Tue, May 10, 2011
Windows Are Available Through May 26th
NASA managers have set the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour
for 0856 EDT on Monday, May 16. Launch attempts are available
through May 26, except for May 21. The STS-134 mission to the
International Space Station is the penultimate shuttle flight and
the final one for Endeavour. Space Shuttle Program Launch
Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike
Leinbach announced the date at a news briefing Monday from NASA's
Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They also discussed the progress
of repairs since Endeavour's launch postponement on April 29.
A short in the heater circuit associated with Endeavour's
hydraulic system resulted in the launch postponement. Technicians
determined the most likely failure was inside a switchbox in the
shuttle's aft compartment and associated electrical wiring
connecting the switchbox to the heaters. The heater circuits
prevent freezing of the fuel lines providing hydraulic power to
steer the vehicle during ascent and entry.
The faulty box was replaced May 4. Since Friday, Kennedy
technicians installed and tested new wiring that bypasses the
suspect electrical wiring and confirmed the heater system is
working properly. They also are completing retests of other systems
powered by the switchbox and are closing out Endeavour's aft
compartment.
STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates are set to
arrive at Kennedy for prelaunch preparations on Thursday, May 12,
at approximately 1100 EDT
The crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS)
and critical supplies to the space station, including two
communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional
parts for the Dextre robot. AMS is a particle physics detector
designed to search for various types of unusual matter. The crew
also will transfer Endeavour's orbiter boom sensor system to the
station, where it could assist spacewalkers as an extension for the
station's robotic arm.
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