Posted on 02/06/2010 8:35:29 PM PST by racing fan
Space shuttle Endeavour's external tank has been loaded with about 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen; the propellants that will power the shuttle's three main engines during launch.
Pumps at the launch pad will continue to trickle in a small amount of supercold chemicals to replace the amount that boils off during the countdown.
The Final Inspection Team and Closeout Crew will head out to the pad for their specialized tasks. The inspection team will look for signs of debris or ice buildup on the shuttle and external tank, while the Closeout Crew will prepare Endeavour for its crew of six.
Liftoff remains on schedule for 4:39 a.m. EST.
This is the last night launch I believe.
After this one, there’s four left, and that’s it.
place holder
NASA TV has live coverage.
Directv channel 283
Dish channel 213
Also:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/
Beautiful night. Clear and cool. I may just stay up to watch this.
For the last flight they should paint the external tank white like the first one.
Unfortunately, Columbia will not be making the last fight. Discovery will make it.
I do like watching coverage and have learned a lot.
I remember Challenger (was in grade school) and Columbia.
I didn’t see that thread before posting. I tried keywords and title.
I didn’t see that thread before posting. I tried keywords and title. I since added keywords to the other thread.
Yes, No matter how many times they do this, it is always dangerous. My prayers go with them.
>>For the last flight they should paint the external tank white like the first one.
I like the idea, though it takes 600 lbs of paint, which reduces the payload by a similar amount.
They should paint it. Why not?
Something special should be done. Who knows when we will fly again.
It is sad what has happened.
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