
Heading down the road in the Astrovan after climbing into their orange launch and re-entry suits, Endeavour's crew of seven went to Launch Pad 39A at 4:05 p.m.
The launch is scheduled for 7:55 p.m., and a 70 percent chance of favorable weather has been predicted. The launch team reports no issues.
On a 15-day mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour's crew of seven will perform four spacewalks to repair the 10-foot joint that turns the starboard solar panel toward the sun. The shuttle will also deliver a new bathroom and about 15,000 pounds of supplies.

Chris Ferguson commands the crew, which includes Pilot Eric Boe, mission specialists Donald Pettit, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus.
Expedition 17/18 flight engineer Gregory Chamitoff will return to Earth with the Endeavour crew and Magnus will remain on the International Space Station.
Included in the payload are additional sleeping quarters, a second toilet, an exercise device and other household-type equipment.

Photos by Michael R. Brown/Florida Today



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