"Everything thus far is going exceeding well… we’re right on schedule where we’re supposed to be and we’ll continue to work through the day on our preparations," said NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding during this morning’s L-3 Countdown Status Briefing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Preps and tests at Launch Pad 39A will continue with final flight crew stowage occurring after communications checks Saturday. The rotating service structure that protects the shuttle from inclement weather prior to launch will be moved away from the vehicle at about 8 a.m. EST Saturday.
NASA Payload Manager Joe Delai described the processing of the Tranquility node as one of the most complex modules he’s had the privilege of working with. "We all should be proud of what we’ve done… and I’m very proud to work with this team," Delai said.
Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters said the forecast is looking good for launch day with a 70 percent chance that weather will cooperate for liftoff. Winds will continue to be monitored, but Winters said it looks like they should subside enough for launch. Weather also is looking very good for the loading of space shuttle Endeavour’s external fuel tank with propellants at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
The STS-130 prelaunch news conference will be broadcast no earlier than 11 a.m. EST Thursday on NASA TV at www.nasa.gov/ntv.