NASA Sets May 16 For Final Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch

http://www.nasa.gov/

CAPE CANAVERAL -- NASA managers have set the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour for 8:56 a.m. 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 11 a.m. NASA Television will broadcast the crew's arrival live. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Overlarge Cargo Arrived At NASA

If your travels were delayed yesterday on Route 13 in Pocomoke heading south here's the reason.

Photo-Shoredailynews

This is another component to the Orbital Science's Corporation's Taurus II Launch Vehicle.  The component was transported on a specially designed truck/trailer and had traveled from the Port of  Wilmington  in  Delaware heading  south  towards NASA at Wallops Island.

NASA Rocket Launch A Success

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (WAVY) - The NASA Black Brant X sounding rocket successfully launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore Wednesday.

The rocket launched at 5:15 a.m. It's mission, according to NASA, was to "flight qualify the new production Nihka rocket motor, the third stage in the Black Brant X."

The next mission from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility is expected no ealier than August 23.

To view rocket launch from NASA click below.

NASA - NASA Sounding Rocket Launched August 4

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