Friday, November 14, 2008

Live at KSC: Endeavour doors closing













All of Endeavour's crew have entered the shuttle after riding the Astrovan out to launch pad 39A. The closeout crew is expected to have the doors closed at 5:50 p.m.

A T-38 weather reconnaissance plane, flown by Chief Astronaut Steve Lindsey, is surveying weather in the area.

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.

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