With little under seven hours until the final launch of Space Shuttle Endeavor, all systems are go at Nasa's Kennedy Space Center. Reportedly, filling of the massive 500,000 gallon external fuel tank is underway, and the orbiter's on-board systems have been given the green light. With a 70% chance of "favorable" weather, STS-134 should lift off at 3:47:55 EST.
Once in orbit, the six astronaut crew, led by commander Mark Kelly, will begin a 14 day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver an important supply module and install a particle physics detector known as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS. The flight will also feature the final four spacewalks of the U.S. shuttle program, carried out by astronauts Mike Fincke, Drew Feustal and Greg Chamitoff.
Important tasks once aboard the ISS will include two experiments designed to provide vital information for future space missions:
- The "In Suit Light Exercise Protocol," or ISLE, will have astronauts conduct basic exercises while breathing pure oxygen and partially suited for an extra vehicular activity (EVA). The goal is to promote a faster release of excess nitrogen gas from the bloodstream, thus preventing decompression sickness or "the bends." The task is currently accomplished by having astronauts "camp out" for a night in a low-pressure airlock prior to their EVA, but the new approach may provide a much more time-efficient means of protecting future space-walkers.
- The shuttle will also perform a docking procedure known as the Sensor Test for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation (STORRM), to collect data on rendezvous trajectories planned for future spaceflights. This will help in the planning of future missions to the ISS via the next generation of space vehicles.
Upon completion of the mission, Endeavor will have accomplished 25 successful flights into low earth orbit, capping a 19 year career as one of Nasa's most productive workhorses. The orbiter itself will be delivered to the California Science Center in Los Angeles, where it will be displayed to inspire future generations of would-be space pioneers.
Update (3:25 EST): Launch will be delayed at least 72 hours due to an auxiliary heater malfunction.