For the space junkies or space cowboys, here’s the latest on NASA shuttle launch. NASA gave Endeavor a go for Aug.4th. Endeavor will be launched for it’s trip to the International Space Station (ISS) at T-43 hours. Technically, with the 27 hours and 3 minutes of built-in hold time, the preferred date of the launch is set to Aug.7th. Also, the window of the launch will be further extended to 5 minutes.
The shuttle has been revamped recently by maintenance crew with extensive modifications, which are mostly safety oriented. It’s been about four years since the Endeavor flew last. So an all systems check is extremely crucial. I am sure that NASA doesn’t want another shuttle mishap.
Here’s some statistics on the flight and mission. This will be a 11-day mission to the ISS. It will be the 119th shuttle flight, 20th flight for Endeavor, and 22nd US flight to the ISS. Wow! That’s a lot of numbers.
Here’s what the crew will be doing:
* The goal of the crew members would be to add another truss segment to the ever expanding ISS station.
* Also, the crew would be installing a gyroscope and an external repair platform. This will help in future space research based out of ISS.
* Besides these, the astronauts also plan on installing a new system. If this system finally works, the docked shuttles to ISS would be able to recharge the power cells from ISS. This basically means ISS would turn into a mother ship and shuttles will be able to stay in space for extended periods of time. If all systems work, three additional days will be added.
The crew will try to carry out at least three space walks during this mission. With the wake of new problems like drunk shuttle pilots, I am a little worried about this space mission. Hopefully, it will be a smooth ride!
Image Credits: NASA
