Click here to see SPACE.com’s predocking story.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the STS-130 mission 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 Approaches ISS for Docking                                                                                         
9 February 2010 9:30 p.m. EST

Space shuttle Endeavour has fired its twin orbital maneuvering system engines to close the distance between it and the International Space Station, where the shuttle will dock at 12:06 a.m. EST (0506 GMT).

“Good burn, Endeavour,” Mission Control radioed the shuttle.

“Endeavour copies, good burn,” replied shuttle commander George Zamka, who is at the helm.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s predocking story.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the STS-130 mission 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 Awake for Docking Day      
9 February 2010 5:32 p.m. EST

The six astronauts aboard shuttle Endeavour are awake for their third day in space, one aimed at docking at the International Space Station at 12:06 a.m. EST (0506 GMT) on early Wednesday.

“It’s a beautiful day up here on Endeavour, thanks so much for that great song,” Zamka said after Mission Control roused the astronauts at 5:14 p.m. EST (2114 GMT) with the song “Katmandu” by Bob Seger.

Today is Flight Day 3 of Endeavour’s 13-day mission to deliver a new room and observation deck to the International Space Station.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the STS-130 mission 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 Wake to Music in Space
8 February 2010 6:17 p.m. EST

The six astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour were awoken at around 6:15 p.m. EST to the tunes of “Give Me Your Eyes,” by Brandon Heath, a song played especially for pilot Terry Virts, the crew’s only first time spaceflyer.

“What a great song by Brandon Heath as I was looking out the window at the ocean down below, and the beautiful Earth below,” Virts said.

The astronauts plan to spend the day scanning their shuttle’s heat shield for any signs of possible damage incurred during Monday morning’s launch.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s STS-130 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

-       Clara Moskowitz

Endeavour Astronauts Discard Shuttle Fuel Tank
8 February 2010 4:24 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The STS-126 astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour have discarded the 15-story external tank that fed the orbiter’s nearly nine-minute launch into space.  

With the tank jettisoned, Endeavour is now in orbit. A flash camera will photograph the tank’s departure to record any foam insulation loss.

Analysts at Mission Control in Houston’s Johnson Space Center will search for any signs of foam loss during launch, and its potential as a debris hazard to Endeavour’s heat shield.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s STS-130 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

- Tariq Malik

Endeavour Engines Shut Down as Planned
8 February 2010 4:23 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The five engines boosting Endeavour and its external tank towards orbit have shut down as planned about eight and a half minutes into flight.  

The milestone, known as Main Engine Cut Off (MECO) The spacecraft is flying towards its intended orbit, with the next major task aimed at discarding the shuttle’s external tank. 

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s STS-130 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

- Tariq Malik

Solid Rocket Boosters Separate
8 February 2010 4:17 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The twin solid rocket boosters assisting Endeavour’s launch into space have separated as planned from the shuttle’s external tank.  

The reusable boosters separate about two minutes and five seconds after liftoff and fall back toward the Atlantic Ocean, where they will land under parachutes and be retrieved by recovery ships. They are equipped with cameras to record the performance of Endeavour’s external tank and any foam loss seen during today’s ascent.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s STS-130 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

- Tariq Malik

Liftoff! Shuttle Endeavour Launches Spaceward
8 February 2010 4:14 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Endeavour has cleared the launch tower and gaining altitude after lifting off at about 4:39 p.m. EST (0939 GMT).

Riding spaceward aboard Endeavour are STS-130 commander George Zamka, shuttle pilot Terry Virts and mission specialists Robert Behnken, Kathryn Hire, Nick Patrick and Stephen Robinson. It should take Endeavour about eight and one-half minutes to ferry its seven-astronaut crew into orbit.

NASA is broadcasting Endeavour’s STS-130 mission to the International Space Station on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

 - Tariq Malik

Shuttle Endeavour 'Go for Launch'
8 February 2010 4:05 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Endeavour has been cleared for launch from Kennedy Space Center's pad 39-A on its 24th mission - the 130^th space shuttle flight and the 32nd shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

The countdown has just picked up following the planned T-9 minute hold as final launch preparations are rushed to completion.

Endeavour's preferred launch time has been slightly adjusted to 4:14:07 a.m. EST (0914:07 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window. A secondary launch window pane that would result in a Flight Day 4 rendezvous closes at 4:21:39 a.m. EST (0921:39 GMT).

The mission management team has been polled and all have reported 'Go for launch.' The six STS-130 astronauts, led by mission commander George Zamka and pilot Terry Virts, are strapped into their seats, running through their pre-launch checklists and are closely monitoring spacecraft systems for their ascent to orbit.

No technical or vehicle issues are being worked at this time, with very little chatter on the internal communication loops.

Weather at the launch site is observed 'Green' or 'Go' on all fronts with no constraints to launch. Conditions at the Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) site in Zaragoza, Spain is also 'Go' to support a launch.

The Eastern Range is reporting 'Clear for launch.' The two Solid Rocket Booster recovery ships are on-station, about 140 miles northeast of Cape Canaveral, off the coast of Jacksonville and about 7 miles away from the predicted impact point of the spent boosters.

Over the next nine minutes, the Orbiter's access arm will be retracted, the hydraulic power system (APU) started, the liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks pressurized, Endeavour' internal flight computers will take control of the countdown and a booster steering test will be conducted. The three space shuttle main engines will ignite at T-minus 6.6 seconds and the twin solid rockets boosters will light at T-minus zero resulting in liftoff.

All spacecraft systems are reported 'Go'. 9 minutes to launch.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Weather Improves for Endeavour Launch

8 February 2010 3:55 a.m. EST

 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Breaks in a low cloud ceiling over Florida's Kennedy Space Center look "promising," according to launch weather officer Kathy Winters, and conditions are currently forecast and observed 'Green' or 'Go' for shuttle Endeavour's pre-dawn launch to the International Space Station.

Endeavour's preferred launch time has been adjusted slightly to 4:14:07 a.m. EST (0914:07 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.

Meteorologists are also closely monitoring weather conditions at the Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites in Spain and France. At least one TAL site must be available to support a launch attempt; two of the three TAL sites in Spain are currently 'No Go' for weather.

As the countdown enters its final 20 minutes, all is in readiness – weather permitting - for Endeavour's launch from pad 39-A on its 24th mission. The shuttle's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the six STS-130 astronauts are strapped into their seats, reviewing their pre-launch checklists and closely monitoring their spacecraft systems in preparation for their ascent to orbit.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Clouds Again Threaten Endeavour Launch
8 February 2010 3:20 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the six STS-130 astronauts are strapped into their seats, but a low ceiling of clouds could again spoil Endeavour's pre-dawn launch attempt to the International Space Station.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring a low deck of clouds moving-in off the Atlantic. Launch officials are hopeful that some scattering and breaks in the cloud ceiling over the Kennedy Space Center will develop in time to meet launch and abort visibility requirements.

Endeavour's preferred launch time has been adjusted slightly to 4:14:07 a.m. EST (0914:07 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.

As the countdown enters its final 60 minutes, the launch team is not currently working any technical issues – other than the weather. The countdown clock is currently halted at the T-minus 9-minute mark – a scheduled built-in hold lasting approx. 45 minutes.

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' access platform surrounding the Orbiter's hatch and departed the launch pad.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Endeavour's Hatch Closed for Launch
8 February 2010 2:15 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Endeavour's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the six STS-130 astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing smoothly for tonight's launch attempt from pad 39-A at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

Launch is scheduled for 4:14:08 a.m. EST (0914:08 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window. 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-130 crew - led by veteran commander George Zamka and rookie pilot Terry Virts – 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.

The launch team is not working any technical issues at this time. The official weather forecast is an optimistic 60 percent probability of acceptable conditions – low clouds blowing-in from the Atlantic are expected to scatter sufficiently to meet launch and abort visibility constraints.

STS-130 will be the 32nd shuttle mission to the International Space Station and the 13-day flight will include three spacewalks by mission specialists Bob Behnken and Nicholas Patrick.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page. 

Endeavour Astronauts Strapped-in for Launch
8 February 2010 1:50 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The six STS-130 astronauts are now securely strapped into their seats onboard shuttle Endeavour and are beginning final preparations for tonight's launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39-A..

Endeavour's middle-of-the-night launch is scheduled for 4:14:08 a.m. EST (0914:08 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.

Led by veteran commander George Zamka (making his second spaceflight) and rookie pilot Terry Virts, the STS-130 mission specialists, all spaceflight veterans, are Kay Hire, Steve Robinson (who will serve as Endeavour's flight engineer), Nicholas Patrick and Bob Behnken.

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

No technical issues are currently being worked. The official weather forecast remains pegged at an optimistic 60 percent probability of acceptable conditions at launch time – meteorologists are somewhat confident that any low clouds blowing-in from the Atlantic will scatter sufficiently to meet launch and abort visibility constraints

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Endeavour Commander Enters Spacecraft
8 February 2010 12:55 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA mission commander George Zamka has climbed onboard shuttle Endeavour for its second middle-of-the-night launch attempt at 4:14:08 a.m. EST (0914:08 GMT). STS-130 will be Zamka's second spaceflight. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

No technical issues are currently being worked and the official weather forecast is pegged at a 60 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch. Weather conditions are similar to last evening; however, forecasters are much more confident that any low clouds blowing-in from the Atlantic will scatter sufficiently to meet launch and abort visibility constraints.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

The Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) site in Istres, France is the only one forecast with acceptable weather conditions to support a launch attempt this evening; the other two TAL sites in Spain are 'No Go.'

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. Last evening, 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 9:54 p.m. EST Sunday with more than 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant loaded into the fuel tank.

 

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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
8 February 2010 12:25 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – 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 six astronauts, riding in their silver 'Astro Van', are now en route to the seaside pad 39A where the shuttle is poised for launch, brilliantly illuminated by the xenon floodlights eerily slicing through the night sky. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

After a 25-minute ride to the launch pad, the STS-130 astronauts will enter Endeavour one by one, beginning with veteran shuttle commander George Zamka, to prepare for tonight's launch attempt.

Endeavour's middle-of-the-night launch is scheduled for 4:14:08 a.m. EST (0914:08 GMT).

No technical issues are currently being worked. The official weather forecast is an optimistic 60% chance of acceptable conditions for launch – the potential for a low cloud deck at about 4,000 feet coming in off the Atlantic remains a concern.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Suit Up for Launch
7 February 2010 11:41 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Endeavour’s six-astronaut crew is suiting up for NASA’s planned predawn launch Monday at 4:14 a.m. EST (0914 GMT). The astronauts are due to head to the launch pad at about 12:24 a.m. EST (0524 GMT). You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Currently, weather is good for the planned launch attempt, though NASA is watching for a low-lying clouds, which scrubbed Endeavour’s first launch attempt on Sunday.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Endeavour on Track for Monday Launch
7 February 2010 11:02 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Space shuttle Endeavour is on track for its planned predawn launch at 4:14 a.m. EST (0914 GMT). You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Endeavour has a 60 percent chance of good weather for today’s launch attempt. The potential for low, thick clouds poses the only threat.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Endeavour Fueled for Launch
7 February 2010 9:56 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fueling of space shuttle Endeavour has been completed, with NASA topping of the spacecraft’s external tank at 9:54 p.m. EST (0254 GMT). You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

The shuttle is on track for a planned 4:14 a.m. EST (0914 GMT), with weather conditions currently “go” for liftoff.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Watches Clouds Ahead of Shuttle Launch
7 February 2010 8:56 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA is keeping a close eye on cloud conditions for Monday’s planned predawn launch of the space shuttle Endeavour. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Currently conditions are not acceptable for launch due to a too-low cloud layer, though NASA expects the cloud layer to go back and forth between “go” and “no-go” got launch. The fueling operations for the 4:14 a.m. EST (0914 GMT) launch is about two-thirds complete.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Fuels Shuttle Endeavour for Monday Launch Try
7 February 2010 7:14 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has begun fueling the space shuttle Endeavour for its Monday launch attempt, with liftoff set for 4:14 a.m. EST (0914 GMT). You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Fueling operations began at 6:50 p.m. EST (2350 GMT) to fill Endeavour’s 15-story external tank with the 526,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that will feed the shuttle’s main engines during the 8.5-minute ride into space.

The fueling process is expected to take about three hours.

Click here to see SPACE.com’s prelaunch story for today’s second launch try for Endeavour.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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

Low Clouds Scrub Endeavour Launch
7 February 2010 4:30 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A low cloud ceiling over Florida's Kennedy Space Center did not dissipate in time, forcing a scrub of tonight's planned launch of space shuttle Endeavour.

NASA will likely try again to launch Endeavour in the pre-dawn hours of Monday morning.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Shuttle Ready, Though Clouds Threaten Endeavour Launch
7 February 2010 3:35 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle’s hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the six STS-130 astronauts are strapped into their seats, but a low ceiling of broken clouds could spoil Endeavour’s pre-dawn launch attempt to the International Space Station.

Weather conditions are currently 'Red' or 'No Go' for low clouds and the once-optimistic weather forecast has been downgraded to only a 30 percent chance of acceptable conditions for launch.

Launch remains scheduled for 4:39:50 a.m. EST (0939:50 GMT) – near the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.

As the countdown enters its final 60 minutes, the launch team is not currently working any technical issues. The countdown clock is ticking down toward the T-minus 9-minute hold – a scheduled built-in hold lasting approx. 45 minutes.

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' access platform surrounding the Orbiter's hatch and departed the launch pad.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page. 

Winds, Clouds Threaten Endeavour Launch
7 February 2010 2:40 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The weather forecast has taken a turn for the worst for tonight's launch attempt of shuttle Endeavour on a mission to the International Space Station.

Winds remain gusty and a broken cloud ceiling that could violate visibility constraints have resulted in the launch weather forecast being downgraded to only a 30 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch.

Launch remains scheduled for 4:39:50 a.m. EST (0939:50 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window. A final adjustment may be made at the T-9 minute hold to more precisely align with the orbit of the International Space Station.

Endeavour's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the six STS-130 astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing smoothly for tonight's launch attempt from pad 39-A at Florida's Kennedy Space Center – weather permitting

The STS-130 crew - led by veteran commander George Zamka and rookie pilot Terry Virts – are completing 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.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour' STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Endeavour Astronauts Strapped-in for Launch
7 February 2010 2:10 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The six STS-130 astronauts are now securely strapped into their seats onboard shuttle Endeavour and are beginning final preparations for tonight's launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39-A..

Endeavour's middle-of-the-night launch is scheduled for 4:39:50 a.m. EST (0939:50 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.

Led by veteran commander George Zamka (making his second spaceflight) and rookie pilot Terry Virts, the STS-130 mission specialists, all spaceflight veterans, are Kay Hire, Steve Robinson (who will serve as Endeavour's flight engineer), Nicholas Patrick and Bob Behnken.

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

No technical issues are currently being worked and the final inspection or 'ice' team has departed the launch pad without finding any conditions that might be cause for concern.

The official weather forecast remains pegged at a 60 percent probability of acceptable conditions at launch time – the primary concern is an approaching low cloud ceiling at about 4,000 feet that could violate visibility constraints.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour's STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

Endeavour Commander Enters Spacecraft
7 February 2010 1:21 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA mission commander George Zamka has climbed onboard shuttle Endeavour for its middle-of-the-night launch attempt at 4:39:50 a.m. EST (0939:50 GMT). STS-130 will be Zamka's second spaceflight.

No technical issues are currently being worked and the official weather forecast is pegged at a 60 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch – the forecast was downgraded due to the possible formation of a low cloud ceiling at about 4,000 feet that may violate visibility constraints.

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. Last evening, 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 10:47 p.m. EST with more than 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant loaded into the fuel tank.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast Endeavour' STS-130 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.

 

Endeavour Astronauts Arrive at Launch Pad
7 February 2010 1:15 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The astronauts of space shuttle Endeavour have arrived at their seaside pad 39A where the shuttle is poised for launch, most of them beaming with smiles. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

The astronauts have taken the elevator up the gantry and are preparing to board the shuttle for today’s predawn launch. Endeavour's middle of the night launch is scheduled for 4:39:50 a.m. EST (0939:50 GMT).

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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
7 February 2010 12:49 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – 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 six astronauts, riding in their silver 'Astro Van', are now en route to the seaside pad 39A where the shuttle is poised for launch, brilliantly illuminated by the xenon floodlights eerily slicing through the night sky. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

After a 25-minute ride to the launch pad, the STS-130 astronauts will enter Endeavour one by one, beginning with veteran shuttle commander George Zamka, to prepare for tonight's launch attempt.

Endeavour's middle of the night launch is scheduled for 4:39:50 a.m. EST (0939:50 GMT).

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

No technical issues are currently being worked; however, the official weather forecast remains has been downgraded to a 60% chance of acceptable conditions for launch – the potential for a low cloud deck at about 4,000 feet is a concern.

-- Roger Guillemette

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Forecast Dips for Shuttle Launch
7 February 2010 12:18 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The potential for a thick, low cloud layer is causing some concern for Endeavour’s planned predawn launch today, giving the shuttle now a 60 percent chance of good weather at launch time. That’s down from an 80 percent chance of pristine weather earlier today. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Endeavour is slated to blast off at 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT) to begin a 13-day mission to the International Space Station.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Eat Well Before Launch
7 February 2010 12:00 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As NASA’s shuttle Endeavour counts down toward a planned 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT) launch, the shuttle’s 6-astronaut crew is gearing up for today’s space shot. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

They woke up at 5:45 p.m. EST (2245 GMT) Saturday and had breakfast. Shuttle commander George Zamka had a club sandwich and strawberry and banana smoothie, while pilot Terry Virts tucked away some chocolate cake along with his filet mignon (medium done), peas and a twice-baked potato.

Mission specialist Nick Patrick had the same as Virts, though other crewmates ordered a variety of foods, including Jalapeno chips, honeydew melon and Canadian bacon.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 on Track for Predawn Launch
6 February 2010 11:30 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour is on track for its planned 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT) launch from a seaside pad here at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

So far, the countdown has gone smoothly no issues of concern for Endeavour’s launch. There is an 80 percent chance of good launch weather, with the potential for high winds posing the only threat.

Endeavour will deliver a new room and observation deck to the International Space Station during its planned 13-day mission.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Endeavour Fueled for Launch
6 February 2010 10:49 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Endeavour is fully fueled for NASA’s planned 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT) launch on Sunday morning. An inspection team is preparing to head out to the launch pad here at Kennedy Space Center to check the shuttle’s fuel tank for excessive ice buildup. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Endeavour’s 15-story fuel tank was topped off at about 10:47 p.m. EST (0347 GMT). The tank is filled with 526,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Under Way for Sunday Shuttle Launch
6 February 2010 7:53 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a short delay, NASA has begun fueling the space shuttle Endeavour for its planned Sunday morning launch at 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT). You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Fueling operations began at 7:47 p.m. EST (0047 GMT) as NASA begun pumping Endeavour’s 15-story external tank with the super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that will feed its main engines during the 8.5-minute launch into space.

The shuttle uses about 526,000 gallons of the propellant during liftoff.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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

Glitch Delays Shuttle Endeavour’s Fueling for Launch
6 February 2010 7:37 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A ground equipment glitch has slightly delayed the planned start of fueling operations for the space shuttle Endeavour as NASA counts down toward a predawn Sunday launch at 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT). You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

A problem with a cabin pressure regulator on the gantry structure at Endeavour’s seaside Launch Pad 39A forced NASA to send a repair team out to the launch-ready shuttle. The team has already performed the fix and is returning to the Launch Control Center here at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

The glitch has delayed Endeavour’s fueling operations by about 45 minutes or so, NASA launch commentator George Diller said.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Unveils Shuttle Endeavour for Sunday Launch
6 February 2010 8:20 a.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The space shuttle Endeavour is being unveiled as NASA retracts the protective rotating service structure that has shrouded the spacecraft from the weather atop its Pad 39A launch site here at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. You can watch the action live on NASA TV.

Endeavour is on track for a planned 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT) launch on Sunday to deliver a new room and observation deck to the International Space Station. The mission will last 13 days and includes three spacewalks.

Click here to read SPACE.com’s launch preview for the mission.

Click here to see how a coin flown in space will help kick off the Super Bowl.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Shuttle Crew Arrives at Launch Site
3 February 2010 5:34 a.m. EST

With blastoff less than five days away, the six-astronaut of the space shuttle Endeavour arrived at their Florida launch site late Tuesday, with liftoff set for 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT) on Sunday. Shuttle commander George Zamka and his crew arrived on a Gulfstream jet just after 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT) to prepare for the upcoming launch. A status update will be broadcast live on NASA TV at 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT) today.

“It’s great to be here in the Cape. We’ve got Tranquility and the Cupola loaded up in the space shuttle Endeavour on Pad 39A and this is the place for us to be,” Zamka said from the runway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. “Everything with Endeavour sounds like it’s going very, very well.”

 

Endeavour astronauts plan to fly a 13-day mission to the International Space Station to deliver the new Tranquility module, Cupola observation portal and other vital supplies. Three spacewalks are planned.

 

“We talked to the space station crew, Jeff Williams and company, last night,” Zamka said. “They’re doing great and we’re all very excited about meeting up with them, rendezvousing with space station and getting started on this great project of bringing the Tranquility module to life, putting the cupola in its final position, opening up those shutters and taking a look at the Earth.”

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Space Shuttle Launch Date
27 January 2010 11:20 a.m. EST

Top NASA officials are meeting today to determine if the space shuttle Endeavour is ready for its planned Feb. 7 blastoff to deliver a new module and observation portal to the International Space Station. A press conference will be broadcast live on NASA TV with the decision later today.

Endeavour is slated to launch from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to on Feb. 7 at 4:39 a.m. EST (0939 GMT). The planned 13-day mission will deliver the new Tranquility module and a seven-window Cupola that promises to offer astronauts stunning views of the Earth and space once installed. Three spacewalks are planned for the mission.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Arrive in Florida for Training
18 January 2010 5:08 p.m. EST

The six-astronaut crew of NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour is due at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for a prelaunch training session today ahead of the shuttle’s planned Feb. 7 launch to the International Space Station. Commanded by veteran spaceflyer George Zamka, Endeavour’s crew will spend several days conducting final spacesuit and payload checks, as well as launch day rehearsals and emergency drills.

Endeavour’s 13-day mission will deliver NASA’s Tranquility module, a new space room, to the International Space Station. The shuttle will also deliver the Cupola, a seven-window observation portal attached to Tranquility, and other gear for the space station’s five-man crew. It is the first of NASA’s final five planned shuttle missions before the three-orbiter fleet is retired this fall.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Headed for Launch Pad
5 January 2010 7:32 a.m. EST

The space shuttle Endeavour to its seaside Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning to gear up for a planned Feb. 7 launch to the International Space Station.

Endeavour began the short 3.4-mile (5.4-km) trek at 4:13 a.m. EST (0913 GMT) with frigid, freezing temperatures expected during the day-long move. The shuttle is due to launch the STS-130 mission to the International Space Station to deliver the new Tranquility connecting node and Cupola window.

It is the first of NASA’s final five planned shuttle missions before the three-orbiter fleet is retired this fall.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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 Moves Closer to 2010 Launch
11 December 2009 5:00 p.m. EST

The space shuttle Endeavour moved a step closer to its planned Feb. 2010 launch Friday when it rolled out of its hangar-like Orbiter Processing Facility for a trip to NASA’s cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The move, called a “rollover” in NASA parlance, allows shuttle work crews to begin attaching Endeavour to the 15-story external tank and twin solid rockets that will help launch the shuttle to orbit next year.

Endeavour is slated to launch Feb. 7 at 4:39 am EST (0939 GMT) to deliver the Tranquility module to the International Space Station. It is to be the first of NASA’s five final shuttle missions and the 130^th shuttle flight in history since the fleet began flying in 1981.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the STS-130 mission 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