Space Shuttle Launch Time Still Set as Planned

The only concern NASA has is the possibility of lightning and thunderstorms developing near the launch pad that Discovery awaits lift off this afternoon. While the weather for the scheduled launch time has been upgraded to 80% favorable, there is a chance of inclement weather near the launch site this afternoon when the external fuel tanks are scheduled to be filled. The fueling of the fuel tanks is scheduled to begin at 4:11 pm ET Monday afternoon.

As of Monday morning, NASA reports that final stages for the scheduled launch of Discovery is proceeding as planned. No issues have been discovered and systems aboard the shuttle are functioning normally. If at the space shuttle launch time on Tuesday morning it is a “no go”, then NASA will have three other launch attempts between august 25th and August 30th.

The space shuttle Discovery will carry its crew and a load of supplies to the International Space Station. The payload is made up of general supplies needed for the Space Station. It also includes a COLBERT treadmill for the astronauts stationed on the Space Station. The COLBERT treadmill is named after comedian Stephen Colbert. Over 15,000 pounds of new science equipment is to be delivered as well.

The Discovery crew of seven is comprised of six men and one woman. Commander of the flight is Rick “CJ” Sturckow. Sturckow is a Colonel in the US Marine Corps and this will be his fourth flight into space. In addition to flying Discovery to rendezvous with the Space Station and landing the shuttle upon returning to Earth, Sturckow will also oversee all operations of the mission.

The pilot for this mission is Kevin Ford, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. When the space shuttle launches, this will be Ford’s first trip to space. During his flight on Discovery, Ford will handle the operations of the orbiter systems and assist Commander Sturckow with Discovery rendezvous with the Space Station as well as other duties involving the robotic operations.

Going into space for his third mission is mission specialist Patrick Forrester. His main responsibility will be to oversee the three planned spacewalks. Forrester will also assist in the inspection of Discovery both after the launch and prior to re-entry.

Jose Hernandez will serve as the flight engineer. His story-book story of growing up working in farm fields to becoming an astronaut is one of the best in NASA’s recent history. Hernandez will inspect Discovery for any damage after the shuttle launches and will assist with the transfer of cargo from the shuttle to the space station.

Sweden, Christer Fuglesang will serve as a mission specialist on his second space flight. Fuglesang will conduct two spacewalks during the Discovery mission. He will also assist in the installation of the new Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA). This is needed to prepare for the arrival of the Tranquility connecting module.

Making history with Hernandez is lead spacewalker, Danny Olivas. The Discovery mission will mark the first time in history that two Hispanics will fly into outer space together. Both Hernandez and Olivas are Mexican-American. Olivas will conduct three spacewalks including installing the ATA. This will be Olivas’s second trip to space.

The only woman on the mission is Nicole Stott. Part of Discovery’s mission is to deliver Stott to the Space Station to replace Tim Kopra. Kopra has been on the space station since mid-July. On her first mission to space, Stott will conduct the first spacewalk on this mission. Stott is scheduled to be stationed on the space station till November.

The crew of the shuttle Discovery is preparing for their trip to meet up with the International Space Station. For three of the astronauts it will be their first trip in space. If the weather cooperates on Monday afternoon, the crowd that will be gathered early Tuesday morning should see the beautiful sight of Discovery’s lifting off against a dark sky when the expected space shuttle launch time arrives.