Robotics, outfitting, rest ahead for shuttle crew

After a busy week installing and moving modules on the International Space Station, Endeavour's six astronauts later today will enjoy some off-duty time.

First, starting around 7 p.m., they'll complete the mission's final significant robotics maneuver, using the station's 58-foot crane arm to relocate a back-up docking port from the Harmony module to the Tranquility module.

They'll also begin outfitting the new observation deck called Cupola for its unveiling later this week by installing some electronic connections that will equip it to become a second robotics work station.

In media interviews this morning, mission specialist Bob Behnken and pilot Terry Virts said the mission so far had been a great success, despite some hiccups moving the cupola into its permanent location early today.

"So far, it's going really well," said Behnken, who will conduct a third and final spacewalk Tuesday with mission specialist Nick Patrick. "When you're building a new house or any big building, you run across some minor challenges as you try to get it into it's final configuration."

The cupola was relocated after delays because of jammed bolts, and after earlier concerns that it might not fit properly in its port because of obstructions.

Kwatsi Alibaruho, NASA's lead shuttle flight director for the mission, called the cupola's move to its home on the Tranquility module's Earth-facing port a "hard-fought victory."

"Seeing the cupola successfully relocated to the deck side of Node 3 (Tranquility) was a very sweet victory, and the latest of a series of victories we've experienced on this mission," he said.

He said the upcoming rest period was important for the crew, particularly spacewalkers Behnken and Patrick, but also afforded a chance to stop working for a moment and soak in the experience of living in space.

"Just given the fact that we don't have many shuttle missions left, I think this crew has done a very good job of taking the time to really enjoy and reflect on the opportunities they have in space right now, to see the wonder of it and just to enjoy their time on the International Space Station," he said.

The Endeavour crew was scheduled to go to sleep at 8:14 a.m. to end Flight Day 8. The crew's return to Kennedy Space Center is planned Sunday after 10 p.m.

Here's a look at the day ahead in space (Flight Day 9):

++ 4:14 p.m.: Endeavour, station crews awake.
++ 6:59 p.m.: Station's robotic arm removes Pressurized Mating Adapter No. 3 from the Harmony node.
++ 7:09 p.m.: Cupola outfitting begins.
++ 8:34 p.m.: Station arm installs PMA-3 on the forward end of Tranquility.
++ 11:39 p.m.: Off duty period for shuttle and station crews.
++ 4:09 a.m. Tuesday: Review of procedures for spacewalk No. 3 by mission specialists Bob Behnken and Nick Patrick.
++ 6:39 a.m. Tuesday: Behnken and Patrick begin pre-spacewalk "campout" in Quest airlock.
++ 7:44 a.m. Tuesday: Station crew sleeps.
++ 8:14 a.m. Tuesday: Shuttle crew sleeps.