Launch Countdown Preps Begin Today

Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A will check the STS-134 crew’s extravehicular mobility units, or spacewalking suits, which were installed into space shuttle Endeavour yesterday. In addition, launch countdown preparations begin today.

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the STS-134 crew is conducting contingency abort training and will tag up with the six station crew members to discuss plans for the upcoming and final flight of Endeavour.

The Flight Readiness Review for Endeavour’s flight to the International Space Station will be held on Tuesday, April 19. NASA managers will announce the official launch date during a briefing at the conclusion of the meeting.

Endeavour is targeted to lift off at 3:47 p.m. EDT on April 29.