The STS-126 shuttle mission is set to launch at 7:55 p.m. EST tonight on a mission to prep the International Space Station for expanded crews.
The shuttle hatch is already closed for launch. The Closeout Crew has secured the hatch leading into the crew compartment. Endeavour's seven astronauts are running through prelaunch tests and checks. All systems continue to be "green." No technical issues are being reported and the weather is cooperating for an on-time shuttle launch at 7:55 p.m. EST.
NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson commands the seven-member crew, which includes Pilot Eric Boe, Mission Specialists Donald Pettit, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus.
Boe, Bowen and Kimbrough will be making their first spaceflight.
Expedition 17/18 Flight Engineer Gregory Chamitoff will return to Earth with the Endeavour crew and Magnus will take Chamitoff's place on the International Space Station.
In Endeavour's payload bay, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo is packed full of about 14,500 pounds of equipment and supplies, making it one of the heaviest modules in shuttle history.
Also included in the payload, are additional sleeping quarters, a second toilet, an exercise device and other household-type equipment.
The prime objective of the 15-day mission is to prepare the International Space Station to accommodate six members for long-duration stays.
Four planned spacewalks will focus on servicing the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, or SARJ, which are needed to track the sun for electric power.
Endeavour and its crew are set to land at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after more than two weeks in space.
