Rotating Service Structure Opens For Launch

The rotating service structure (RSS) on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A is fully open and moved away from space shuttle Endeavour. The RSS began moving at 11:44 a.m. EDT, about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. The retraction was complete at 12:24 p.m.

Final preparations continue for Endeavour’s 8:56 a.m. Monday liftoff. Cockpit switches will be configured this afternoon, while Commander Mark Kelly and his crew will begin their launch sleep schedule at 4 p.m.

The shuttle’s electricity-producing fuel cells will be activated at 5:46 p.m. and managers will meet at 11 p.m. to give a "Go-No Go" to load the External Fuel Tank with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

Coverage of the fuel loading begins at 11:30 p.m. on NASA TV and at www.nasa.gov/ntv. The tanking process is scheduled to begin at 11:36 p.m.

At 12 a.m. Monday, Endeavour’s crew wakes up for launch.