The STS-130 astronauts are striding out of the Operations and Checkout Building to the cheers and applause from the crowd of well-wishers as they head for NASA’s silver Astrovan, the vehicle that will take them to the launch pad.
While the crew heads to the pad, a group of technicians known as the “Closeout Crew” is already inside Endeavour’s crew compartment getting the vehicle ready for their arrival. They will conduct the final check of the astronaut’s flight gear, help them climb aboard the shuttle and then secure them in their seats.
The launch forecast is currently “green” or “go” with a 60 percent probability of favorable weather for liftoff at 4:14 a.m. EST. No technical issues are being reported.