Walter Watts
Archon
Gender:
Posts: 1571 Reputation: 8.67 Rate Walter Watts
Just when I thought I was out-they pull me back in
|
|
Precious Cargo Stowed for Atlantis Flight
« on: 2009-05-08 23:06:55 » |
|
Final Crew Inspection
STS-125 crew members take a final close look at the hardware for the Hubble servicing mission in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay.
As a result of the upgrades and repairs, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett April 28, 2009
STS-125 Astronauts Arrive as Countdown Begins Fri, 08 May 2009 04:30:47 PM CDT
Under a hot, late-afternoon Florida sun, the seven astronauts who will ride space shuttle Atlantis on their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope arrived Friday at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility.
"Hello Florida! It's great to be here at last!" Commander Scott Altman told a crowd of journalists gathered at the runway. "It's been a long road to get here, and we're all thrilled." After expressing thanks to the teams who trained them and prepared the space shuttles and hardware for the Hubble mission, he concluded with a rousing, "We are ready. Let's launch Atlantis!"
Earlier in the afternoon, the countdown clock began ticking backward from T-43 hours and launch personnel took their seats inside Firing Room 4 of Kennedy's Launch Control Center.
In a morning briefing, NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber reported, "All of the systems are in great shape." Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters gave only a 20 percent chance of weather interfering with the launch.
Liftoff of Atlantis and crew is set for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11.
|