Discovery Nears Monday Predawn Launch

As the countdown ticks closer to zero the launch team here at the Kennedy Space Center continue to get the space shuttle Discovery ready for her Easter Monday predawn lift-off.


Air Force Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported this morning that weather remains 80% favorable, with only a chance of morning fog in the area.


The launch control center is not working any technical issues thus far today.

Discovery's launch director Phil Nickolenko stated today, "The STS-131 launch countdown is in process and everything is in good shape. The team is doing what it does best and we're on track and ready to go for Monday."


Discovery will depart America's Space Coast on Monday at 6:21:22 am EDT, from launch pad 39-A to begin a 13 day flight to resupply the International Space Station.


Earlier today, technicians loaded Discovery's fuel cells with oxygen. Also, the orbiter's cabin was given a final wipe down and vacuum to ensure no loose debris will float up one the ship arrives in orbit and in microgravity.

On Sunday, the rotating service structure will be moved back exposing the beauty of the white dove known as Discovery for flight.


At the helm of NASA's 131st space shuttle mission will be mission commander Alan Poindexter, the seven member crew (above) includes pilot James Dutton, Jr, and mission specialists Rick Mastracchio, Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Clayton Anderson.


At T-19:00:00 hours and Holding, this is SpaceLaunch News Up to the Minute.