STS-126 Achievements

STS-126 Crew Completes First Spacewalk

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:09:06 AM GMT+0800



The 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+0800



Heidemarie 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+0800



Heide 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+0800



Heide 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+0800



Heide 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



STS-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+0800



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 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



STS-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+0800



Space 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+0800



Space 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+0800



STS-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+0800



It’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+0800



Saturday'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+0800



The 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+0800



STS-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+0800



The 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+0800



Space 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+0800



NASA'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+0800



The 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+0800



With 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+0800



Astronaut 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+0800



The 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+0800



NASA'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+0800



Endeavour'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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



Endeavour'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+0800



NASA'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+0800



Coverage 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+0800



Endeavour 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



Forecasters 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+0800



The 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+0800



Launch 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+0800



Endeavour, 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



The 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+0800



Welcome 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.