14 DAY TRIAL // The space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to be sent off to space from the Launch Complex 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in a mission that will take it to the International Space Station. Its crew of seven astronauts is already prepared and impatient, in an eve of liftoff mood. But weather has a known reputation of ruining moods. It seems to also be the case for this mission, as a large, cold front is showing clear signs of targeting the region during the time of the event.
The menacing front has been looming above the center of the US and is heading towards the launch site, carrying its heavy clouds and rain along. Kathy Winters, the mission's weather officer, reported that there was a 60% possibility of reasonable weather conditions for the 7:55pm ET liftoff on Friday, but only a 40% chance for such conditions the next day. The Associated Press quoted her saying that “The timing of the front will be critical”.
Still, the astronauts are confident in the success of the launch in due time. They have been provided by NASA with an 11 day launch frame, which expires on November 25th. Since late this May, there hasn't been any launching operation going on, so the technicians are pretty eager themselves, “We haven’t had a launch for a while, so we’re really excited to be back in the saddle again,” shared Jeff Spaulding, test director of the flight.
“This mission is all about home improvement, home improvement both inside and outside of the international space station,” explained the shuttle's commander Christopher Ferguson. As detailed in a previous article, this mission is aimed to provide some changes and accommodations aboard the ISS that will deliver support for a double crew (of six). Also, Sandra Magnus is going to replace Gregory Chamitoff aboard the station, while three members of the crew will perform maintenance operations on a set of solar wings.