 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch – the primary concern is the afternoon sea breeze triggering thunderstorms and showers within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

The combination of a spectacular early evening weekend launch and fine weather is attracting throngs of spectators who are lining the area's beaches and causeways by the thousands to witness Endeavour's liftoff.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


 Endeavour Commander Enters Spacecraft
12 July 2009 3:50 p.m. EDT
 

NASA's STS-127 mission commander Mark Polansky has climbed onboard shuttle Endeavour for this evening's planned launch attempt at 7:13:55 p.m. EDT (2315:55 GMT). STS-127 will be Polansky's third spaceflight. Watch the action live via SPACE.com’s NASA TV webcast.

No technical issues are currently being worked for this evening's launch attempt and the weather conditions along Florida's Space Coast are near-perfect. Meteorologists are closely watching the afternoon sea breeze to see if it triggers showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

At this time, shuttle Endeavour is fully fueled for launch and the vehicle is in "stable replenish" mode, with propellants being topped-off until launch time. Earlier today, technicians loaded Endeavour's 15-story external fuel tank with the super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that will feed its three main engines during the 8.5-minute ascent into space. Fueling operations ended at 12:48 p.m. EDT (1648 GMT) with more than 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant loaded into the fuel tank.

Endeavour sets sail on its 23rd mission to deliver the final components of the Japan's Kibo laboratory to the ISS. The lab will provide a type of "front porch" for experiments in the exposed environment, and a robotic arm that will be attached to the Kibo Pressurized Module and used to position experiments outside the station. The mission will include five spacewalks.

STS-127 is the 29th shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Endeavour Astronauts Arrive at Launch Pad
12 July 2009 3:40 p.m. EDT 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The seven STS-127 astronauts have arrived at Pad 39A where shuttle Endeavour awaits a 7:13:55 p.m. EDT (2315:55 GMT) liftoff. Watch the action live via SPACE.com’s NASA TV webcast.

The astronauts will soon enter Endeavour one by one, beginning with veteran shuttle commander Mark Polansky, to prepare for this evening's launch attempt.

The launch team is not working any technical issues and the countdown so far has been smooth and uneventful. The Final Inspection Team, also known as the "Ice Team", has not found any unusual build-up of ice or damage to the External Tank.

The official weather forecast remains pegged at a very optimistic 70 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch the only concern is the possibility the afternoon sea breeze may trigger thunderstorms and showers within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Weather conditions at all three Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites in Zaragoza and Moron, Spain and Istres, France are both observed and forecast 'Green' or 'Go' to support a launch attempt this evening.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Endeavour Astronauts Depart for Launch Pad
12 July 2009 3:23 p.m. EDT

The crew of space shuttle Endeavour, clad in their bright orange launch-and-entry pressure suits, has departed the Operations & Checkout (O&C) Building at the Kennedy Space Center. The seven astronauts, riding in their silver 'Astro Van', are now en route to the seaside pad 39A where the shuttle is poised for launch, framed by hazy blue skies and a few streaks of high clouds. Watch the action live via SPACE.com’s NASA TV webcast.

After a twenty-minute ride to the launch pad, the STS-127 astronauts will enter Endeavour one by one, beginning with veteran shuttle commander Mark Polansky, to prepare for this evening's launch attempt.

Launch is scheduled for 7:13:55 p.m. EDT (2315:55 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window that closes at 7:18:55 p.m. EDT (2318:55 GMT).

The launch team is not currently working any technical issues and the inspection of the vehicle by the 'Ice Team' has not found anything of concern. Weather conditions along Florida's Space Coast are near-ideal for July – the official weather forecast remains pegged at an optimistic 70 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch. Meteorologists are closely watching the afternoon sea breeze for the possibility that it could trigger thunderstorms and showers within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.

The combination of a spectacular early evening weekend launch and fine weather is attracting throngs of spectators who are lining the area's beaches and causeways by the thousands to witness Endeavour's launch attempt.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Launch Countdown Resumes
12 July 2009 3:18 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The countdown toward launch for the space shuttle Endeavour has picked back up at T-3 hours and counting, ending a planned hold.

Endeavour's seven astronauts are still at the operations and checkout building, but are preparing to leave and ride the silver "astrovan" down to the launch pad.

Endeavour is slated to lift off tonight at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT).

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Astronauts Suit Up For Launch
12 July 2009 3:00 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The seven astronauts set to launch aboard the space shuttle Endeavour this evening have begun to don their orange launch and entry flight suits.

"Weather briefing is complete. Time to put on the launch suit," commander Mark Polansky wrote via Twitter.

The crew members are at the operations and checkout building where they are making final preparations before heading out to Launch Pad 39A, where Endeavour waits.

The countdown is proceeding smoothly with no issues being worked at this time, NASA said.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Weather Outlook Promising
12 July 2009 2:48 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Endeavour's astronaut crew is currently hearing a weather briefing before beginning to suit up in preparation for launch.

The weather forecast for this evening's planned launch is favorable, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions.

"Our main concern today is going to be showers within 20 nautical miles of the shuttle landing facility," said Scott McCormick of the 45th weather squadron at NASA. "Hopefully we'll see a carbon copy of what we had yesterday," which was beautiful, clear skies.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Final Shuttle Inspections Underway
12 July 2009 2:00 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Endeavour's "closeout crew" is at Launch Pad 39A making final preparations for the astronauts to board the shuttle in a couple hours. NASA's Final Inspection Team is also onsite, examining the shuttle from the outside to make sure there is no ice, debris or damage to the vehicle.

"There are no serious technical issues or problems being worked," NASA spokesman Mike Curie said. "Everything continues to be normal."

The countdown toward launch is in a planned hold at T-3 hours, and is set to resume counting down to zero at 3:18 p.m. EDT.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Fueling Complete
12 July 2009 12:50 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tanking of the space shuttle Endeavour is complete, with both its super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants fully loaded.

Fueling progressed uneventfully, with no sign of the hydrogen leak that plagued two earlier launch attempts of Endeavour. Since those anomalies, NASA fixed a misaligned plate between the shuttle and the fuel tank.

"It's rock solid," said Steve Payne, NASA test director, after the leak failed to reappear today. "We're very happy with the repair."

If all continues to go well, NASA plans to launch Endeavour this evening at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT) from Launch Pad 39A here at Kennedy Space Center.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


No Sign of Shuttle Leak So Far
12 July 2009 12:00 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – No indication of a hydrogen gas leak has been seen on the space shuttle Endeavour so far.

The fueling process has reached the point where the potentially dangerous leak occurred twice before, stalling Endeavour's earlier launch attempts.

"Launch teams are monitoring but have had no indications of leaks at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate," the site of the previous leaks between a vent pipe and the shuttle's external tank, NASA spokeswoman Candrea Thomas said.

If all continues to go well, NASA plans to launch Endeavour this evening at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT) from Launch Pad 39A here at Kennedy Space Center.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Tanking Almost Complete
12 July 2009 11:42 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank is almost fully loaded with its liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant.

At this point the liquid hydrogen is about 98 percent full, and fueling is entering a phase known as "topping," where only a small of amount of liquid must be loaded to top off the fuel level.

It was around this milestone that the potentially dangerous leak of gaseous hydrogen was detected during two of Endeavour's previous launch attempts, forcing a scrub.

So far, nothing is amiss.

"The team is not working any technical issues now," said NASA spokeswoman Candrea Thomas.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Fueling Proceeds Smoothly
12 July 2009 10:30 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Loading of the space shuttle Endeavour's 15-storey orange external fuel tank is progressing smoothly in preparation for a planned launch today at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT) from here at Kennedy Space Center.

Ground crews recently began slowly filling the tank with super-chilled liquid oxygen propellant; tanking of liquid hydrogen is also underway. Fueling began this morning at 9:48 a.m. EDT (1348 GMT), and is expected to last about three hours.

Endeavour's seven astronauts are still in their crew quarters, gearing up for their belated launch.

"Just got the word that we are GO to fuel the external tank," commander Mark Polansky wrote via Twitter this morning. "Hope that today is the day! Watching the Tour de France at the moment."

The weather outlook for today bodes well, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions expected, NASA said.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle OK To Begin Fueling
12 July 2009 9:10 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle is "Go" to launch today after NASA cleared Endeavour to begin fueling.

Tanking of the 15-storey external fuel tank is set to begin at 9:48 a.m. EDT (1348 GMT), with a launch attempt scheduled for tonight at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT).

Ground crews finished examining the space shuttle Endeavour and found no signs of damage from a lightning strike on Friday.

The weather outlook for today has slightly improved, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions, NASA said.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Cleared of Lightning Damage
12 July 2009 8:58 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has finished examining the space shuttle Endeavour and found no signs of damage from a lightning strike on Friday. Mission managers are now in a final meeting to decide whether to begin tanking the shuttle for a launch attempt tonight at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT).

If Endeavour is "go" for tanking, the loading of the fuel tank will begin at about 9:45 a.m. EDT.

The weather outlook for today has slightly improved, with a 70 percent chance of good conditions, NASA said.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA Discusses Shuttle Launch Outlook
12 July 2009 8:15 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mission managers are meeting to discuss whether the space shuttle Endeavour is ready to fly today. NASA hopes to attempt a launch this evening at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT).

Yesterday's launch plans were delayed to allow ground crews more time to examine the shuttle for signs of damage due to a lightning storm that hit on Friday. If the checks are complete and the vehicle is in good shape, NASA aims to lift off Endeavour to begin its 16-day construction mission to the International Space Station.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Launch Delayed 24 Hours
11 July 2009 11:00 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has called a 24-hour delay to the shuttle Endeavour's launch plans to allow more time for ground crews to investigate the possibility of lightning damage to the launch pad.

A violent lightning strike appeared to hit near Endeavour's Launch Pad 39A last night here at the Kennedy Space Center.

No damage has been found so far, but NASA must check the area thoroughly before resuming the countdown toward lift off.

Endeavour is now slated to launch no earlier than tomorrow at 7:13 p.m. EDT (2313 GMT).

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Fuel Tanking Delayed
11 July 2009 09:44 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA has delayed the planned fuel loading of the space shuttle Endeavour's external tank while ground crews check the launch pad area for signs of a possible lightning strike last night.

No damage has been found so far, but NASA must check the area out after lightning appeared to strike close to the pad yesterday. Tanking may begin about half an hour past the planned 10:14 a.m. EDT (1414 GMT) start time, NASA spokespeople said.

Endeavour is slated to launch today at 7:39 p.m. EDT (2339 GMT) from the seaside launch pad here, in its third attempt to lift off after a gas leak thwarted earlier tries.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour Unveiled for 3rd Launch Attempt
10 July 2009 11:59 p.m. EDT

NASA unveiled the space shuttle Endeavour late Friday by retracting the protective Rotating Service Structure at its Florida launch pad in preparation for Saturday’s planned launch at 7:39 p.m .EDT (2339 GMT). It is the third launch attempt in two months for Endeavour, which was waylaid twice by hydrogen gas leaks last month.

Engineers began retracting the shroud-like service structure, which provided access to much of the orbiter and protected it from weather, at about 11:00 p.m. EDT (0200 July 11 GMT). Fueling of the shuttle’s external tank is slated to begin at about 10:0 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT).

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Astronauts Head to Launch Site Today
7 July 2009 10:48 a.m. EDT

The seven-astronaut crew of NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour is slated to arrive at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., today to prepare for a planned Saturday launch to the International Space Station. The astronauts are due to arrive at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), and you can watch it live on NASA TV.

Commanded by veteran spaceflyer Mark Polansky, Endeavour’s STS-127 crew is set to fly a marathon 16-day mission to deliver a new crewmember and the last piece of the station’s massive Kibo Japanese lab. Five spacewalks are planned. The mission has been delayed since June 13 due to a hydrogen gas leak that has since been resolved.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


No Leaks Yet in Shuttle Fueling Test
1 July 2009 9:15 a.m. EDT

So far, so good for NASA’s fueling test of the space shuttle Endeavour. NASA spokesperson Candrea Thomas reports that there has been no sign of a hydrogen gas leak similar to those that thwarted two launch attempts last month. Endeavour’s attached 15-story fuel tank has been loaded with the cryogenic liquid hydrogen propellant needed for a shuttle launch. The last of its liquid oxygen supply should be loaded aboard by about 10 a.m. EDT.

“So far, teams have not seen any indications of leaks beyond the acceptable parameters for launch,” Thomas said.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s tanking test live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour’s Fueled With Liquid Hydrogen
1 July 2009 8:55 a.m. EDT

NASA has completed filling Endeavour’s fuel tank with the liquid hydrogen required for today’s tanking test and is now topping off the tank. This point is where hydrogen gas leaks have appeared in the past, so engineers are watching the shuttle’s repaired umbilical plate and vent line closely to see if the recent fixes have been successful.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s tanking test live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour’s Fueling Test on Track
1 July 2009 8:33 a.m. EDT

Today’s fueling of the massive external tank attached to the space shuttle Endeavour is proceeding as planned. You can watch it live on NASA TV. So far, the 15-story tank is about 25 percent full.

The fueling process, known as a tanking test, began on time at about 7:00 a.m. EDT (1100 GMT) and is expected to take about three hours. Sometime between 9 a.m. and 9:30 am EDT, the tank should reach the 98 percent mark, at which time NASA will learn if recent repairs to the tank’s hydrogen vent line were successful.

The fueling test is critical in order to clear Endeavour for a July 11 launch. A hydrogen gas leak prevented two earlier attempts on June 13 and June 17.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s tanking test live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Fueling Test Begins for Shuttle Endeavour
1 July 2009 7:00 a.m. EDT

NASA has begun a critical fueling test for the space shuttle Endeavour to determine if external fuel tank repairs have been successful and will allow a planned July 11 launch. You can watch it live on NASA TV.

The test will load Endeavour’s massive external tank with the 526,000 gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen while watching for leaks on a hydrogen gas vent line. A misalignment in a Teflon seal on the umbilical plate that connects the vent line to the external tank appeared to be the reason for excessive hydrogen gas leaks during launch attempts on June 13 and June 17, forcing NASA to stand down to avoid an explosion risk.

NASA has since replaced the single Teflon seal with a two-part version and installed special washers to help correct the misalignment. Today’s test is expected to run about three hours.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s tanking test live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Launch Cancelled
17 June 2009 1:55 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has cancelled today's planned launch of the space shuttle Endeavour after a hydrogen gas leak was discovered on a vent pipe leading off the shuttle's external tank.

A leak of gaseous hydrogen from this same location prompted NASA to cancel the shuttle's first launch attempt June 13.

Over the last four days workers swapped out the seal on this vent pipe in hopes of stopping the leak, but the repair apparently didn't fix the problem.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Countdown Resumed; Leak Persists
16 June 2009 1:50 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has picked up the countdown toward Endeavour's planned launch today at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT), even though engineers have not resolved a gas leak problem on the shuttle's external tank.

Workers are trying to troubleshoot the problem and gather data on why the leak persists despite a replacement of the seal between the leaking vent pipe and the shuttle's external fuel tank.

The launch countdown is now at T minus 2 hours, 54 minutes.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA Troubleshoots Gas Leak on Shuttle
16 June 2009 1:30 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA crews are trying to fix a leak of hydrogen gas from a vent pipe off the shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank.

Engineers have stopped and started the flow of liquid hydrogen into the tank repeatedly in attempts to adjust the amount of fuel in the tank, in order to cycle the valves on the seal between the pipe and the shuttle.

"There are some encouraging signs," NASA commentator Mike Curie said of the repair efforts.

NASA is already in a battle against the clock to complete tanking and countdown preparations in advance of Endeavour's planned launch at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) from here at Kennedy Space Center.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Hydrogen Fueling Stopped
16 June 2009 1:04 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers have stopped loading liquid hydrogen into the shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank after a leak was discovered in a vent pipe connected to the tank. NASA is evaluating possible ways to stop the leak.

A leak of gaseous hydrogen from this same location prompted NASA to cancel the shuttle's first launch attempt June 13.

"Engineers are monitoring a leak at the same location where a leak was detected during our previous launch attempt," NASA commentator Mike Curie said. "It’s a leak in the amount greater than we would anticipate at this time."

Over the last four days workers have swapped out the seal on this vent pipe in hopes of stopping the leak, but this early indication suggests it might be reappearing. If the problem persists it could force NASA to cancel today's launch attempt as well.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Leak Detected At Problem Area
16 June 2009 1:00 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ground crews have noticed a gas leak in the area of the seal between a vent pipe and the external tank on the space shuttle Endeavour. A leak of gaseous hydrogen from this same location prompted NASA to cancel the shuttle's first launch attempt June 13.

"Engineers are monitoring a leak at the same location where a leak was detected during our previous launch attempt," NASA commentator Mike Curie said. "It’s a leak in the amount greater than we would anticipate at this time."

Over the last four days workers have swapped out the seal on this vent pipe in hopes of stopping the leak, but this early indication suggests it might be reappearing. If the problem persists it could force NASA to cancel today's launch attempt as well.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Endeavour Crew to Hear Weather Briefing
16 June 2009 12:55 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Endeavour's seven-astronaut crew is preparing to hear a briefing about the weather outlook for their planned launch today at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) from here at Kennedy Space Center.

"While Endeavour is tanked, we will have our launch day weather briefing with mission control at 0110 EDT," the shuttle's commander Mark Polansky said via Twitter. "We're putting on our game faces."

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA Races The Clock To Complete Countdown
16 June 2009 12:36 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA is scrambling to plan a condensed countdown to the space shuttle Endeavour's scheduled launch today at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT), after fueling began three hours late due to bad weather.

Tanking of the space shuttle Endeavour's liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant is now progressing smoothly after beginning shortly after 11:00 p.m. EDT, pushed back from its initial start time of 8:15 p.m. – a record tanking delay. NASA teams think they can make up for lost time and complete all the preparations necessary for this morning's launch with a hurried schedule.

"We enjoy challenges and the team is really performing in an outstanding manner," shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach said. "We're going to give it our shot. If we don’t get there, we just don’t get there."

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA Races The Clock To Complete Countdown
16 June 2009 12:36 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA is scrambling to plan a condensed countdown to the space shuttle Endeavour's scheduled launch today at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT), after fueling began three hours late due to bad weather.

Tanking of the space shuttle Endeavour's liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant is now progressing smoothly after beginning shortly after 11:00 p.m. EDT, pushed back from its initial start time of 8:15 p.m. – a record tanking delay. NASA teams think they can make up for lost time and complete all the preparations necessary for this morning's launch with a hurried schedule.

"We enjoy challenges and the team is really performing in an outstanding manner," shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach said. "We're going to give it our shot. If we don’t get there, we just don’t get there."

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Tanking Proceeding Smoothly
16 June 2009 11:40 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tanking of the space shuttle Endeavour's liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant is progressing smoothly after beginning shortly after 11:00 p.m. EDT.

Fueling was delayed by about three hours because of thunderstorms and lightning near the shuttle's Launch Pad 39A here at Kennedy Space Center. Now the shuttle team is working quickly to try make up for lost time to prepare Endeavour for its planned launch at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) tomorrow.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle "Go" For Tanking
16 June 2009 11:06 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has given the go ahead to begin filling the space shuttle Endeavour's fuel tank for launch tomorrow.

The verdict came almost three hours after the planned start of tanking at 8:15 p.m. EDT. Fueling was stalled because of thunderstorms and lightning near the shuttle's Launch Pad 39A here at Kennedy Space Center.

NASA will now try to make up for lost time to prepare the shuttle for its scheduled launch at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) tomorrow.

Lightning is dangerous during tanking because of the chance it could ignite the shuttle's highly flammable liquid propellants. It also poses a danger to equipment and people working outside.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Weather Looking Better For Shuttle Tanking
16 June 2009 10:35 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – It's getting down to the wire, but mission managers are hopeful they may be able to begin fueling the space shuttle Endeavour tonight in time to prepare the vehicle for its planned launch tomorrow at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) from here at the Kennedy Space Center.

Foul weather has so far delayed tanking of Endeavour. Fueling was scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. EDT, but thunderstorms and lightning in the area forced NASA to hold off. Lately those storms have started to clear.

"That is giving the launch teams optimism that perhaps they could get a shot at beginning fueling operations," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said.

Endeavour's seven-astronaut crew standing by.

"Waiting for word on whether we can tank the vehicle or not," Endeavour's commander Mark Polansky said via Twitter. "Time will tell. Can't worry about things that we can't control."

Lightning is dangerous during tanking because of the chance it could ignite the shuttle's highly flammable liquid propellants. It also poses a danger to equipment and people working outside.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Launch Plans in Weather Hold
16 June 2009 9:21 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mission managers are anxiously monitoring the weather here in hopes that crews can begin filling the shuttle Endeavour's giant orange external fuel tank with its liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant.

Fueling was scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. EDT, but thunderstorms and lightning in the area have forced NASA to delay. The agency has about two hours to begin fueling without impacting the planned launch of Endeavour tomorrow at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) liftoff here from the Kennedy Space Center.

Lightning is dangerous during tanking because of the chance it could ignite the shuttle's highly flammable liquid propellants. It also poses a danger to equipment and people working outside.

The weather forecast predicts an 80 percent chance of good launch conditions Wednesday morning.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Fueling Delayed Over Weather
16 June 2009 8:45 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Fueling has not begun on the space shuttle Endeavour as planned because of thunderstorms in the area. Tanking was scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. EDT, but NASA has forestalled over weather concerns.

Ground teams are poised to begin fueling as soon as the weather clears. NASA has until about 10:00 p.m. EDT to begin fueling without impacting the planned launch of Endeavour tomorrow at 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) liftoff here from the Kennedy Space Center.

The weather forecast predicts an 80 percent chance of good launch conditions Wednesday morning.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour in Launch Position
16 June 2009 2:30 p.m. EDT

The space shuttle Endeavour is in launch position with NASA’s countdown clock ticking down toward a planned 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch clock resumed counting down toward liftoff from the T-11 hours mark at 1:15 p.m. EDT (1715 GMT).

Endeavour’s crew is slated to awake at 6:45 p.m. EDT (2245 GMT) and NASA plans to begin fueling the shuttle’s 15-story external tank at 8:15 p.m. EDT (0015 Thurs. GMT). The weather forecast predicts an 80 percent chance of good launch conditions.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most launch preview story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour Primed for Fueling
16 June 2009 11:26 a.m. EDT

NASA has unveiled the space shuttle Endeavour atop its seaside launch pad in preparation for its planned 5:40 a.m. EDT (0940 GMT) launch tomorrow from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Pad crews have retracted the shroud-like Rotating Service Structure, which protected Endeavour from weather at the pad.

NASA plans to begin fueling Endeavour’s 15-story fuel tank at 8:15 a.m. EDT (0015 Wed. GMT) for tomorrow’s launch attempt. Live coverage will begin at 12:30 a.m. EDT.

Click here for SPACE.com’s most recent launch date update.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA Mulls Shuttle Launch Date
15 June 2009 10:57 a.m. EDT

NASA is expected to announce this afternoon a new targeted launch date for the space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. The shuttle had planned to lift off June 13 but was grounded because of a potentially dangerous hydrogen gas leak from its external tank.

NASA may try to launch Endeavour on Wednesday, if they are able to complete repairs quickly enough. The shuttle's launch date must be juggled with the liftoff plans of launch two new lunar probes set to travel to the moon that day atop an unmanned rocket launching from the nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Endeavour is slated to launch on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station to deliver a Japanese-built porch for the outpost’s Kibo lab.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch delay story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA Weighs Shuttle Launch Delay
14 June 2009 9:30 a.m. EDT

Top NASA mission managers will meet today to discuss plans to fix a potentially dangerous hydrogen gas leak on the space shuttle Endeavour’s launch pad in order to try again to launch the spacecraft’s STS-127 mission. The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) today and NASA plans to brief the media and public later in the day after it concludes.

Endeavour was hours from launch early Saturday when NASA scrubbed its attempted liftoff due to the gas leak. The shuttle could try again as early as Wednesday, but NASA also plans to launch two new lunar probes to the moon that day atop an unmanned rocket launching from the nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Endeavour is slated to launch on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station to deliver a Japanese-built porch for the outpost’s Kibo lab.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch delay story.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Launch Delayed Over Gaseous Hydrogen Leak
13 June 2009 12:22 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A gaseous hydrogen leak was discovered on the space shuttle Endeavour while its external tank was fueling, prompting NASA to cancel today's launch plans.

The glitch is similar to an issue that thwarted the space shuttle Discovery's STS-119 launch in March, though that issue was eventually fixed and the shuttle launched successfully.

Endeavour had planned to launch today at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) toward the International Space Station to deliver a new experiment porch for the space station’s Japanese Kibo lab.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch preview story or watch a video overview of the mission.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Space Shuttle Begins Fueling
12 June 2009 9:52 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ground crews began fueling the space shuttle Endeavour's giant orange external tank with its liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel today at 9:52 p.m. EDT (0152 GMT).

The shuttle is set to launch Saturday at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) toward the International Space Station to deliver a new experiment porch for the space station’s Japanese Kibo lab.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch preview story or watch a video overview of the mission.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour Primed for Fueling
12 June 2009 6:00 p.m. EDT

The stage is set for NASA’s planned launch of the shuttle Endeavour toward the International Space Station, with fueling operations slated to begin around 9:52 p.m. EDT (0152 GMT on Saturday. Endeavour is slated to blast off at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) Saturday morning to deliver a new experiment porch for the space station’s Japanese Kibo lab.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch preview story or watch a video overview of the mission.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


NASA to Reveal Shuttle Endeavour for Launch
12 June 2009 10:40 a.m. EDT

With launch less than a day away, the space shuttle Endeavour is about to be unveiled for blast off. Shuttle technicians will begin retracting the shell-like Rotating Service Structure that has protected the spacecraft from weather at Launch Pad 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Endeavour is poised to launch at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station to deliver a new external porch for the station’s Japanese Kibo lab. The shuttle’s seven astronauts are on an extremely skewed schedule for the overnight mission and will go to sleep today at 12:15 p.m. EDT (1615 GMT) to rest up for tomorrow’s planned space shot.

Click here to watch a video on the shuttle’s STS-127 crew.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Shuttle Endeavour Is Readied For Launch
11 June 2009 10:25 a.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Crews began to load Endeavour's three fuel cells with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen today to prepare the space shuttle for its planned launch Saturday at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center here.

The shuttle is scheduled for a 16-day mission to deliver a porch-like experiment platform for the station’s Japanese Kibo lab and other gear to the International Space Station.

Endeavour's seven member crew is sleeping in today to prepare for their nocturnal mission schedule. They are due to wake up this evening at 8:15 p.m. EDT (2415 GMT). Once they are up, mission specialists Christopher Cassidy and Julie Payette plan to conduct practice flights in T-38 training jets.

The weather forecast for Saturday is promising, with a 90 percent chance of favorable launch conditions at liftoff.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Launch Countdown Begins for Shuttle Mission
10 June 2009 10:30 a.m. EDT

The clock is counting down toward the planned Saturday morning launch of the space shuttle Endeavour on a planned 16-day mission to the International Space Station. The weather forecast has improved to a pristine 90 percent chance of favorable launch conditions at liftoff.

The countdown began on time early Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. EDT. Endeavour is set to launch at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) on Saturday to deliver a porch-like experiment platform for the station’s Japanese Kibo lab and other gear. Five spacewalks are planned by Endeavour’s seven-astronaut crew.

"The teams here at Kennedy Space Center have been working extremely hard to try to get to this point," said NASA Test Director Steve Payne during a televised morning status briefing. "But it's paid off, and we have a vehicle poised at the pad that's ready to go."

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.


Endeavour Astronauts Arrive at Florida Launch Site
9 June 2009 11:34 a.m. EDT

The seven astronauts of the space shuttle Endeavour arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center launch site in Cape Canaveral, Fla., early Tuesday for a planned Saturday morning launch to the International Space Station. Endeavour is slated to launch on Saturday morning at 7:17 a.m. EDT (1117 GMT) on a 16-day construction flight.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be down here in preparation for Saturday's launch of Endeavour,” shuttle commander Mark Polansky said after his crew arrived just after midnight this morning.

The crew is shifting its sleep pattern because of its odd mission schedule.

"Thank you for taking the time to come and see us at this ungodly hour," Canadian astronaut Julie Payette told reporters on the tarmac. "This represents, of course, one of those flights where we have to shift in a completely different time zone in order to synch up with the space station. For that, we become a bit of a stealth flight."

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast Endeavour’s STS-127 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.

 


Click here for STS-125 Hubble Space Telescope mission updates.

 

 

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New Video - Canada in Space
Canadian astronaut Julie Payette discusses her role on NASA's STS-127 mission to the ISS. Credit: CSA > Launch
New Video - Space Station to Get Japanese Porch
Learn all about the STS-127 mission to deliver a new porch for Japan’s Kibo lab at the ISS. Credit: NASA > Launch
Video - Meet the STS-127 Astronauts
New Video Show - Hubble's Final Shuttle Service Call
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SPACE.com's Space Shuttle Multimedia Home
SPACE.com's International Space Station Expedition Coverage

 

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