Live: Endeavour's heat-shield gets a final inspection

Endeavour's astronauts are using the Canadarm and the Orbiter Boom Sensor System this house to inspect the front edge of the right wing. The inspection so far has focused on the taco-shaped reinforced carbon-carbon panels lining the front edge of the wing. The panels endure some of the most intense heat during re-entry and a big hole in one panel was the damage that led to the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003.

The live views on NASA Television thus far have shown no obvious signs of damage during the first hour or so of inspection. Next up on the inspection list: the nose cap starting just before noon, followed by the left wing later today.

The detailed inspection is aimed at identifying any damage to the heat-shielding that might have happened while Endeavour has been in orbit. It's one of several inspections added to every shuttle mission since the Columbia incident.

You can watch the inspection live here. Just before 1 p.m., it's possible that the shuttle's orbit will be such that NASA TV may be able to provide the latest view of Hurricane Dean from space.

The survey should continue for another three hours or so, wrapping up just before 3 p.m. Eastern time today. The other big event today is the status briefing at 4:30 p.m., when we will get the latest information on landing plans and weather.

Landing opportunities..

NASA TV schedule.

The flight plan documents sent up to the crew for today.