At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, teams are preparing for the arrival of the STS-129 mission astronauts for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Space shuttle Atlantis’ six-member crew will be flying to Kennedy on Monday for the launch training, and will arrive at about 10:15 a.m. EDT.
This weekend, technicians at Kennedy will be testing the camera on the massive external fuel tank that is used during launch to provide video of any potential debris which may come off during liftoff. They also are changing out a pressure valve in Atlantis’ aft, or bottom, section.
Atlantis is targeted to liftoff at 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 on an 11-day mission.