Live in Orbit: Undocking On Tap

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Blogger update: 9:46 a.m.: Docking hooks are driving to the open position, preparing to release the shuttle from the station.

Blogger update, 9:33 a.m.: "You have a go for undocking," flight communicator Steve Robinson told Endeavour's crew from NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston.

"Station is ready for undocking," added International Space Station commander Mike Fincke.

Endeavour commander Chris Ferguson has powered up reaction control system thrusters used for the undocking, and pilot Eric Boe has powered up controls in the shuttle's aft flight station that he'll use to execute the flyaround.

A problem with a camera mounted in the shuttle's docking system has been fixed, Ferguson said.

The International Space Station is positioned for shuttle Endeavour to undock in less than an hour, ending a visit that began Nov. 16.

As when the shuttle arrived, the station's solar wings have been feathered so they are not contaminated by shuttle thrusters.

At 9:47 a.m., springs will push Endeavour an initial couple of feet from the station, then pilot Eric Boe will use thrusters to guide the shuttle back a distance of roughly 400 feet.

Just after 10:15 a.m., Boe will guide the shuttle through 1.5-revolution flyaround of the station with the payload bay facing the outpost, allowing the shuttle crew to take pictures of the station.

Endeavour's first separation burn will occur at 11:01 a.m., with a final burn expected by 12:14 p.m.

Around 1:45 p.m., the shuttle crew will begin inspections of its wing and nose cap heat shields.

Still within 50 miles, the shuttle could return to the station in the unlikely event damaged were discovered to the reinforced carbon panels that are critical for re-entry through Earth's atmosphere, which is planned Sunday.

Endeavour commander Chris Ferguson and mission controllers discussed difficulty activating a trajectory sensor, shown at left, but commentators say it is not a "show stopper."

To watch the undocking live here at The Flame Trench, click on the NASA TV image above to launch a viewer.