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Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Want to Work at NASA?
NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, computer programmers, personnel specialists, accountants, writers, maintenance workers and many, many other kinds of people. At the NASAJobs Web site, you can review job listings, post a resume and even apply for a NASA job online.
At NASAJobs students can find opportunities for internships, cooperative programs and summer employment.
For all the diversity of NASA's workforce, the question, "How can I become an astronaut?" is very common. The answer depends on where you are now and where you want to go.
If you haven't finished high school yet, former astronaut Dr. Sally K. Ride has these suggestions for you:
"The most important steps that I followed were studying math and science in school. I was always interested in physics and astronomy and chemistry, and I continued to study those subjects through high school and college on into graduate school. That's what prepared me for being an astronaut; it actually gave me the qualifications to be selected to be an astronaut. I think the advice that I would give to any kids who want to be astronauts is to make sure that they realize that NASA is looking for people with a whole variety of backgrounds: they are looking for medical doctors, microbiologists, geologists, physicists, electrical engineers. So find something that you really like and then pursue it as far as you can and NASA is apt to be interested in that profession."
If you've graduated from college or are in the military, and you're ready to apply, here's how.
STS-126 achivements 2
Crews Prepare for Second Spacewalk
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:39:43 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 and Expedition 18 crew members will spend Wednesday evening preparing for the second of four spacewalks planned during the mission. The spacewalkers, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough, will spend the night in the Quest airlock to lessen the preparatory time before beginning the spacewalk scheduled for 1:45 p.m. EST Thursday.
Astronauts Transfer Equipment and Supplies
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:14:38 AM GMT+0800STS-126 Astronauts continue transferring equipment and supplies between space shuttle Endeavour, the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the International Space Station.
At 3:50 p.m. EST, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen will participate in media interviews with the Associated Press, KMSP-TV from Minneapolis and WCVB-TV from Boston. At 4:30 p.m., station lead Flight Director Ginger Kerrick will participate in a Mission Status Briefing from the Johnson Space Center, Houston.Transfers and Spacewalk Preps on Tap for Crew Today
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:13:35 PM GMT+0800Space shuttle Endeavour crew members, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Don Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Greg Chamitoff, were awakened at 8:55 a.m. EST. The wakeup song this morning was Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," played for Boe.
Shortly after the crew wake up call, a smoke alarm went off in the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The crew reported no sign of smoke. As a result, Mission Control Center Moscow determined that it was a false alarm.
Moving of supplies and equipment between Endeavour and the International Space Station and installation of station equipment are on today’s agenda for the crews. They also will begin preparations for the second of four mission spacewalks, set for Thursday.Crews Prepare for Second Spacewalk
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:39:43 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 and Expedition 18 crew members will spend Wednesday evening preparing for the second of four spacewalks planned during the mission. The spacewalkers, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough, will spend the night in the Quest airlock to lessen the preparatory time before beginning the spacewalk scheduled for 1:45 p.m. EST Thursday.
Astronauts Transfer Equipment and Supplies
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:14:38 AM GMT+0800STS-126 Astronauts continue transferring equipment and supplies between space shuttle Endeavour, the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the International Space Station.
At 3:50 p.m. EST, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen will participate in media interviews with the Associated Press, KMSP-TV from Minneapolis and WCVB-TV from Boston. At 4:30 p.m., station lead Flight Director Ginger Kerrick will participate in a Mission Status Briefing from the Johnson Space Center, Houston.Transfers and Spacewalk Preps on Tap for Crew Today
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:13:35 PM GMT+0800Space shuttle Endeavour crew members, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Don Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Greg Chamitoff, were awakened at 8:55 a.m. EST. The wakeup song this morning was Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," played for Boe.
Shortly after the crew wake up call, a smoke alarm went off in the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The crew reported no sign of smoke. As a result, Mission Control Center Moscow determined that it was a false alarm.
Moving of supplies and equipment between Endeavour and the International Space Station and installation of station equipment are on today’s agenda for the crews. They also will begin preparations for the second of four mission spacewalks, set for Thursday.
Crews Work on Home Improvements
Crews Work on Home Improvements
Image above: STS-126 mission specialists Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen participate in interviews with the Associated Press, KMSP-TV in Minneapolis and WCVB-TV in Boston. Photo credit: NASA TV
The STS-126 and Expedition 18 crews worked Wednesday to prepare the station for larger crews. They also prepared for the second spacewalk of the mission.
Expedition 18 flight engineer Sandra Magnus and her predecessor Greg Chamitoff installed two new bedrooms in the Harmony node. Meanwhile, STS-126 mission specialist Don Pettit and Expedition 18 commander Mike Fincke spent the bulk of the day configuring hardware on the new Water Recovery System.
The crews also moved equipment and supplies between the two spacecraft.
Mission specialists Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough will camp out overnight in the station’s Quest Airlock in preparation for the second spacewalk of the mission. The purpose of this “camp out” is to purge the nitrogen from their bodies before their planned exit Thursday at 1:45 p.m. EST. Piper and mission specialist Steve Bowen completed the mission’s first spacewalk Tuesday.
Image above: STS-126 mission specialists Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen participate in interviews with the Associated Press, KMSP-TV in Minneapolis and WCVB-TV in Boston. Photo credit: NASA TVThe STS-126 and Expedition 18 crews worked Wednesday to prepare the station for larger crews. They also prepared for the second spacewalk of the mission.
Expedition 18 flight engineer Sandra Magnus and her predecessor Greg Chamitoff installed two new bedrooms in the Harmony node. Meanwhile, STS-126 mission specialist Don Pettit and Expedition 18 commander Mike Fincke spent the bulk of the day configuring hardware on the new Water Recovery System.
The crews also moved equipment and supplies between the two spacecraft.
Mission specialists Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough will camp out overnight in the station’s Quest Airlock in preparation for the second spacewalk of the mission. The purpose of this “camp out” is to purge the nitrogen from their bodies before their planned exit Thursday at 1:45 p.m. EST. Piper and mission specialist Steve Bowen completed the mission’s first spacewalk Tuesday.
Crews Prepare for second spacewalk
Crews Prepare for Second Spacewalk
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:39:43 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 and Expedition 18 crew members will spend Wednesday evening preparing for the second of four spacewalks planned during the mission. The spacewalkers, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough, will spend the night in the Quest airlock to lessen the preparatory time before beginning the spacewalk scheduled for 1:45 p.m. EST Thursday.
STS-126 MCC Status Report #11
5 p.m. CST Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
11.19.08
Station flight engineer Sandra Magnus and her predecessor Greg Chamitoff moved the port and starboard crew quarters to the station and installed them in the Harmony node. They also installed a rack with equipment for return to Earth inside the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module.
Other crew members also continued moving equipment and supplies between the two spacecraft. Transfer of all of the phone-booth-sized racks planned for this mission has been completed. Transfer work overall is about twenty five percent complete.
Former Expedition 6 station resident, Endeavour mission specialist Don Pettit and Expedition 18 station commander Mike Fincke spent a bulk of the day configuring hardware on the new Water Recovery System. The facility will treat wastewater and provide recycled water clean enough to drink. The system will be activated for initial checkouts tonight. It will take about two days of initial operations before the first sample of water processed from urine is available for testing.
Later today, the crew members will prepare for the second of four spacewalks by gathering tools and reviewing procedures. Subsequently, spacewalkers Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough will begin the standard pre-spacewalk campout in the station’s Quest airlock.
The campout will begin at 10:20 p.m. Piper and Kimbrough will be in Quest overnight, with its pressure at 10.2 psi compared to the station’s 14.7 psi, to reduce their systems’ nitrogen content. That is to avoid the possibility of decompression sickness.
Endeavour’s crew is scheduled to go to bed at 11:55 p.m. today and be awakened at 7:55 a.m. Thursday. The spacewalk is set to start at 12:45 p.m. Thursday.
The next shuttle status report will be issued after crew wake, or earlier if events warrant.
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STS-126 MCC Status Report #10
9 a.m. CST Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2008
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
11.19.08
They also will begin preparations for the second of four mission spacewalks, this one to start at 12:45 p.m. CST Thursday. The preparations include a spacewalk procedure review for shuttle astronauts and station Commander Mike Fincke and Flight Engineer Sandra Magnus. Subsequently spacewalkers Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Shane Kimbrough will begin the standard pre-spacewalk campout in the station’s Quest airlock.
Endeavour crew members, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Don Pettit, Steve Bowen, Piper, Kimbrough and Greg Chamitoff, were awakened at 7:55 a.m. CST. The song was “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copeland. It was played for Boe.
The Waste and Hygiene Rack, which includes a new toilet, was moved into the station Tuesday and installed in the U.S. laboratory Destiny. To be moved to the station today and installed in the Harmony node are the port and starboard crew quarters. That job will be handled by Chamitoff and Magnus.
The Multi-purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo will be on the receiving end for some of the equipment moved. A resupply stowage rack is scheduled to be moved from the Harmony node to the MPLM by Chamitoff and Magnus after the crew quarters installation.
The campout by spacewalkers Piper and Kimbrough is to begin at 10:20 p.m., immediately after the procedure review. They will be in Quest overnight, with its pressure at 10.2 psi compared to the station’s 14.7 psi, to reduce their systems’ nitrogen content. That is to avoid the possibility of decompression sickness.
Piper and Bowen will talk with reporters from Associated Press, KSMP-TV in Minneapolis and WCVB-TV in Boston. That 20-minute chat is to begin at 2:50 p.m.
Endeavour’s crew is scheduled to go to bed at 11:55 p.m. today and be awakened at 7:55 a.m. Thursday. The next shuttle status report will be issued at the end of the crew day, or earlier if events warrant.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
NASA crew pay rates
Typical NASA entry level pay rates are shown in the table below. The pay rates shown do not include locality pay adjustments which range from about 5% to 12% of salary. Your actual starting pay will be set according to the position, experience level, special qualifications, and in some cases-- degree level. Pay is usually adjusted annually based upon locality, cost of living, and within grade increases.
| People Working in Jobs | Civil Service Position | Typical Entry Level Pay |
|---|---|---|
 | Astronauts | $60,743 -$71,780 |
 | Administrative Professionals | $25,501 - $31,195 + Locality Pay |
 | Attorneys | $37,744 - $74, 773 + Locality Pay |
 | Engineers & Scientists | $33,151 - $44,034 + Locality Pay |
 | Medical Doctors | $68,137 - $84,741 + Locality Pay |
 | Pilots (Not including Astronauts) | $31,195 - $74,773 + Locality Pay |
 | Secretaries/Clerks | $16,392 - $20,588 + Locality Pay |
 | Senior Management | $102,300 + Locality Pay |
 | Student & Developmental Programs | $15,023 - $18,401 + Locality Pay |
 | Technicians (Includes Safety, Quality, Aircraft, Engineering, etc.) | $25,501 - $37, 744 + Locality Pay |
STS-126 Achievements
STS-126 Crew Completes First Spacewalk
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:09:06 AM GMT+0800The first STS-126 spacewalk ended at 8:01 p.m. EST. Astronauts Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen spent six hours and 52 minutes outside the station working on several tasks, including removing a depleted nitrogen tank from a stowage platform on the outside of the complex and moving it into Endeavour’s cargo bay. They also moved a flex hose rotary coupler from the shuttle to the station stowage platform, as well as removing some insulation blankets from the common berthing mechanism on the Kibo laboratory.
Astronauts Resume Spacewalk After Tools Lost
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:08:33 AM GMT+0800Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper has resumed work on SARJ cleanup and lubrication. At approx. 3:33 p.m. EST, Piper reported that one of the Braycote lubrication guns had released grease into her toolbag. As she was cleaning the bag and wiping the tools and equipment inside, the bag floated away. Another bag carrying identical equipment is now being shared by Piper and Bowen. EVA officers in Mission Control believe there is enough equipment for the spacewalkers to complete the planned SARJ trundle bearing assembly removal and race ring cleaning.
First STS-126 Spacewalk Begins
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:13:06 AM GMT+0800Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen began the first STS-126 spacewalk at 1:09 p.m. EST. They are scheduled to work outside the International Space Station for 6.5 hours. Their tasks include cleaning and lubricating the starboard solar alpha rotary joint, replacing a nitrogen assembly tank and other station assembly tasks. Shuttle astronaut Shane Kimbrough is the intravehicular officer guiding the spacewalkers during their excursion.
Spacewalkers Enter Quest's Crew Lock
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:34:26 AM GMT+0800Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen have moved inside Quest's crew lock. From there they will exit the International Space Station and begin the first STS-126 spacewalk at 1:45 p.m. EST. Currently, they are 40 minutes ahead of the timeline. Astronauts Chris Ferguson and Greg Chamitoff closed the hatch separating Quest's equipment lock from the crew lock at 12:28 p.m.
Spacewalk Preparations Moving Ahead
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:04:18 AM GMT+0800Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are outfitted in their spacesuits and have begun their pre-breathe procedures. The spacewalkers, still inside the Quest airlock, are being assisted by astronauts Greg Chamitoff and Chris Ferguson. The spacewalkers are slightly ahead in their timeline. The first STS-126 spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. EST.
First STS-126 Spacewalk Planned for Today
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:58:58 PM GMT+0800The STS-126 and Expedition 18 crews woke up today at 8:55 a.m. EST. Shuttle astronauts Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen are scheduled to perform their mission's first spacewalk today at 1:45 p.m. They "camped out" in the station's Quest airlock overnight to reduce their preparation time.
Crews Prepare for Spacewalk
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:37:19 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 and Expedition 18 crew members reviewed spacewalk procedures to prepare for the first of four spacewalks planned during the mission. The spacewalkers, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen, are following a proven protocol known as the “campout”. This consists of spending the night in the Quest airlock to lessen the preparatory time before beginning the spacewalk scheduled for 1:45 p.m. EST.
Leonardo's Hatches Open
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:44:23 AM GMT+0800The hatches between the International Space Station and the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module were opened for the first time at 6:43 p.m. EST. Crew members will now transfer supplies and equipment that will help prepare the outpost for a six-person crew. The primary goal of the STS-126 mission is to provide additional capability for the station to house astronauts and to increase the station crew size from three to the desired six crew members by spring 2009.
Leonardo Attached to Station
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:23:58 AM GMT+0800The Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module has been attached to the space station. Inside the MPLM are systems to be installed in the U.S. Destiny lab and Harmony node, such as: two water recovery systems racks for recycling urine into potable water, a second toilet system, new galley components, two new food warmers, a food refrigerator, an experiment freezer, a combustion science experiment rack, two separate sleeping quarters and a resistance exercise device.
Leonardo in Position for Installation on Station
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:53:42 AM GMT+0800STS-126 mission specialists Don Pettit and Shane Kimbrough used the Canadarm2 robotic arm to move the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo into position for installation on the Earth-facing port of the space station’s Harmony node.
First Full Day of Docked Operations Begins
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:50:10 PM GMT+0800Endeavour crew members, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Don Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Greg Chamitoff, were awakened at 9:35 a.m. EST for a day that will see the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo attached to the Earth-facing port of the space station’s Harmony node. The wakeup music was "London Calling," performed by The Clash. It was played for Bowen.
Shuttle Arrives at Station, Delivers New Flight Engineer
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:31:35 AM GMT+0800The hatches between the International Space Station and space shuttle Endeavour are now open. Expedition 18 welcomed the STS-126 crew members inside the Harmony Node at 7:16 p.m. EST on Sunday. Sandra Magnus, who arrived aboard Endeavour, swapped Soyuz seatliners with station astronaut Greg Chamitoff at 9:50 p.m. replacing him as Expedition 18 Flight Engineer. Chamitoff is now an STS-126 mission specialist and will return home on Endeavour in two weeks.
Hatches Open, Shuttle and Station Crews Greet Each Other
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:18:00 AM GMT+0800The hatches between the International Space Station and space shuttle Endeavour are now open. Expedition 18 welcomed the STS-126 crew members inside the Harmony Node at 7:16 p.m. EST. Sandra Magnus, who arrived aboard Endeavour, will soon swap Soyuz seatliners with station astronaut Greg Chamitoff and replace him as Expedition 18 Flight Engineer.
STS-126 Arrives at the International Space Station
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:01:55 AM GMT+0800STS-126 has arrived at the International Space Station. Shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson was at the controls of space shuttle Endeavour docking to the station's Harmony Node at 5:01 p.m. EST. The station and shuttle crews will open the hatches between their vehicles and greet each other in about two hours. Sandra Magnus, who arrived aboard Endeavour, will swap Soyuz seatliners with station astronaut Greg Chamitoff and replace him as Expedition 18 Flight Engineer.
Endeavour Completes Backflip, Prepares for Docking
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:21:53 AM GMT+0800Space shuttle Endeavour completed its Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver and is preparing for a docking shortly after 5 p.m. EST. During the backflip the station astronauts photographed the shuttle's thermal protection system which will be sent to Earth for more analysis.
Endeavour Approaches Station, Backflip Begins
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:08:45 AM GMT+0800Space shuttle Endeavour has approached the International Space Station and is performing its Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver. The station astronauts will be photographing the shuttle's heat shield as Endeavour slowly flips backwards. The thermal protection system imagery will be sent to Earth for more analysis. Docking at the station is planned for shortly after 5 p.m. EST.
Endeavour in Final Stages of Rendezvous With Station
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:18:07 AM GMT+0800STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Eric Boe fired space shuttle Endeavour's engines at 2:26 p.m. EST to refine the shuttle's approach as it closes in on the International Space Station. Endeavour remains on track for a 5:04 p.m. docking with the station.
About an hour before docking, Ferguson will guide the shuttle through a nine-minute backflip to allow the station crew to take high resolution photos of the shuttle’s heat shield.Endeavour's Crew Prepares for Today's Docking With Space Station
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:53:00 PM GMT+0800It’s arrival day. The space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station a little after 5 p.m. EST.
The seven members of shuttle Endeavour’s crew, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Don Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus, were awakened at 9:25 a.m. EST for rendezvous and docking day. The wakeup music was “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones.Heat Shield Inspections Complete, Station Awaits Shuttle
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:04:28 AM GMT+0800Saturday's shuttle heat shield inspections are complete. The astronauts used the Orbiter Boom Sensor System attached to the shuttle's robotic arm to scan the heat shield. They also scanned an area beneath the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod for further analysis on the ground. On Sunday, space shuttle Endeavour will approach the International Space Station for a docking at 5:04 p.m. EST. Just before docking Endeavour will perform a backflip so station astronauts can photograph the heat shield for more analysis.
Endeavour In Good Condition, Ground Teams Review Minor Issues
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:07:10 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 crew is in the middle of performing the inspection of the shuttle's thermal protection system and no issues have been spotted so far. The Mission Management Team reviewed the status of the vehicle and its systems. Everything is in good condition and a few minor things are being reviewed by ground teams. A narrow strip of insulation blanket came loose beneath the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod and two minor issues are being worked on the shuttle's ku-band antenna.
Inspection Day Aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:15:11 AM GMT+0800STS-126 crew members will use the shuttle’s robotic arm and its extension to look at the spacecraft’s thermal protection system.
They also will prepare for Sunday afternoon's docking with the station by installing the Orbiter Docking System centerline camera and extending the system’s docking ring. A checkout of the spacesuits to be used during the four spacewalks by Endeavour crewmembers outside the International Space Station also is on the agenda.External Tank and Boosters Away!
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:09:23 AM GMT+0800The giant orange tank that provided fuel for Endeavour's climb into space is now empty and is jettisoning from the shuttle. As the tank falls away and descends toward Earth, the tank's on-board cameras record the process. About two minutes into flight, the solid rocket boosters propelling Endeavour higher into space have successfully separated and gracefully fallen away. Each booster has a parachute packed in its frustum that will automatically deploy after entering Earth's atmosphere to slow the descent into the ocean. Endeavour has safely attained orbit and NASA mission managers have given the command to proceed with main engine cutoff, also known as MECO. Less than 10 minutes after launch, Endeavour was orbiting around Earth. Within 24 hours, Endeavour will meet up and dock with the International Space Station.
Endeavour Soars Into the Night Sky!
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:07:21 AM GMT+0800Space shuttle Endeavour roared off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on a spectacular tower of smoke and flames. The STS-126 mission is an extremely ambitious undertaking, highlighting four spacewalks and delivering the heaviest payload in shuttle history.
Go for Launch!
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:46:20 AM GMT+0800NASA's mission managers have announced a "go" for launch! The countdown for the STS-126 mission has entered its final moments. Automatic systems at the launch pad will remove the remaining equipment out of the way of space shuttle Endeavour so it can make its climb into space.
Counting Down
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:08:08 AM GMT+0800The countdown has entered a scheduled hold at the T-9 minute point. Mission managers will conduct a final poll for a "go-no go" to launch space shuttle Endeavour on its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. During the last few minutes of the countdown, the access arm on the rotating service structure will swing away from the shuttle and the vent hood, called a beanie cap, covering the point of the external tank will be lifted up and away. A computer, called a ground launch sequencer, will take over all the operations of Launch Pad 39A at T-9 minutes and will give the commands that will launch Endeavour into orbit. All systems on space shuttle Endeavour are operating normally and the weather continues to improve at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for tonight's launch at 7:55 p.m. EST.
Launch Pad is Cleared
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:42:01 AM GMT+0800With Endeavour's cabin vented and the vent valves closed, the Closeout Crew's work in the White Room has been accomplished. The crew takes the elevator down to the ground level and is transported away from Launch Pad 39A, their work having been successfully completed.
Checking the Weather
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:23:23 AM GMT+0800Astronaut Steve Lindsey will be flying the Shuttle Training Aircraft for weather reconnaissance this evening. He'll evaluate the local weather and make decisions concerning visibility requirements in the event of an emergency landing at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Lindsey will stay in flight throughout Endeavour's launch.
Hatch is Closed for Launch
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:01:03 AM GMT+0800The Closeout Crew has secured the hatch leading into the crew compartment. Endeavour's seven astronauts are running through prelaunch tests and checks. All systems continue to be "green." No technical issues are being reported and the weather is cooperating for an on-time launch at 7:55 p.m. EST.
Retrieval Ships Ready
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:26:47 AM GMT+0800NASA's Freedom Star and Liberty Star booster recovery ships are in position. Both currently are stationed about 160 miles off the Florida coast in the Atlantic Ocean. The ships are waiting to tow the solid rocket boosters back to Kennedy Space Center after their descent into the ocean. They will then be scraped, painted and repaired (if necessary) and put back into service for another space shuttle launch.
Crew On Board
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:49:24 AM GMT+0800Endeavour's seven astronauts are being strapped into their seats and are going through final checklists and procedures inside the orbiter to prepare for liftoff. Ferguson, Boe, Pettit and Bowen sit on the flight deck, and Stefanyshyn-Piper, Kimbrough and Magnus are sitting on the middeck, or lower level of the crew compartment. Final communication checks will take place as each crew member takes their assigned seat.
Astronauts Arrive at Pad
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:25:08 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 crew members arrived at Launch Pad 39A and took a quick elevator ride to the 195-foot level of the launch platform. The seven astronauts will take turns making their way into the White Room, an area suspended at the end of a long catwalk that leads into Endeavour's flight and middeck. The Closeout Crew will help each crew member make last-minute adjustments to their gear before they climb through the hatch and into the orbiter. The weather forecast is looking good for launch and the countdown remains on schedule for a 7:55 p.m. EST liftoff.
Endeavour Crew Heads to the Pad
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:06:54 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 astronauts strode out of Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building to cheers and applause from the crowd wishing them well for the mission. They waved back, stopped for a quick preflight photo and climbed aboard NASA's silver Astrovan, which will take them on a 20-minute trip to Launch Pad 39A. While the crew heads to the pad, a group of technicians, called the Closeout Crew, are waiting in the launch pad's White Room to help the astronauts with their final gear check. This "clean" room will be the final stop for the astronauts before climbing aboard Endeavour.
Suiting Up for Space
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:42:32 AM GMT+0800Endeavour's crew members ate their traditional launch-day meal in Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building crew quarters. Then, they put on their customized orange spaceflight suits. The suits contain an oxygen supply, communications equipment and a temperature control system that protect the astronauts during liftoff pressure changes and in the unlikely event of an emergency. After they suit up, the astronauts will leave their crew quarters and head toward a vehicle waiting to take them to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is scheduled to depart for the launch pad at about 4:05 p.m.
Ice Team at the Pad
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:33:22 AM GMT+0800NASA's Final Inspection Team, also known as the Ice Team, is at Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A inspecting space shuttle Endeavour's exterior, fuel tank and other hardware for any evidence of ice or debris. The seven-member team makes this final safety survey before every shuttle launch.
Welcome to Launch Day
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:31:29 AM GMT+0800Coverage of space shuttle Endeavour's launch on the STS-126 mission begins now. Follow along with NASA's launch blog to see the milestones unfold and check in with live launch coverage on NASA TV.
Space Shuttle Endeavour Ready for Flight
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:40:46 AM GMT+0800Endeavour is in the final stages of launch preparation before its liftoff to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Loading of Endeavour's orange external tank with 500,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen began this morning and was completed at 1:31 p.m. EST. The "topping off" of propellants into the tank will continue until Endeavour's launch. All systems aboard the space shuttle are functioning normally and are ready for launch.
Weather continues to be acceptable for a 7:55 p.m. launch time and no technical issues are being reported at this time.Tanking Begins for Endeavour Launch
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:18:51 AM GMT+0800The launch team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center has started filling the external tank with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The propellants will power Endeavour's three main engines during launch. There are no technical issues in work and liftoff remains on schedule for 7:55 p.m. EST today.
Liftoff remains on schedule for 7:55 p.m. EST tonight.
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:47:32 PM GMT+0800The countdown is on track for the launch of space shuttle Endeavour on its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST tonight.
Filling the external tank flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants will start at about 10:30 a.m. Fueling should be complete at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Rotating Service Structure to Move Back Tonight
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:01:05 AM GMT+0800The enclosed gantry that protects the shuttle on the launch pad will be retracted to its launch position tonight as the liftoff of Endeavour nears. The Rotating Service Structure, as it is known, will be moved tonight at 11:30. Liftoff remains on schedule for 7:55 p.m. EST Friday. The weather forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions and the launch team reports no technical issues.
The L-1 Webcast highlighting the goals of STS-126 is available for viewing on-demand.Forecast Improves for Endeavour Launch
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:41:34 PM GMT+0800Forecasters improved the chances for acceptable weather conditions for Friday to 70 percent for the STS-126 launch. A cold front that looked like it would bring clouds and showers at launch time is now expected to arrive Saturday, said Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer. "We're more confident in the timing of the frontal passage," Winters said. The launch team is not working any technical issues and the countdown is moving smoothly toward a liftoff at 7:55 p.m. EST Friday.
The L-1 Webcast showcasing Endeavour's mission will air today at 11:30 a.m. EST.Webcast Airs at 11:30 a.m. EST Today
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:54:06 PM GMT+0800The L-1 Webcast will air today at 11:30 a.m. EST to highlight the goals of the STS-126 mission. The countdown toward Friday's liftoff continues running smoothly. Space shuttle Endeavour's crew of seven astronauts will conduct four spacewalks during the 15-day flight to the International Space Station. They will also move more than 14,000 pounds of new hardware and supplies into the station's habitable areas.
Fuel Cell Loading, Practice Landings Scheduled
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:11:07 AM GMT+0800Launch controllers will load oxygen and hydrogen into the fuel cells aboard space shuttle Endeavour this evening as the countdown to the launch of STS-126 moves ahead smoothly. The fuel cells convert the chemicals into electricity while Endeavour is in space. The process also produces water for the crew. Endeavour Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Eric Boe will also fly several practice landings aboard NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft overnight. STS-126 is to lift off Friday at 7:55 p.m. EST.
Mission Management Team Gives Go for Launch
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:11:25 AM GMT+0800Endeavour, its payload and the International Space Station are ready for STS-126, Mission Management Team Chairman LeRoy Cain said Wednesday. The team gave its go for launch and the countdown is proceeding smoothly with no pressing issues. The weather forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time on Friday. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST.
Launch Weather Forecasters Monitor Cold Front
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:58:37 PM GMT+0800The weather forecast for Friday's scheduled launch of space shuttle Endeavour continues to call for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at liftoff. Launch is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The main concern is a cold front moving toward Florida, increasing the chance for clouds and showers at Kennedy.
Countdown Begins for Endeavour Mission
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:44:10 AM GMT+0800The countdown began Tuesday night for the launch of STS-126. Liftoff is scheduled for Friday at 7:55 p.m. EST. The launch team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center began the countdown from the T-43 hour mark at 10 p.m. There are several built-in holds during the countdown that mark milestones leading up to launch. Space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven astronauts are to carry about seven tons of equipment and supplies to the International Space Station during the 15-day mission.
Astronauts Fly to Kennedy for Launch
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:27:32 AM GMT+0800The seven astronauts who will launch into space aboard space shuttle Endeavour arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday at about 4 p.m. EST in preparation for Friday's launch of STS-126. The countdown will begin tonight at 10 p.m. For the next few days, astronauts will brush up on training and procedures while technicians and launch controllers monitor the final phases of preparations before liftoff.
Endeavour crew
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:43:41 AM GMT+0800The seven STS-126 astronauts fly to Kennedy Space Center Tuesday, just before the countdown begins.
Endeavour, Crew Set for Friday Launch
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:48:13 AM GMT+0800The STS-126 launch is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Friday. Endeavour will carry about 14,500 pounds of equipment and supplies to the International Space Station during STS-126. The equipment includes new crew quarters, a galley, oxygen generator and wastewater recycling device. The equipment will allow the station to double its crew to six next year.
Get News on the STS-126 Mission
Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:15:30 PM GMT+0800Welcome to the news feed for Endeavour's mission to the International Space Station. Subscribe to this feed, or check www.nasa.gov/shuttle for the latest STS-126 mission updates, from countdown to touchdown.
STS-126 Crew Completes First Spacewalk
STS-126 Crew Completes First Spacewalk
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:09:06 AM GMT+0800The first STS-126 spacewalk ended at 8:01 p.m. EST. Astronauts Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen spent six hours and 52 minutes outside the station working on several tasks, including removing a depleted nitrogen tank from a stowage platform on the outside of the complex and moving it into Endeavour’s cargo bay. They also moved a flex hose rotary coupler from the shuttle to the station stowage platform, as well as removing some insulation blankets from the common berthing mechanism on the Kibo laboratory.
Astronauts Perform First Spacewalk
Image above: Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff removes spacewalker Steve Bowen's spacesuit helmet following the first spacewalk of the STS-126 mission. Photo credit: NASA TVSTS-126 mission specialists Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen worked outside the station Tuesday for the first of the mission's four spacewalks. Their tasks included the replacement of a nitrogen tank assembly, assorted station assembly tasks, and the start of cleaning and lubrication of the starboard solar alpha rotary joint.
Inside the station, STS-126 mission specialist Don Pettit and Expedition 18 flight engineer Sandra Magnus operated the station's robotic arm, and mission specialist Shane Kimbrough served as the intravehicular officer, or spacewalk coordinator.
The spacewalk began at 1:09 p.m. EST and ended at 8:01 p.m.
STS-126 MCC Status Report #09
10 p.m. CST Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
11.18.08
Piper and Bowen began the spacewalk at 12:09 p.m. CST and ended it at 7:01 p.m. They spent six hours and 52 minutes outside the station working on several tasks, including removing a depleted nitrogen tank from a stowage platform on the outside of the complex and moving it into Endeavour’s cargo bay. They also moved a flex hose rotary coupler from the shuttle to the station stowage platform, as well as removing some insulation blankets from the common berthing mechanism on the Kibo laboratory.
The majority of the spacewalk was spent focusing on one of the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints (SARJ). These joints are the large, circular devices that allow the complex’s solar arrays to automatically rotate and track the sun as the station orbits the Earth. Piper and Bowen worked to clean and lubricate part of the joint and to remove two of the joint’s 12 trundle bearing assemblies. This work will continue during the rest of the mission’s scheduled spacewalks.
About halfway into the spacewalk, one of the grease guns that Piper was preparing to use on the SARJ released some Braycote grease into her crew lock bag, which is the tool bag the spacewalkers use during their activities. As she was cleaning the inside of the bag, it drifted away from her and toward the aft and starboard portion of the International Space Station. Inside the bag were two grease guns, scrapers, several wipes and tethers and some tool caddies. Piper and Bowen spent the remainder of the spacewalk sharing a duplicate set of tools from the other crew lock bag they had with them. The next spacewalk of the mission will take place on Thursday, which will be the 10th anniversary of the launch of the first element of the station, the Zarya module.
Inside the station, Endeavour’s crew and the Expedition 18 crew worked to continue moving items out of the Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) that was docked with the station yesterday. The crew is ahead of its transfer timeline and focused on moving two water recovery system (WRS) racks and one of the new sleep stations into the ISS. The transfer tasks will continue on throughout Endeavour’s visit to the station, when the MPLM will be undocked and placed back into Endeavour’s payload bay for return to Earth.
The crew is due to go to sleep tonight at 11:55 p.m. CST and will wake up at 7:55 a.m. tomorrow. The next shuttle status report will be issued after crew wake-up or earlier if events warrant.
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STS-126 MCC Status Report #08
9:00 a.m. CST Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
11.18.08
Much of the work by Endeavour crew members, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Don Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Greg Chamitoff, will involve the spacewalk and transfer of equipment and supplies between the station and Endeavour.
The crew got its wakeup call at 7:55 a.m. CST. The song was “City of Blinding Lights,” by U2. It was played for Kimbrough.
Piper, in a red-striped suit, and Bowen, in the all-white suit, will leave the Quest airlock at 12:45 p.m. for the 6.5-hour spacewalk. Their tasks, like most of those on the remaining three spacewalks, will focus on the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints (SARJ).
The joints are designed to rotate the station’s 240-foot solar arrays, to keep them facing the sun for maximum production of electricity. Last year flight controllers noted an increase in power consumption by the starboard SARJ, and it has seen limited use. The port SARJ is working fine, but it will be lubricated during the fourth spacewalk.
Today’s spacewalkers also will take a depleted nitrogen tank from a station stowage platform to Endeavour’s cargo bay and move a flex hose rotary coupler from the shuttle to that station stowage platform. Additionally, they will remove an insulation blanket on the Japanese laboratory Kibo.
Kimbrough, who will participate in the second and fourth spacewalks, will be today’s intravehicular officer, the spacewalk choreographer. Pettit and Expedition 18’s Sandra Magnus will operate the Canadarm2 robotic arm during the spacewalk, while Boe also will provide support.
Chamitoff and Ferguson will help with spacewalk preparations in the airlock, where the spacewalkers spent the night in lower air pressure to remove nitrogen from their systems. Station Commander Mike Fincke and others also will transfer cargo.
Endeavour’s crew is scheduled to go to bed at 11:55 p.m. today and be awakened at 7:55 a.m. Wednesday. The next shuttle status report will be issued at the end of the crew day, or earlier if events warrant.
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STS-126 MCC Status Report #07
6:00 p.m. CST Monday, Nov. 17, 2008
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas
11.17.08
The Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) – stuffed with additional sleeping stations, new exercise equipment, a water regeneration system, experiments and hardware – was carefully moved from Endeavour’s payload bay to the station in preparation for unloading for the next several days.
Following Sunday’s arrival and orientation, the crews got down to business with swapping Sandra Magnus for Greg Chamitoff who spent 167 days on the station as an Expedition crewmember. Magnus replaces Chamitoff as a Flight Engineer until her return trip home arrives in February 2009.
While Magnus and Chamitoff conducted specific handover activities, the remaining crewmembers focused on moving Leonardo to its temporary location on the station where more than 14,000 pounds of hardware and supplies will be unloaded into the station making room for stowage to be returned to Earth. The hatch was opened to begin that transfer work at 5:43 p.m. Monday.
While the crew worked, imagery experts on the ground poured over images taken by the crew of Endeavour’s thermal protection system. Late Monday, the crew was informed that there was no need for additional inspection Wednesday allowing planners to fill that time with transfer and new equipment activation.
Late Monday night, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen prepared for the first of four spacewalks planned during the mission. They are following a proven protocol known as the “campout” to spend the night in the Quest airlock to lessen the preparatory time before beginning the spacewalk scheduled for 12:45 p.m.
The crew is scheduled to go to bed at 11:55 p.m. Monday and be awakened at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday. The next shuttle status report will be issued at the end of the crew day, or earlier if events warrant.
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Monday, November 17, 2008
United States Air Force
Airmen provide key support to multinational exercise
11/17/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- A multitude of international aircraft and airmen converged in Southwest Asia through the month of November to participate in an exercise geared toward honing aerial operations while improving relations and interoperability.Officials from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here balanced real-world operations while supporting the multinational exercise.
"Participating in this exercise enhances our effectiveness downrange. When the opportunity arises for us to improve our own skills and develop our ability to integrate in combined operations, we take advantage of that training," said Brig. Gen. H. D. Polumbo Jr., the 380th AEW commander.
Airmen of the 380th AEW provided air battle management via its E-3B Sentry air warning and control system as well as air-to-air refueling from its KC-10 Extenders for fighter jets from the U.S., France, England, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Some countries, such as Egypt, sent observers to the exercise.
One objective for the exercise included seeking and identifying a simulated enemy frigate escorting a ship carrying military supplies to a notional adversary Nov. 12. The E-3 crew, from the 965th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron here, managed the airspace and tracked the movement of both friendly and hostile aircraft in the area.
Once the frigate was found and identified, fighter jets were called in to simulate a show of force. Identifying friendlies and hostiles is a life-and-death profession the E-3 crew is fully qualified to handle.
"We can determine whether an aircraft is friend or foe in less than 30 seconds," said Capt. Omar Hamilton, a 965th EACCS electronic warfare officer.
The scenarios, though simulated, warrant a serious undertone. The participants could face similar real-world situations at any time.
The air battle managers watched aircraft movement and monitored communications while the 908th Expeditionary Refueling Squadron's KC-10 crew refueled four fighters before they joined "the fight."
A variety of accents and flying experience provided some minor challenges, but every pilot avoided the designated surface-to-air missile range marked by a circle on the radar screen.
"This site has been identified as a SAM site," Captain Hamilton said. "If the aircraft enter this circle on the screen, they are within range of simulated missiles."
The pilots vary in background and nationality, but in the sky they are on a level playing field, said Maj. Shawn Williams, an F-15 Strike Eagle pilot from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "A fighter pilot is a fighter pilot, regardless of country. In an exercise like this, we find we all have the same fundamental desires and wants: peace, love and family -- and the means to protect them."
"We're here to support operations in theater," General Polumbo said. "We do that very well, every day. We are; however, willing to support key training exercises to enable the (U.S. Air Force) and our key allies to hone their warfighting skills."
STS-126 launch
Space shuttle Endeavour lights up Kennedy Space Center as it blazes a trail toward orbit.
NASA's Shuttle and Rocket Missions
Date:Nov. 14
Mission: STS-126
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 7:55 p.m. EST
Landing Date: Nov. 29
Landing Site: Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility
Description: Space Shuttle Endeavour launching on assembly flight ULF2, will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station.
Date: Dec. **
Mission: TacSat-3
Launch Vehicle: Orbital Sciences Minotaur Rocket
Launch Site: Wallops Flight Facility - Goddard Space Flight Center
Description: NASA will support the Air Force launch of the TacSat-3 satellite, managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate. TacSat-3 will demonstrate the capability to furnish real-time data to the combatant commander. NASA Ames will fly a microsat and NASA Wallops will fly the CubeSats on this flight in addition to providing the launch range.
Date: Jan. 15 (Under Review)
Mission: OCO
Launch Vehicle: Orbital Sciences Taurus Rocket
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base - Launch Pad SLC 576-E
Description: The Orbiting Carbon Observatory is a new Earth orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program.
Date: Feb. 4
Mission: NOAA-N Prime
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Delta II
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base - Launch Pad SLC-2
Description: NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting satellite developed by NASA/Goddard Spaceflight Center for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA uses two satellites, a morning and afternoon satellite, to ensure every part of the Earth is observed at least twice every 12 hours. NOAA-N will collect information about Earth's atmosphere and environment to improve weather prediction and climate research across the globe.
NOAA-N Prime Fact Sheet (Pdf)
Date: Feb. 12 +
Mission: STS-119
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Discovery launching on assembly flight 15A, will deliver the fourth starboard truss segment to the International Space Station.
Date: Under Review
Mission: STS-125
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39A
Landing Site: Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility
Description: Space Shuttle Atlantis will fly seven astronauts into space for the fifth and final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. During the 11-day flight, the crew will repair and improve the observatory's capabilities.
Date: March 5 *
Mission: GOES-O
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Delta IV
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Launch Complex 37
Description: NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are actively engaged in a cooperative program, the multi-mission Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite series N-P. This series will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations, and science.
Date: March 5 *
Mission: Kepler
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Delta II
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Launch Complex 17 - Pad 17-B
Description: The Kepler Mission, a NASA Discovery mission, is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to detect and characterize hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone.
Date: April 1 *
Mission: STSS Demonstrators Program - Missile Defense Agency
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Delta II
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Launch Complex 17, Pad A
Description: STSS Demonstrators Program is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator and is part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors and interceptors. To be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency.
Date: April 24 *
Mission: LRO/LCROSS
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Atlas V
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Launch Complex 41
Description: LRO will launch with the objectives to finding safe landing sites, locate potential resources, characterize the radiation environment and test new technology. The Lunar CRater Observing and Sensing Satellite mission is seeking a definitive answer about the presence or absence of water ice in a permanently shadowed crater at either the Moon's North or South Pole.
Date: April 30
Mission: STSS ATRR - Missile Defense Agency
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Delta II
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base - Launch Pad SLC-2
Description: STSS ATRR serves as a pathfinder for future launch and mission technology for the Missile Defense Agency. To be launched by NASA for the MDA.
Date: May 15 +
Mission: STS-127
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver the exposed facility of Japan's Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station.
Date: June 15
Mission: Glory
Launch Vehicle: Orbital Sciences Taurus Rocket
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base - Launch Pad SLC 576-E
Description: The Glory Mission will help increase our understanding of the Earth's energy balance by collecting data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon in the Earth's atmosphere and how the Sun's irradiance affects the Earth's climate.
Date: July 11 +
Mission: Ares I-X Test Flight
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39B
Description: The Ares I-X test flight is NASA's first test flight for the Agency's new Constellation launch vehicle -- Ares I. The Ares I-X flight will provide NASA with an early opportunity to test and prove flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I.
Date: July 30 +
Mission: STS-128
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Atlantis will use a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to carry experiment and storage racks to the International Space Station.
Date: Oct. 8 *
Mission: Mars Science Laboratory
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Atlas V
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Description: The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or is still today, an environment able to support microbial life and to determine the planet's habitability.
Date: Oct. 15 +
Mission: STS-129
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Discovery will deliver components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm to the International Space Station.
Date: November +
Mission: WISE
Description: The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) will survey the entire sky in the mid-infrared with far greater sensitivity than any previous mission or program ever has. The WISE survey will consist of over a million images, from which hundreds of millions of astronomical objects will be catalogued.
Date: Dec. 10 +
Mission: STS-130
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver the final connecting node, Node 3, and the Cupola, a robotic control station with six windows around its sides and another in the center that provides a 360-degree view around the International Space Station.
Date: Jan. 26
Mission: SDO
Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance Atlas V
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Launch Complex 41
Description: The first Space Weather Research Network mission in the Living With a Star (LWS) Program of NASA.
Date: Feb. 11 +
Mission: STS-131
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Atlantis will carry a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with science racks that will be transferred to laboratories of the International Space Station.
Date: April 8 +
Mission: STS-132
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Discovery mission will carry an integrated cargo carrier to deliver maintenance and assembly hardware, including spare parts for space station systems. In addition, the second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, a Mini Research Module, will be permanently attached to the bottom port of the Zarya module.
Date: May 31 +
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Description: Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver critical spare components including antennas and gas tanks to the International Space Station.
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